Is Your Key Special? How to tell if a Key is Restricted (2024)

FAQs

Is Your Key Special? How to tell if a Key is Restricted? ›

Restricted keys sport a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from regular keys. They exhibit either two rows of cuts or dimples on the surface and boast unique side millings. These characteristics act as visual cues, making it easy for locksmiths to identify restricted keys at a glance.

A restricted key is sold to a specific client and registered in a database as belonging to that client. This registration means that the key is put on a “do-not-copy” list, which then means that nobody other than the key's original owner can order a copy to be made.

Absolutely not. Any key can be stamped with “Do Not Copy” or “Restricted Blank”. This is commonly done as a deterrent to stop you from copying the key elsewhere.

There are certain types of DND keys which are actually illegal to copy. They are called restricted keys and provide a much higher level of security for your homes and businesses. Restricted keys are keys that can only be cut by authorised locksmiths with permission from an authorised person who manages the key system.

Looking at Restricted Keys (High Security Keys)

But there is good news the producer has unique machinery to cut it. Therefore, only an approved provider can produce such a key, making it a big no-no to duplicate. However, do not think such a key is guaranteed with the “do not duplicate” stamp.

The first thing to know about a restricted key is that it looks different than any other kind. It either has two rows of cuts or dimples cut into its surface, and it comes with unique side millings. Locksmiths will be able to identify these keys easily.

The phrase “do not copy” or “do not duplicate” means the key is restricted, either fitted by a landlord or owner of the property and is to stop copies being reproduced.

Restricted keys sport a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from regular keys. They exhibit either two rows of cuts or dimples on the surface and boast unique side millings. These characteristics act as visual cues, making it easy for locksmiths to identify restricted keys at a glance.

Can you tell if a key has been copied? Copied keys will have a extra line on the outside, but this can only be seen with a magnifying glass. In short, yes.

Inline 6 restricted key systems ~ $50 to $60 each (medium security) BiLock restricted key systems ~$120 each (high security)

What type of key can't be copied? ›

Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) keys.

These keys are designed with electronically installed resistors, which makes them work only for a particular vehicle. Keys marked with “US Property.” These are government-issued keys and cannot be duplicated.

Adding Keyless Entry to Your Property. Installing locks that allow for keyless entry can greatly reduce the number of keys that get copied for your property. After all, allowing people entry without the use of a key takes away the chance of them copying keys to begin with!

Restricted keyways are designed to enhance security measures by limiting key duplication to authorised personnel only, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to copy keys. This added layer of protection ensures that keys cannot be easily reproduced, reducing the risk of break-ins.

A Primary Key cannot contain duplicate values. That's the whole point of them.

Reasons a Copied Key Won't Work

The first thing that may come to mind is that the locksmith who copied the key didn't copy it right. 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.

A restricted key system utilises patent protected keys and lock barrels to restrict access to your building or complex and stop unauthorised duplication.

If you restrict someone: They won't be able to see when you're online or if you've read their messages. Their new comments on your posts will only be visible to that person, and you can choose to see the comment by tapping See comment.

Ford MyKey^® allows you to set restricted driving mode settings in your Ford that promote safe and responsible driving. You can limit your Ford vehicle's top speed, max audio volume, require seat belt usage and more.