HeelToe Switchblade Key and Service: Reviewed.
06-06-2011, 05:45 PM
#1
HeelToe Switchblade Key and Service: Reviewed.
Sooo history behind this mod:
I've always wanted it, ever since I've seen the newer TL's with it. "It's just a key" I kept telling msyelf...but what the hell...I want one! Every time anyone with a newer car than mine (but not necessarily nicer
) would put their keys on a counter I would cringe thinking that mine still looked like the key and FOB for my 1990 Civic hatch and $99 alarm Fob. Yuck.
So, about a year ago, I bought a switchblade key at the dealership...low and behold, can't cut it because it's a different thickness. Oh well, strike one. DOWN. Gave up!
Second attempt came to me recently. I'd been thinking about trading the car in here and there, but don't want to go back in the hole $30K at this point (not a good time as I'm looking to find resolution with my BOA housing situation) and didn't see any other cars out there that I was willing to pay for to upgrade to. Yeah, I want my pushstart and vented seats and Navi...but I'll be patient and wait for the right time. In the meantime, rather than drop over 2K on taxes lost...I'd rather just pay for a few mods I've had my eye on. Recently saw the banner at the top of AZ advertising the milled keys from HeelToe. He always seemed like a knowledgeable guy on the forums and I never forgot how he took the time to explain camber and toe in relation to lowering my car even though I didn't buy my suspension from him. Figured I'd contact him and see about getting one. So I did...placed an order for a memory key 1. His email responses...always answered directly by Marcus. Always answered within a few hours of my questions. His payment/shipping and processing engine are amazing too. Email confirming payment, email confirming shipped and all in all was in my hands in 2 days. Great guy to deal with, especially for someone like me that always likes to ask many questions. Not once did he make me feel like I was bothering him. Hard to find service like that nowadays. And let's not forget that he's offering a product that you can't get just anywhere (ebay crowd addressed below, not a knock, just my preference).
I will make a recommendation here, HAVE HEELTOE CUT AND PROGRAM THE KEY FOR YOU!!! I, as per usual, looked at other options to save a buck. Got a buddy that lives an hour and a half north that could have done it and quoted me about the same price as Heeltoe (including a couple of other things I needed done), but figured it was a long drive and decided to stop by my local Acura dealer to see how much it would cost to just knock it out now. Walk in...see a guy I kinda know from going there so often...get quoted "cutting is free, but programming is $27". WOW, save a bunch of MONEY! Sweet! So I opt to do it now...talking with him I'm so excited, sign the paper saying that they have to seek my consent if it goes over $140. I thought to ask why the amount was so much but was sick today (not all there mentally) and figured it was a precaution to advise customer's work may go up a certain amount if unforseen problem arise. So I signed. Needless to say, almost an hour later...I get the car back and pay and it's $139 with tax
. I was like "WTF...I thought you said $27!!!" He was like, "dude I told you 127...you even signed the paper"!!! He was right...I agreed, didn't ask questions when I had one, and now the work was done. Nothing to do but pay the man. I thought to ask for some sort of break, but he assured me he felt badly and would but once it's signed and in the system, they have no ability to change it or apply discounts. He assured me it takes a while to get it programmed and that the guy worked very hard. I'm the type to ask for a manager, but I only complain when I feel justfied...and I didn't. I felt stupid because it was all my fault. So I put it out of my head...money is spent, got my switchblade key and am super happy and I'm leaving it at that!
Anyway, thank you Marcus for a great product and customer service experience. I appreciate it and am very happy with my key.
CLIFF NOTES:
1. Buy key from Heeltoe, it's original and OEM and he treats you like a friend.
2. Save yourself the rip off of having the dealer program it, pay him the $60 for cut and program transfer!
3. Enjoy your switchblade key and never succumb to FOB envy again!
***About the debate on ebay keys and saving yourself $40...do yourself a favor, support one of the guys on this site that offers specialty items...he is a business owner and also an avid fan of the product we know, love and drive. Plus, the alternative is we don't have the ability for a key. I know some say the knockoffs are close enough...but to me (and I've learned this the hard way by saving a little now...only to throw that money out having to get the quality stuff later), get OEM or don't get it at all. Your key can't look 90% OEM...it either is, or it isn't. If you save a bundle getting a cheap version of it, and are happy with it, then more power to you. I still like to treat my almost $40K (sticker my stepdad paid on it in 2003 "sports package" added 7K!) luxury sports car...like it is one, even if it has become rather affordable and accessible to all.
