Many people believe that duplicating a key is a simple, harmless task, and that it has zero impact on protection. But the reality is far more complex. One common myth is that key duplication is exclusively done by professionals, and that’s the safest option. In truth, key duplication is available at hardware stores, and these locations often use low quality machines. As a result, the copies they produce are often inaccurate, which may fail to turn smoothly, or could be cloned by criminals.
Another widespread belief is that a key marked “do not copy” is legally binding and cannot be duplicated. This is false. There is no national regulation that enforces these warnings. A “do not duplicate” tag is essentially a request, not a legal barrier. Anyone with access to a standard key duplicator can still make a copy without breaking the law. Some commercial-grade locks do require authorization or a special code, but residential door keys are not subject to these rules.
Some assume that a key with intricate cuts means it’s resistant to cloning. While more intricate keys demand precision equipment, they are easily compromised. With کلیدسازی شبانهروزی سیار کرج of 3D printing, even the most complex design can be copied within seconds. If your key is left unattended, it’s a major vulnerability.
Another myth is that physical locks provide full protection. In reality, key management is vital to security. If you hand out copies to friends without monitoring access, you’re significantly weakening security. Every copy is a hidden vulnerability. The best practice is to limit the number of copies, use Masters or Medeco-grade locks that require authorized key codes, and consider digital credential systems that can be tracked in real time.
Finally, many think that installing new hardware after theft is enough. But if someone possesses a duplicate, replacing the lock doesn’t close the door. The only way to be sure is to install a completely new lock, and physically eliminate all unauthorized keys. It’s also a good idea to update digital PINs if you’ve given access to a former tenant.
Security isn’t just about the lock. It’s about awareness, risk mitigation, and secure key distribution. Understanding the myths transforms how you secure your space and secures your personal assets.