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Knowing whether or not you’re in the clear to make a copy of a “do not duplicate” key feels a lot like deciding if it’s truly illegal to take the tags off your mattress. Is it purely a suggestion? Could I really get into trouble for this? As it pertains to keys, the answer is that it depends. 

We say that it depends because there are two types of do not duplicate keys and one is much easier to get away with copying than the other. In fact, one is actually perfectly okay to duplicate. It also depends on the locksmith and how comfortable they are with accepting the request.

Restricted Keys

Restricted keys are the variety that you should obtain permission to duplicate. That’s because restricted keys generally have patents or other qualities that require only approved manufacturers to produce. One of the many benefits of high security keys like restricted keys, is that they’re hard to duplicate!

Not only that, but the original key maker likely has specialty equipment needed to cut this type of key and only the approved manufacturers will have the required hardware on site. A person or business may choose to use a restricted key to control the number cut and to increase security.

Unrestricted Keys

An unrestricted key is no different than any standard key. They do not required specialty equipment and legally can be copied by anyone at any time. In this scenario, the only thing standing in someone’s way of duplicating this type of key is the locksmith and their policies.

How to Duplicate a “Do Not Duplicate” Key

If you find yourself needing to make a copy of a “do not duplicate” key that is restricted, your locksmith will likely ask that you provide proper documentation allowing you to do so. It may even be necessary to contact the original locksmith seeing as how they’ll need special instructions and likely equipment from the manufacturer to complete the service.

Expect to provide the following information on company letterhead from authorized parties:

1. Name of person receiving permission to duplicate and pick up the key
2. Which key are they allowing to be duplicated
3. How many keys are they authorizing be copied
4. Contact information for person granting permission to duplicate

As far as unrestricted keys are concerned, any locksmith will do as they won’t need specialty equipment or to follow specific manufacturing procedures, but be prepared to provide some documentation before they’ll agree to the job.

Restricted Keys for Personal Use

Since we can clearly see that unrestricted “do not duplicate” keys are more of a request/suggestion, if you’re looking to re-key your home or business and want to increase your security rating, check into getting a restricted key and lock system. This is especially crucial if you have several keys floating around at a time either with employees or various family members. They become difficult to keep track of and you can never be too careful considering keys are readily lost or passed around without your permission.

If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith in the Boston area, contact Kenny’s Lock!

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Losing small and important items can be a huge pain in the neck. Scrambling in the morning to find your keys, wallet and smartphone or finding yourself at the office without the notebook you live out of can create havoc.

Luckily, technology available from our smartphones has enabled us to organize our lives in a more effective way. Key finders are a simple and practical way to solve the issue of having to remember where you drop your valuables throughout the day and are incredibly convenient, too.

How do key finders work?

 Key finders are typically no larger than a standard sized key chain. So drop them in your work bag, attach them to important folders, to your key rings or anything you deem necessary! These transponders are compatible with your smartphone and trackable using the manufacturer’s app.

Types of key finders

The standard key finder works as a GPS tracking system for your important items. Synced up with the smartphone app, you’ll be able to track your lost valuables in a hurry. There’s also another version which will alert you if you’ve gone too far from any of the items you’ve synced to your device. This can be especially helpful if travelling and are about to walk out of your hotel room minus your briefcase or if you’re leaving your house without your wallet.

Use at work

Often times, businesses will allocate certain electronic devices to their employees. Just like changing the locks when those individuals leave the company or if they’re out of touch for long periods of time (think long term sick leave or vacation) you’ll be able to track down company assets without having to contact out of touch or long gone staff. Electronics are expensive so developing a tracking system is crucial. Key finders are a simple and effective way to accomplish this.

Key finders are useful when tracking items that maybe aren’t on par with expensive electronics but are replaced so often they’re starting to cost the same as a tablet! Sync up bathroom keys and office supplies to cut down on your repurchasing frequency. That stapler may only cost you $10, but replace it ten times per year and that starts to add up.

Key finder technology

Key finders come in two basic types of technology: RF (radio frequency) or Bluetooth. RF devices require you to affix a transponder to the item you wish to find and are usually good for up to about 100 feet. To put this into perspective, it works much like a cordless phone. If you recall, cordless phone docking stations always had a ‘find’ button if you couldn’t locate the cordless phone. You’d press the button and the phone would start beeping to alert you to it’s location. This type of technology is best used in your home for items like house keys, shared family devices or even your pets.

The Bluetooth technology is what you want if you’d like to track via a smartphone app. Most applications will alert you when you’re close to the lost object when you come within 50-100 feet of it. There’s generally an audible sound which comes from the transmitter to make finding it much easier. Unfortunately, key finders won’t help if you’re locked out of your house and the keys are inside, but they’ll definitely go a long way in preventing you from getting in that situation in the first place. 

Alternative to key finders

If you’re just sick and tired of keys in general, there are other ways to get in and out of your house without relying on keys. Smartphone enabled locks work by locking and unlocking your home or business straight from your smartphone. While we don’t recommend using these locks instead of keys, they’re a good alternative to using a key finder. 

No matter what you use, make sure that it’s a system that works for your home or business. Lost your keys and need help getting into your home or business? Contact Kenny’s Lock and we’ll help you out!