Two Different Products on the Same Shelf
A shell is a housing. A blank is an uncut key. They sit next to each other in a locksmith’s stockroom, they are both cheap, and they are frequently confused in ordering conversations. The distinction matters because they have different failure modes, different returns profiles, and different replacement cycles.
Side by Side
| Key fob shell | Blank key | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A housing that sits on an existing remote board | An uncut key blank |
| Failure mode | Clip tension, seam alignment, button pad feel | Blade profile, cutting behaviour |
| Where it fails | On the vehicle, at fit-up | At the bench, at the cut |
| Turnover driver | Damage and cosmetic repair | Vehicle parc and key loss |
| Capability required | Injection moulding | Precision machining |
How Each Fails in Service
Shells fail on fit: clip tension, seam alignment, and button-pad feel. A shell that is 1mm proud on the seam will not sit properly on the existing board, and the technician will know it immediately. Blanks fail on profile: the key does not cut smoothly, or the blade does not match the lock. That failure is discovered at the bench rather than on the vehicle, which is better, but it still costs a return.
Why the Buying Team Should Separate Them
- Different suppliers compete well. Shells are a moulding capability; blanks are a machining capability. A supplier strong in one is not automatically strong in the other.
- Different returns economics. A defective blank costs a return shipment plus a cut key. A defective shell costs a return shipment plus a dissatisfied customer.
- Different cycle times. Blanks turn on vehicle parc; shells turn on damage and cosmetic repair.
Order shells and blanks from the same supplier only if that supplier tells you plainly which capability sits behind each. A catalogue that lists both does not prove both are made in-house.
Request a Quotation — Shells and Blanks
Send the vehicle families or frequency bands you cover most, and we will reply with the exact references, EXW price, MOQ and lead time. MOQ 100 pcs per SKU.
Send Inquiry on WhatsAppEmail: Joanna@rfmando.com · MOQ 100 pcs per SKU · 1 free sample per SKU ($30 DHL, buyer pays) · Lead time 7-15 days · T/T 30/70 · EXW Xiamen
Scope of Supply
We supply housings, key fob shells and blanks only. We do not supply transponder chips or immobiliser programming devices, and we do not provide immobiliser key coding services. Those categories are regulated differently in each market and responsibility for lawful use in your jurisdiction rests with the buyer.
Catalogue references for the specification above: 50-piece car key fob shell carton and Locksmith pin-removal and split-pin repair kit. All are MOQ 100 pcs per SKU, 7-15 day lead time, one free sample per SKU, and supplied on our own PCBA and housing tooling with AQL 5% inspection available.
Where to Order
- Locksmith Tools — duplicators, shells and blanks
- RF Remote Controls — multi-band cloners and keyfob remotes
- Garage Door Remotes — rolling-code and fixed-code units
Terms
MOQ 100 pcs per SKU. One free sample per SKU ($30 DHL, buyer pays). Lead time 7-15 days. Payment T/T 30/70. Prices EXW Xiamen. 100% functional test on every unit; a third-party QC report at AQL 5% is available on request.