Copying Security Keys

I've got two keys already so could already give one out to someone. Having a set at my desk is useful in the event I lose a key - I'll have an extra key on hand - if that set didn't exist I'd still require an extra key but I'd be faced with a delay and extra charges from the management company - all in all what I'm intending to do makes very little difference security wise.

But back on topic if anyone has any answers to the original question rather than trying to debate the morality of copying a key then please do post.
 
dowie said:
I've got two keys already so could already give one out to someone. Having a set at my desk is useful in the event I lose a key - I'll have an extra key on hand - if that set didn't exist I'd still require an extra key but I'd be faced with a delay and extra charges from the management company - all in all what I'm intending to do makes very little difference security wise.

But back on topic if anyone has any answers to the original question rather than trying to debate the morality of copying a key then please do post.
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The morality of what you are doing is half the point - it's also the reason why MLA keys can normally only be copied if accompanied by a formal letter from the licence holder. And it's the mods in charge of the topic, not you. Again: the whole reason security lapses on sites is because people start making little exceptions to the rules - rules which are there for a good reason. I take it you would have no problems with all the other tenants having multiple copies made and distributed to all and sundry?


M
 
I don't really care if my neighbours want an extra key to the front door tbh... its hardly a big deal and I couldn't care less what you think either - you don't live in my building and I've got no idea why you're so concerned about this.

I would however be interested to know if independent locksmiths are likely to copy a key that says 'do not duplicate' on it and whether or not this actually breaks the law?
 
Any legit locksmith will not replicate a 'do not replicate' key.

Not sure if its against the law, but it's probably against your terms of residence
 
Vonhelmet said:
Or he's the type of locksmith who doesn't care, in which case, do you really want him cutting your keys?
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Odds are he will be using one of those simple replica key copy grinding machines, so unless he makes a copy for himself infront of you then he can't make a copy once you've left the shop, plus you'de need to be rather special to give him your address.
 
tom_e said:
http://www.shoerepairer.info/bb3/vi...sid=2555a89d897b9807ea6a56615b4975f4&start=20 that might help, it would appear that if the blank is available then there is no legal reason they can't cut it, it's just down to the locksmith.
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That's useful, thanks. So essentially I won't be breaking the law and the locksmith is only breaking the law if hes within a patent period (either 10 or 20 years according to that thread) - given the building is 10 years old there is a reasonable chance I guess the patent probably doesn't apply any more.

Firestar_3x said:
Odds are he will be using one of those simple replica key copy grinding machines, so unless he makes a copy for himself infront of you then he can't make a copy once you've left the shop, plus you'de need to be rather special to give him your address.
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Yes, quite.

I guess I'll have to pop into/call a few locksmiths now - I'm assuming the Timpsons near my work probably won't agree to do this....
 
Quite glad I don't live with you, in that building.
The low number of external keys are there for veryones protection.
Less likelyhood of a 'stranger' who doesn't live there being able to access everyones front door.

You might want tocheck small print of your house insurance also, just tomake sure it isn't invalid by making extra keys.
 
Yes, I'm sure there is a huge risk of a stranger entering as a result of me keeping a copied key locked at my desk at work...
 
Every adittional key is an additional chance of losing it and an additional opportunity for a stranger to find it and gain access to the building.

Why do you think you only get 2 in the first case?

Do you own the appartment or do you rent it?
 
dowie said:
Yes, I'm sure there is a huge risk of a stranger entering as a result of me keeping a copied key locked at my desk at work...
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yes because I'm sure your desk lock is the bank vault of desk locks and not the cheap 39p pile of crap found in every other drawer.
 
Don't forget to make a copy of the drawer lock key in case you lose it, I suggest keeping the spare at home.
 
There is no law which says a security key can't be copied. No-one will get in legal trouble for doing it.

However it may be against the terms of your letting contract and this is what you need to be careful of.
 
Tefal said:
yes because I'm sure your desk lock is the bank vault of desk locks and not the cheap 39p pile of crap found in every other drawer.
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Irrelevant - its a secure building and there is nothing linking the key to my address - unless you also expect the cleaning lady, who has signed in and is the only one working in that area to then also hack into one of the HR girls computer's and look up my address.

Scotteh said:
Every adittional key is an additional chance of losing it and an additional opportunity for a stranger to find it and gain access to the building.

Why do you think you only get 2 in the first case?
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But I'm not going to be carrying around 2 keys, I'm simply making a copy. If I don't make a copy and I lose one then I'll need to get a copy anyway.... net effect is the same.

Do you own the appartment or do you rent it?
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I own it and I own a share of the management company, there are only 7 other flats in the building. We've got a security guard on at evenings and weekends and a cleaner who also has access for the communal areas - some of the other resident's have cleaners for their own apartments who have obvious been given a spare key, another neighbour who was selling his flat must have lent an agent a key.... - I hardly think any of my neighbours would be too bothered if I keep an extra key. I'd guess the larger apartments come with more than two keys - main issue is the agents we appoint to manage the building charge large admin fees for everything (that's another subject entirely)
 
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If we get a key in and its obviously a restricted/ controlled key, we usually wont copy it without a letter of authorisation.
There's usually a good reason for these locks being fitted where they are.
Any proper locksmith will act in the same manner.

Beware, some companies will pull your trousers down if your found copying there restricted keys. Mess with them at your peril
 
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