Also, I justified the cost by thinking, I'm basically preemptively getting ANOTHER memory 1 backup key since I didn't have to butcher the original one. Hey, spent some money, but at the end of the day, I wanted it...and now I have it and I'm happy. Next step is eliminating all extraneous keys to keep it from getting scratched up.
Some pics...
Beat up!
Nice and compact!
And hanging out, in all it's glory!
I've always wanted it, ever since I've seen the newer TL's with it. "It's just a key" I kept telling msyelf...but what the hell...I want one! Every time anyone with a newer car than mine (but not necessarily nicer
) would put their keys on a counter I would cringe thinking that mine still looked like the key and FOB for my 1990 Civic hatch and $99 alarm Fob. Yuck. So, about a year ago, I bought a switchblade key at the dealership...low and behold, can't cut it because it's a different thickness. Oh well, strike one. DOWN. Gave up!
Second attempt came to me recently. I'd been thinking about trading the car in here and there, but don't want to go back in the hole $30K at this point (not a good time as I'm looking to find resolution with my BOA housing situation) and didn't see any other cars out there that I was willing to pay for to upgrade to. Yeah, I want my pushstart and vented seats and Navi...but I'll be patient and wait for the right time. In the meantime, rather than drop over 2K on taxes lost...I'd rather just pay for a few mods I've had my eye on. Recently saw the banner at the top of AZ advertising the milled keys from HeelToe. He always seemed like a knowledgeable guy on the forums and I never forgot how he took the time to explain camber and toe in relation to lowering my car even though I didn't buy my suspension from him. Figured I'd contact him and see about getting one. So I did...placed an order for a memory key 1. His email responses...always answered directly by Marcus. Always answered within a few hours of my questions. His payment/shipping and processing engine are amazing too. Email confirming payment, email confirming shipped and all in all was in my hands in 2 days. Great guy to deal with, especially for someone like me that always likes to ask many questions. Not once did he make me feel like I was bothering him. Hard to find service like that nowadays. And let's not forget that he's offering a product that you can't get just anywhere (ebay crowd addressed below, not a knock, just my preference).
I will make a recommendation here, HAVE HEELTOE CUT AND PROGRAM THE KEY FOR YOU!!! I, as per usual, looked at other options to save a buck. Got a buddy that lives an hour and a half north that could have done it and quoted me about the same price as Heeltoe (including a couple of other things I needed done), but figured it was a long drive and decided to stop by my local Acura dealer to see how much it would cost to just knock it out now. Walk in...see a guy I kinda know from going there so often...get quoted "cutting is free, but programming is $27". WOW, save a bunch of MONEY! Sweet! So I opt to do it now...talking with him I'm so excited, sign the paper saying that they have to seek my consent if it goes over $140. I thought to ask why the amount was so much but was sick today (not all there mentally) and figured it was a precaution to advise customer's work may go up a certain amount if unforseen problem arise. So I signed. Needless to say, almost an hour later...I get the car back and pay and it's $139 with tax
. I was like "WTF...I thought you said $27!!!" He was like, "dude I told you 127...you even signed the paper"!!! He was right...I agreed, didn't ask questions when I had one, and now the work was done. Nothing to do but pay the man. I thought to ask for some sort of break, but he assured me he felt badly and would but once it's signed and in the system, they have no ability to change it or apply discounts. He assured me it takes a while to get it programmed and that the guy worked very hard. I'm the type to ask for a manager, but I only complain when I feel justfied...and I didn't. I felt stupid because it was all my fault. So I put it out of my head...money is spent, got my switchblade key and am super happy and I'm leaving it at that! Anyway, thank you Marcus for a great product and customer service experience. I appreciate it and am very happy with my key.
