Key Duplication Myths: What Homeowners Often Get Wrong

Well, not so fast. The key duplication industry is full of myths that may jeopardize your security or even put you in an unpleasant situation outside your doorstep. As a specialist, GreenPro Locksmith would like to debunk some of the biggest myths homeowners cling to.

Any Copy Is As Good As The Original One

This is the most common mistake people make. To them, a machine should be perfect when it cuts a key. But keys are mechanical objects that wear out over time. 

So, when you reproduce a worn-out duplicate, you are reproducing the flaws instead of the original, precise measurements. This is termed as copying a copy, and it causes key degeneration.

Even though a key cut of a damaged copy can fit into your lock, it occasionally turns a little too hard. The slight roughness can eventually damage the inner parts of your lock cylinder, making it fail. But an experienced locksmith can create a key that is nearly identical to the original key, as they have specialized tools and are often able to trace the original maker's specifications.

Hardware Store Copies are Cheaper and Just as Good

Sometimes, buying a key at a box store will be cheaper than going to an expert locksmith shop. However, speed and convenience are sometimes preferred over quality and expertise.

Most of the retail employees who cut keys are not well-trained on how locks and keys work, just the machine. They often use cheaply made key blanks that are not as durable or as hard as those employed by a skilled locksmith.

This means that, although you may save several dollars in the short run, the price of an emergency visit to GreenPro Locksmith to fix the problem will be significantly higher if the key breaks off in your lock.

Keys Labeled "Do Not Duplicate" are Impossible to Duplicate

Some keys, specifically those for high-security residential locks, offices, or apartments, are stamped with "Do Not Duplicate" on the metal. Homeowners often believe that this stamp is an unbreakable legal barrier.

The fact is that this stamp is usually nothing more than a polite request. A typical key-cutting machine will not actually bother with what is printed on the key, though some ethical key cutters will refuse the job. The key blank can be duplicated, as long as it is available. But only keys that have patented keyways are actually restricted. 

Any Key Can be Duplicated

Although it may seem that any metal item can be copied, modern home security keys, such as Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or others, use complex cuts, side-milled or magnetic elements that cannot be replicated by standard key-cutting machines. 

These keys involve specialized equipment and licensed dealers. And this type of service can only be available through a legitimate, full-service locksmith shop. 

We are Here to Get it Right!

Key duplication is a specialized trade that influences home security. It requires precision, high-quality materials, and experience with the lock to determine how the key will work. 

You can never go wrong or doubt the choice of a well-qualified and experienced provider such as GreenPro Locksmith. In addition to providing fast services, we will work on your security system to be functional.