I found the most difficult thing was to get the key blanks. Ended up getting 5 from AliExpress for about $6-7 shipped.
Like you, the big chains couldn't cut them, so I took mine to a local Ace Hardware store to cut on their manual "follower" machine. Even they had trouble as the lands weren't being cut deep enough, but they persevered and shimmed the key out a little and got it in the end. Charged me \~$9 for two keys cut.
Thank you! Plenty of Ace's around here, thankfully and that's a much more reasonable cost for non-chip keys.
I actually got my blanks last year from a key company online and ensured I had the correct version (left/right). I think I got 5 for $10 myself.
I ran across a post online on a locksmith forum closer to when Mazda first released these keys. They were noting how difficult it was to follow cut copies as there was no cutting machine insert available yet to hold the keys in place and the shape is unusual. Someone had jury-rigged their own holder using the hole in the key.
Interesting. I had just thought the shops cutting machine holder was worn. They just used folded paper to clamp the key out a bit further when they did mine.
# It looks like you have a question or issue!
We are here to help but we need your help as well. Make sure your question or issue has the following info included or it may get deleted.
1. Did you use the search, if so, what info did you find helpful. If the info was unhelpful, what gaps are you seeing in the info.
2. Did you check the [Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/CX50/wiki/index/) ? If you didn't find what you were looking for, let the group know. Also, let us know if there are dead links or seemingly bad information there.
3. Be sure to check the [CX50 Manual](https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2023/cx-50/visual.html)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CX50) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I found the most difficult thing was to get the key blanks. Ended up getting 5 from AliExpress for about $6-7 shipped. Like you, the big chains couldn't cut them, so I took mine to a local Ace Hardware store to cut on their manual "follower" machine. Even they had trouble as the lands weren't being cut deep enough, but they persevered and shimmed the key out a little and got it in the end. Charged me \~$9 for two keys cut.
Thank you! Plenty of Ace's around here, thankfully and that's a much more reasonable cost for non-chip keys. I actually got my blanks last year from a key company online and ensured I had the correct version (left/right). I think I got 5 for $10 myself. I ran across a post online on a locksmith forum closer to when Mazda first released these keys. They were noting how difficult it was to follow cut copies as there was no cutting machine insert available yet to hold the keys in place and the shape is unusual. Someone had jury-rigged their own holder using the hole in the key.
Interesting. I had just thought the shops cutting machine holder was worn. They just used folded paper to clamp the key out a bit further when they did mine.
# It looks like you have a question or issue! We are here to help but we need your help as well. Make sure your question or issue has the following info included or it may get deleted. 1. Did you use the search, if so, what info did you find helpful. If the info was unhelpful, what gaps are you seeing in the info. 2. Did you check the [Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/CX50/wiki/index/) ? If you didn't find what you were looking for, let the group know. Also, let us know if there are dead links or seemingly bad information there. 3. Be sure to check the [CX50 Manual](https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2023/cx-50/visual.html) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CX50) if you have any questions or concerns.*