CLIFF NOTES:
1. Buy key from Heeltoe, it's original and OEM and he treats you like a friend.
2. Save yourself the rip off of having the dealer program it, pay him the $60 for cut and program transfer!
3. Enjoy your switchblade key and never succumb to FOB envy again!
***About the debate on ebay keys and saving yourself $40...do yourself a favor, support one of the guys on this site that offers specialty items...he is a business owner and also an avid fan of the product we know, love and drive. Plus, the alternative is we don't have the ability for a key. I know some say the knockoffs are close enough...but to me (and I've learned this the hard way by saving a little now...only to throw that money out having to get the quality stuff later), get OEM or don't get it at all. Your key can't look 90% OEM...it either is, or it isn't. If you save a bundle getting a cheap version of it, and are happy with it, then more power to you. I still like to treat my almost $40K (sticker my stepdad paid on it in 2003 "sports package" added 7K!) luxury sports car...like it is one, even if it has become rather affordable and accessible to all.
Also, I justified the cost by thinking, I'm basically preemptively getting ANOTHER memory 1 backup key since I didn't have to butcher the original one. Hey, spent some money, but at the end of the day, I wanted it...and now I have it and I'm happy. Next step is eliminating all extraneous keys to keep it from getting scratched up.
Some pics...
Beat up!
Nice and compact!
And hanging out, in all it's glory!
The following 13 users liked this post by rockstar143:
Bladehopper82 (06-06-2011),
bruiselee (06-07-2011),
colonelburke (06-07-2011),
DeathMetal (06-06-2011),
dwb993 (06-08-2011),
and 8 others liked this post.
06-06-2011, 06:05 PM
#2
University of Tennessee
Good job on the review. I was going back n forth on this mod too. Although I'm not too happy about spending as much as I did in retrospect, I couldn't be happier with the key. Heeltoe ftw!
06-06-2011, 06:19 PM
#3
Thanks for the thanks guys...loving the new website setup!
Yeah, like I said, I'm relatively sore about having spent so much to program but at the end of the day, I'm really happy I decided to pull the trigger on it!
Yeah, like I said, I'm relatively sore about having spent so much to program but at the end of the day, I'm really happy I decided to pull the trigger on it!
06-06-2011, 06:56 PM
#4
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
I bought one of these a long time ago when Pete use to sell them and was a vendor. Love having the S/B.
06-06-2011, 08:03 PM
#5
Thanks for the writeup!
Another thing on the ebay deal....we have handled and worked with those keys (people have tried sending them to us trying to pass them off as real Acura ones) but we can always tell the difference. Honestly, follow the parts.
Heeltoe key:
American Honda sells a key to local USA dealer, who sells it to me. Then I take it to a local fab subcontractor for the machining. I do the swapping and cutting, then pay my employee David to ship it. Lots of USA jobs involved.
Ebay:
Buy a key that ships from Hong Kong or wherever to a guy who then ships to you, if they don't actually ship direct to you from Hong Kong.
So, the $40 goes a LONG way to help American businesses, and you get a better part with WAY better service.
Food for thought...
Another thing on the ebay deal....we have handled and worked with those keys (people have tried sending them to us trying to pass them off as real Acura ones) but we can always tell the difference. Honestly, follow the parts.
Heeltoe key:
American Honda sells a key to local USA dealer, who sells it to me. Then I take it to a local fab subcontractor for the machining. I do the swapping and cutting, then pay my employee David to ship it. Lots of USA jobs involved.
Ebay:
Buy a key that ships from Hong Kong or wherever to a guy who then ships to you, if they don't actually ship direct to you from Hong Kong.
So, the $40 goes a LONG way to help American businesses, and you get a better part with WAY better service.
Food for thought...
