Key blank

A key blank (sometimes spelled keyblank) is a key that has not been cut to a specific bitting. The blank has a specific cross-sectional profile to match the keyway in a corresponding lock cylinder. Key blanks can be stamped with a manufacturer name, end-user logo or with a phrase, the most commonly seen being 'Do not duplicate'. Blanks are typically stocked by locksmiths for duplicating keys. The profile of the key bow, or the large, flat end, is often characteristic of an individual manufacturer.

In many territories, keys stamped with "Do not duplicate" or "It is unlawful to duplicate this key" are protected from unauthorised duplication by patent or registered design and the dealers (often locksmiths) being conditionally licensed to distribute the keys by the owner of the design (the manufacturer).^[1] Once a patented or registered design has expired, it is no longer legally protected from unauthorised duplication, however the license agreement may continue to restrict the distributor, and some trade organisations have ethical standards that prevent members from duplicating such keys.^[2] In other territories, they are perfectly legal to duplicate.^[3] Some key blank manufacturers strictly restrict the sale of their own blanks. Some blanks are made only in small volumes and are not widely available.

The State of California prohibits locksmiths from copying keys marked "Do Not Duplicate" or "Unlawful to Duplicate", provided the key originator's company name and telephone number are included on the key.^[4]

Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), an internationally recognized as the North American association for locksmiths, considers such stamps to be ineffective at providing security.^[5]

References[edit]

^ "Restricted Key Systems". Chubb New Zealand. Chubb New Zealand. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
^ "Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited BY-LAWS" (PDF). Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
^ "Do Not Duplicate". Racine's Locksmithing & Security. Archived from the original on 14 February 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
^ "CA Business and Professions Code Section 6980.54(b)(1)". Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
^ "ALOA TECHNICAL STANDARDS" (PDF). The Associated Locksmiths of America. 1 May 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2021.

External links[edit]

Media related to Key blanks at Wikimedia Commons

[1] "Restricted Key Systems". Chubb New Zealand. Chubb New Zealand. Retrieved 15 September 2022.

[2] "Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited BY-LAWS" (PDF). Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited. Retrieved 13 October 2016.

[3] "Do Not Duplicate". Racine's Locksmithing & Security. Archived from the original on 14 February 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2015.

[california-key-code-4] "CA Business and Professions Code Section 6980.54(b)(1)". Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.

[aloa-5] "ALOA TECHNICAL STANDARDS" (PDF). The Associated Locksmiths of America. 1 May 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2021.

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v t e Locks, locksmithing, lock picking, and security alarms
Fundamental concepts	Access control Authentication Key control Key duplication Key relevance Master keying Password Physical security Rekeying
Components and hardware	Bitting Interchangeable core Key blank Key code Key retainer Lockrod Lockset Bored cylindrical lock Mortise lock Rim lock Single-point locking Three-point locking
Keys	Berlin key Car key Keychain Skeleton key Smart key
Mechanical locks	Warded lock Pin tumbler lock Disc tumbler lock Lever tumbler lock Magnetic keyed lock Padlock Combination lock Rotary combination lock Time-delay combination locks Time lock Tubular pin tumbler lock Wafer tumbler lock
Electronic locks	Electromagnetic lock Electronic lock Electric strike Keycard lock
Other lock types	Bicycle lock Bramah lock Chubb detector lock Child safety lock Crash bar Dead bolt Door chain Kensington Security Slot Knox Box Latch Luggage lock Night latch Power door locks Protector lock Real-estate lock box Steering-wheel lock The Club
Lock picking	Lock bumping Locksport Slim Jim Snap gun
Security alarms	Alarm device Alarm monitoring center Car alarm Card reader Closed-circuit television Door security Dual loop Fingerprint scanner Glass break detector Heat detector Key switch Keypad Miniature snap-action switch Motion detector Occupancy sensor Passive infrared sensor (PIR) Perimeter intrusion detection Photoelectric sensor Piezo switch Pressure switch Proximity card Reed switch Tripwire Ultrasonic transducer Vandal-resistant switch Water detector Window security
Miscellaneous	Glossary of locksmithing terms Electromagnetic door holder Exit control lock John M. Mossman Lock Museum Key to the City Lock Museum Lock Museum of America Musée de la Serrure Puzzle lock
Category:Locksmithing Keys Locks Book

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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