

But the truth is that they do not ensure the utmost security, as they can still be duplicated. This is why they have provided some sense of security. Sure, the markings on these keys are seen to have significantly reduced their number of copies in circulation over the years. How these “do not duplicate” keys don’t provide security In fact, it is one of the most violated policies in the world of business, which is why some business owners and even property owners rely on these types of keys. They try to control security violations from former tenants, terminated employees, or those who gain possession of these keys.Īs you may or may not be aware, key duplication leading to unauthorized access remains a top security threat. Property owners and managers typically use them as a way to regulate security. Sure, some hardware stores may refuse to produce a copy of these keys, but in reality, any locksmith can easily and quickly duplicate them. Until today, there’s no existing law that will hold one accountable for doing so. But the truth is that these keys can still be copied or duplicated. As the wordings would suggest, they aren’t meant to be reproduced. Yes, some keys actually have a marking that says, “do not duplicate”-or any equivalent to that.

What to know about “do not duplicate” keys The question is: can these “do not duplicate” keys be copied at all? That’s what we will discuss further in this article. In most cases, these few worthy people hold keys that say, “do not duplicate.” However, there are some areas in your business establishment where only a few people have access to them. The same is true in your office, where you and your colleagues are only authorized to step in using certain keys. For instance, only you and your roommates have working keys in an apartment that will allow you all to get in. If you have any questions about choosing commercial locks, please come visit us at Curley’s Keyshop.Keys provide authorized people access to a room or an area. Depending on the number of locks on your property and the level of security you want, Do Not Duplicate keys may be more affordable than other keyways, even if you do have to replace them periodically. Which Will You Choose for Your Business?ĭo Not Duplicate keys can still provide good security, so long as you are careful to change your locks periodically-particularly after an employee or tenant leaves. Manufacturers are very careful to protect their proprietary keyways and will track all key sales closely to ensure they are all authorized.

This type of keyway must be ordered directly from the dealer or the manufacturer, and either way the key blanks for that particular lockset will be unique and will be reserved specifically for you, so you have absolute certainty that no one will be able to get a hold of a blank to make an unauthorized copy. Proprietary keyways are the most expensive option but they also offer the highest level of protection against unauthorized key copies. However, depending on where your dealer is located you may not be able to get same day services. Because these kinds of keyways use special key blanks that are not available at your average hardware store, it is very difficult for an unauthorized key copy to be made. This type of lockset must be purchased from an authorized dealer, and only that dealer is authorized to make key copies. The next option is to use a restricted keyway. There is nothing physically preventing this type of key from being duplicated. While all locksmiths are expected to ask for proof of ownership of the lock from the customer before making a copy of a Do Not Duplicate key, in practice some unscrupulous locksmiths don’t bother to ask or to thoroughly investigate the proof of ownership offered. The most common precaution business owners take is to use standard locksets but have all the keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate.” This option is quite inexpensive and allows for same day rekeys and key copies to be made by the business owner, but it also potentially leaves you open to serious risks of unauthorized key duplication. Here are three possible ways to protect your property, your employees, and your clients against criminals using unauthorized key copies. But are you using the right types of locks and keys to deliver the level of security you want? One of the biggest concerns for many business owners with traditional locksets (rather than electronic ones) is unauthorized key copies.
#Copying a do not duplicate key series#
If you own a business, whether it be a store, a warehouse, or a series of rental properties, security is no doubt important to you. “Do Not Duplicate” keys do not afford total protection against unauthorized copies