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06-06-2011, 10:31 PM
#9
Q('.')=O
iTrader: (1)
Dammit, now you are persuading me to buy the switchblade key 
I remember like 2 years ago when a member here was doing the work himself but I backed out because I was a little uneasy about the whole process and things weren't fine tuned. But now it looks like MrHeeltoe has got this thing figure out
I remember like 2 years ago when a member here was doing the work himself but I backed out because I was a little uneasy about the whole process and things weren't fine tuned. But now it looks like MrHeeltoe has got this thing figure out
06-06-2011, 11:16 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Dammit, now you are persuading me to buy the switchblade key
I remember like 2 years ago when a member here was doing the work himself but I backed out because I was a little uneasy about the whole process and things weren't fine tuned. But now it looks like MrHeeltoe has got this thing figure out
I remember like 2 years ago when a member here was doing the work himself but I backed out because I was a little uneasy about the whole process and things weren't fine tuned. But now it looks like MrHeeltoe has got this thing figure out
Mine wasn't perfect because I was doing them myself to help keep the costs down for me and so I wouldn't need to make 1000 keys at once! Either way I think I got a good percentage (95%) working keys considering that a bunch were screwed up by dealers and not the milling process. I think I had 8-10 keys which came out bad out of the whole 300 or so sold...
06-07-2011, 08:41 AM
#14
Q('.')=O
iTrader: (1)
Mine wasn't perfect because I was doing them myself to help keep the costs down for me and so I wouldn't need to make 1000 keys at once! Either way I think I got a good percentage (95%) working keys considering that a bunch were screwed up by dealers and not the milling process. I think I had 8-10 keys which came out bad out of the whole 300 or so sold... oh yea now I remember. Well I'm glad everything worked out for you with the keys. I take it you have retired from selling the switchblade keys?
06-07-2011, 11:10 AM
#15
06-07-2011, 11:24 AM
#16
Thanks for posting your review. I plan to have a switchblade made over my vacation when the car will be sitting anyway. I have already contacted HeelToe about it and will buy from them.
06-07-2011, 11:42 AM
#18
Thanks, gents. Actually, ironically, I cut some clear guard for my cell screen to cover the buttons too. They started coming off though and then i realized that the buttons are engraved and have depth so they really shouldn't end up wiping off, so to speak. I also picked up those rubber cover things that come in colors ( to keep keys organized) and put the over the keys making contact with the FOB. That way I avoid any serious scratching.
06-07-2011, 12:21 PM
#19
Intermediate
Join Date: Feb 2011
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i have an 04 and i was thinking about getting one of these. i called the local dealer and ask about the price and stuff he said that he wasnt sure if it would work with the older model cause its a different receiver than the new. new one being, ones that have it factory? so do they put old style recievers in them like the 04-06? will it work with my 04
06-07-2011, 12:35 PM
#20
Yes, I have an 04. The reason you would buy this from Heeltoe is that part of what he is charging is to mill (shave down) the newer style keys to be thinner like the 04 thru 06 old style key. THEN, he cuts them to match your actual key and swaps out the the receiver!
If you just go to the dealer and buy a key and try and have them make it, they will tell you it's impossible.
If you just go to the dealer and buy a key and try and have them make it, they will tell you it's impossible.
06-07-2011, 04:42 PM
#21
949-295-1668
Marcus
06-07-2011, 07:37 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
Thanks, gents. Actually, ironically, I cut some clear guard for my cell screen to cover the buttons too. They started coming off though and then i realized that the buttons are engraved and have depth so they really shouldn't end up wiping off, so to speak. I also picked up those rubber cover things that come in colors ( to keep keys organized) and put the over the keys making contact with the FOB. That way I avoid any serious scratching.
You are right the buttons logos are engraved into the button. However after awhile they will be subject to wear and tear and eventually start losing the engraved paint, I have seen this first hand that is why I put clear nail polish on the buttons.
06-07-2011, 07:40 PM
#23
Senior Moderator
06-07-2011, 09:43 PM
#25
Burning Brakes
06-08-2011, 08:41 AM
#26
This might be a dumb question but is there a way to get 2 switchblades cut and programmed from 1 key and fob set? Reason is, that I can't seem to find my valet key and I'm not scheduled to be away from my car for a long period of time.
06-08-2011, 09:56 AM
#27
You can have both cut from one of your keys...they say it's best to use the most worn and used key for cutting. As far as programming...you can send it in...only problem is when it's programmed, it'll be memory 1 or 2 from both. Actually, you may not be able to with the FOB because I think HT actually opens it up and transfers it to your new FOB.
Yvuru, I will put some polish on it. Thanks for the tip!
Yvuru, I will put some polish on it. Thanks for the tip!
