What Keys Should be Duplicated?

Many people find themselves in circumstances where they need an extra set of keys.

Many people find themselves in circumstances where they need an extra set of keys. These may be additional keys for garages, offices, houses, and tool sheds. While duplicating keys has become standard practice and a sure way to have a spare, it raises the question of security and safety. Some primary concerns include high-security locks and keys potentially falling into the wrong hands.

This post discusses which keys can be duplicated by a professional locksmith.

Keys that can be duplicated

Users won't have much trouble duplicating standard keys. This is because restricted keys are rarer than many might think. For example, locksmiths will have no issue duplicating Yale and Chubb keys which are popular choices for offices and homes.

One can also duplicate car and safe keys, although they frequently require specialized knowledge and equipment. A locksmith must have the tools and expertise to duplicate these keys accurately and efficiently.

House and padlock keys are also often taken to locksmiths for duplication. Professionals should have no issue with making an accurate duplication.

Keys that say "Do Not Duplicate"

Some keys have a "Do Not Duplicate" label on them. As it turns out, keys labeled as such can be duplicated by a professional locksmith without transgressing regulations and laws.

This is because the key isn't necessarily restricted; the label expresses the owner's wishes. However, some services will refuse to duplicate keys with the tag to avoid any possible privacy issues.

A professional locksmith can easily duplicate the keys with these labels, provided they have the right expertise and equipment.

Restricted keys

Restricted keys provide additional security and control over who has access to a particular lock or set of locks. These keys are often used by businesses, schools, and other organizations that need to limit access to specific areas or equipment.

Keys such as these are the ones locksmiths won't be able to duplicate due to the rights of the manufacturer. According to U.S. patent laws, anybody duplicating these keys can receive a hefty fine of up to $10,000. Restricted keys are often challenging to copy because of the complicated design created for patent protection.

Professional key duplication services

Key duplication is a task that requires unique equipment and expertise to which only a locksmith will have access. A locksmith or key duplication service will typically use a specialized key-cutting machine designed to make precise cuts in a new key blank that matches the cuts on the original key.

This process requires precision, as even slight variations in the cuts can prevent the new key from working correctly. If a duplicated key is not made properly, it could jeopardize the lock, making it dysfunctional.

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