Most door lock keys have a “do not duplicate” label on them so that people who shouldn’t be making copies can’t. The main reason for this is to make sure that people who share keys with homes or businesses are safer.
You can’t make copies of some keys. Locksmiths call these keys “restricted,” which means that only the person who made them originally has the right to make copies. Lock makers have made restricted keys that are harder to copy because they need special tools and the design is patented. This is done to make sure that their goods are safer.
If “Do Not Duplicate” is written on a key, you might wonder if it’s really against the law. Wikipedia says that there is no law that makes it illegal to make a copy of a “do not duplicate” key. Even though this engraved message looks official, it is not a legally binding contract. It’s just a thought. Even though some big hardware stores may refuse to make copies of these keys because of liability concerns, they are no harder to copy than any other key.
The “do not copy” stamp is a cheap way to keep other people from copying your key. It doesn’t stop licensed locksmiths or businesses from refusing to make a copy of that key. Some of them may not be connected to the power grid.
Some keys may have the words “do not copy” or “do not reproduce” written on the top. The terms don’t mean much unless the key is part of a registered master key system. A locksmith is allowed to make a key with “do not copy” written on it. But it is against the law to copy a registered design key that is still protected by a patent unless you get permission to do so.
It depends because there are two kinds of “do not duplicate” keys, and one is much easier to copy than the other. In fact, it is fine to make a copy of one. It’s also important to know how comfortable the locksmith is with the idea.
The words “Do Not Duplicate” are carved into the top of “Do Not Duplicate” keys. If the owner has this written on the key, you can’t get a copy made.
Is it possible to copy a key that doesn’t let you do that?
The truth is that there is no official “do not copy” key policy. The advice written on a lot of business keys is just a suggestion. Even though large hardware stores like Ace Hardware may refuse to do so, it’s easy for a locksmith to make copies of these keys.
Will Home Depot still copy keys that say “do not copy”?
Helpful? A: This key should be able to be cut at the Home Depot near you. Just line up the shape of your key with what you see when you look down the key, which is the way it bends and wiggles. Also, they should be able to cut it to size for you.
What happens if a key says it can’t be duplicated?
If “Do Not Duplicate” is written on a key, you might wonder if it’s really against the law. Wikipedia says that there is no law that makes it illegal to make a copy of a “do not duplicate” key. Even though this engraved message looks official, it is not a legally binding contract.
Walmart makes copies of keys that say “Do not copy” on them.
The machine can’t make copies of car keys, school keys, high-security keys, or any other “Do Not Duplicate” keys.
Will Lowe’s make copies or copies of keys?
There are self-service kiosks at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Anyone with an open market key blank, also called a non-restricted key, can walk up to the machine, enter the key, and make a copy of the key without being checked.
What does a key that you can’t use look like?
What kinds of keys can’t be used? Depending on how restricted it is, a restricted key can look different ways. Most of them can only be copied by the company that made the lock. Most of the time, you need an ID card or something similar to make a copy of these keys.
Is it against the law to make extra fobs?
Even though it’s not against the law, Laczko’s website says that if you want to copy a fob, you have to “prove” that you own a condo in the building for which the fob is being copied.
Can you get keys made at Walmart?
Yes, people can make their own copies of keys at Walmart by using an existing key.
Is it possible to make another key for every door?
Even though it can be frustrating for a client to find out they have been given a “do not copy” key, the good news is that all keys can be copied. A key that says “Do Not Copy” is a warning, but it doesn’t stop someone from making a copy of the key.
Can you make copies of Master Lock keys?
Even though Master Lock doesn’t sell keys directly to customers, you can get duplicates made at a local hardware store, home improvement center, or locksmith. Please remember that not every store will have the right key blanks on hand. Please get in touch.
How can I tell if a key is the only one?
Most keys for modern cars have to be made, since cutting a new key won’t exactly copy the old one. House Keys: It’s easy for a locksmith to make copies of keys for front-door locks. Yale keys are often used to open padlocks, but other types of keys can also be copied.
Do Home Depot’s keys have more than one copy?
The Home Depot makes copies of keys for homes and businesses from well-known brands like Schlage and Yale. If there are enough blanks, older or rarer keys can be copied. Customers must bring in both the original key and a key blank that is good enough. The copy will be made quickly by the person at the business who cuts keys.
What does a copy of a key cost?
Most of the time, it costs between $1 and $4 to copy a basic key. The most expensive chipped keys to copy cost between $50 and $1,000. The lowest costs are in hardware and home improvement stores. The cost of copying a key is based on the materials and the person’s technical skill.