06-08-2011, 03:37 PM
#33
Look around if you go get it programmed. And be sure then can do it because they can mess it up and you'll be out that key. Here is a thread where members took their milled keys to get it cut and programmed.
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/offical-2004-2006-switchblade-key-continued-644140/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/offical-2004-2006-switchblade-key-continued-644140/
06-08-2011, 06:39 PM
#34
Yep...that is a good forewarning.
PS...I did add the clear nailpolish to mine. Great tip...don't brush on too hard because it has something in it that dissolves the black of the keys...but if you get a good coat on there and let it dry, I can absolutely see it lasting much, much longer. Thank you for the tip!
PS...I did add the clear nailpolish to mine. Great tip...don't brush on too hard because it has something in it that dissolves the black of the keys...but if you get a good coat on there and let it dry, I can absolutely see it lasting much, much longer. Thank you for the tip!
06-19-2011, 06:13 AM
#35
I ordered the key last Monday and it arrived Saturday morning (USPS priority) and had it installed by my local Acura dealer Saturday afternoon. The tracking number USPS sent me helped my scheduling.
The key for my 04 TL looked great out of the package. Heel & Toe did a nice job milling off the extra thickness and the plastic part of the FOB was perfect (don't know how they fixture this thing). The dealer programmed my new FOB and cut the key in just under 1 hour. Thanks for the review above to make this work out.
The key for my 04 TL looked great out of the package. Heel & Toe did a nice job milling off the extra thickness and the plastic part of the FOB was perfect (don't know how they fixture this thing). The dealer programmed my new FOB and cut the key in just under 1 hour. Thanks for the review above to make this work out.
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rockstar143 (06-28-2011)
06-19-2011, 08:55 AM
#38
Rich and Famous
I dropped my '11 MDX Switch blade key between the driver seat and console. Its not visible - like vaporized thro prob under the console or in seat belt cover - very very strange !!!
How does Heel Toe know how to cut and program for your car ???
That download is kinda lengthy ...
How does Heel Toe know how to cut and program for your car ???
That download is kinda lengthy ...
06-19-2011, 09:43 AM
#39
Senior Moderator
I dropped my '11 MDX Switch blade key between the driver seat and console. Its not visible - like vaporized thro prob under the console or in seat belt cover - very very strange !!!
How does Heel Toe know how to cut and program for your car ???
That download is kinda lengthy ...
How does Heel Toe know how to cut and program for your car ???
That download is kinda lengthy ...
Mr. Heeltoe's keys are milled for the 3GTL and older acura's that have slots and bumps in the key vs. the solid laser cut ones of the 2011 MDX.
As far as how to cut and program, Mr. Heeltoe requests a your orignal key and they trace the cuts from the old key onto the new one with a cutting machine. And for the programing aspect they cut the chip out of the old key and place it inside the new one!
06-19-2011, 12:21 PM
#40
2007 TL Type-S NBP
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Rexburg, Idaho
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Thanks for the writeup!
Another thing on the ebay deal....we have handled and worked with those keys (people have tried sending them to us trying to pass them off as real Acura ones) but we can always tell the difference. Honestly, follow the parts.
Heeltoe key:
American Honda sells a key to local USA dealer, who sells it to me. Then I take it to a local fab subcontractor for the machining. I do the swapping and cutting, then pay my employee David to ship it. Lots of USA jobs involved.
Ebay:
Buy a key that ships from Hong Kong or wherever to a guy who then ships to you, if they don't actually ship direct to you from Hong Kong.
So, the $40 goes a LONG way to help American businesses, and you get a better part with WAY better service.
Food for thought...
Another thing on the ebay deal....we have handled and worked with those keys (people have tried sending them to us trying to pass them off as real Acura ones) but we can always tell the difference. Honestly, follow the parts.
Heeltoe key:
American Honda sells a key to local USA dealer, who sells it to me. Then I take it to a local fab subcontractor for the machining. I do the swapping and cutting, then pay my employee David to ship it. Lots of USA jobs involved.
Ebay:
Buy a key that ships from Hong Kong or wherever to a guy who then ships to you, if they don't actually ship direct to you from Hong Kong.
So, the $40 goes a LONG way to help American businesses, and you get a better part with WAY better service.
Food for thought...