![]() are experienced and can get the job done. In order to get an old key copied, you will have to find a locksmith that carries a selection of older key blanks to see if they have the one you need in stock. If that’s the case, blanks will be very hard, if not impossible, to find as they may no longer be available. Older keys can also cause you problems because that particular profile may no longer be widely used. If you are in this situation, you can take your key to a specialty key cutter or a local clock shop as they may have more experience and will be able to recognize the bow, despite its odd shape. Your local hardware store may not have the ability to recognize an unusual bow and may assume the blanks for it are not in stock. Neutral bows are generic, while non-standard ones are in the shape of a symbol or a sign and such key heads make it very difficult to identify the key’s profile. Such keys are generally only used by those who work in large institutions like banks and government buildings, for example.īlank manufacturers sell key blanks with either neutral or non-standard bows. Only the locksmith that installs them can cut the keys that operate these locks and this will only be possible if the key holder can present the locksmith with the appropriate and authorized credentials. ![]() High Security Key With A Reserved KeywayĬertain high-security key manufacturers also offer locks with reserved keyways, which, in addition to providing pick, bump and drill resistance, also offer the highest form of key control. These high-security locks come with open keyways and if your key unlocks one of these, you will have to contactthe locksmith who installed it if you want to make more copies of your key. In addition to key control, some business managers and property owners take it one step further and invest in locks that are pick, bump and drill resistant. In order to get such a key copied, you will have to locate a registered locksmith who sells blanks for your restricted key. Most locksmiths use special machines to copy keys, but if the key-copying machine has not been calibrated or cleaned in a long time, it may be out of sync. These are often referred to as restricted keys and these blanks are sold only to locksmiths and security professionals who are registered with authorized dealers. Property owners and business managers often use high-security keys to help control unauthorized key duplication. A high-security key, an old key, or a key with an unusual bow can all prevent you from getting your key copied. Local hardware stores cannot always copy a key because there are restrictions and certain key types do not allow duplicates. They come with a slightly higher price tag, but they will give you peace of mind knowing that no one will be able to copy your keys without proper authorization.įor more information, check out our comprehensive Key Systems 101 article or download our white paper.There are a number of reasons why you may be having difficulty copying your key. If the thought of your keys running amuck in the streets gives you great pause, you may want to consider upgrading to a restricted system. They could have run to the local big box retailer’s key copying kiosk and could easily gain entrance to your facility. I can hear you now – “But Katie, when someone quits or is terminated, I always get the key back!”Īre you sure? Do you get all the keys that individual has? If you’re on an unrestricted system, you should always rekey your facility after a disgruntled employee quits or is terminated. In other words – anyone who has a key can make a copy. Though, if you’re in the business of key copying kiosks it would be great if you could add that security feature. There is nothing in the machine that recognizes those three little words (Do Not Duplicate) and asks you to fork over some authorization before proceeding. While these kiosks are great for making copies of personal keys, they pose a threat to companies that use unrestricted key systems. However, key copying kiosks entered the scene a few years ago, and as we all know, a machine doesn’t have an ethical compass. While the key stamping “Do Not Duplicate” does serve as a deterrent, it is by no means a security feature for your key system.Īny reputable locksmith or big box retailer would refuse to copy a key with this stamping without proper authorization. Here’s the scary part – you won’t have a clue that your facility’s security has been compromised. Get a fob copy and apartment key duplication service with one of our Kiosk stores. If you gave a child a big bag of cookies then told them not to eat one and walked away, chances are they would gobble down a cookie faster than Takeru Kobayashi consumes a hotdog in the Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest.Īfter all, you’d never know if one was missing.Īn employee can easily copy a key stamped with “Do Not Duplicate.”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |