Keys Cut Dublin – What keys you can and can’t replicate

Ace Locksmiths are specialists in key cutting services. If you are looking to get your keys cut, drop in or give us a call today!

We provide a full range of locksmith services, from lock-in and lock-outs to key duplication. This article will explain what types of keys you cannot duplicate.

The following is a list of keys that cannot be duplicated:

Transponder Key
Laser Cut Car Key
VAT Key
Abloy keys
Chip Keys
Tubular Keys
Internal Cut Keys
Four-Sided Key

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Electronic components or movable mechanisms

Keys which have electronic components or movable mechanisms present upon the key blank offers the best security and are difficult or impossible to duplicate. These cannot readily be duplicated.

Some manufactures have gone ahead and put small computer chips, magnets, different combinations of metal, or some have even disallowed duplication all together.

“Do not duplicate (DND) keys”

These keys are stamped with a “do not duplicate” imprint on the key surface. Lock and key manufacturers sometimes use this simple technique to avoid illegal duplication. This involves creating “Do Not Duplicate” (DND) keys. A professional locksmith will always get in contact with the manufacturer who originally made the key to assess if they should duplicate or not. However, while this mechanism is supposed to discourage key duplication, the unauthorized copying of DND keys is still a security problem.

Security Restrictions On Some Keys

Some manufactures impose restrictions upon their supply to reduce unauthorised key duplication. As many keys are easily duplicated, key manufacturers have implemented certain key duplication restrictions into their products. They can do this by restricting the amount of blank keys issued. Through this, manufacturer’s create a controlled amount of blank keys available for sales and distribution. Patents key designs then restrict other manufacturers from producing unlawful key blanks.

Here at Ace locksmiths when getting your keys cut dublin, you will be required to provide an ID if the key is a restricted key blank. This ensures the highest level of security is maintained.

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Dublin Locksmith 24hr: How different locks work.

For many of you who have required the services of a locksmith, residential or commercial, you may have wondered how the mechanism keeping you locked out of your house actually works. Here is an explanation of all the common lock types by Ace Locksmiths | Dublin Locksmith 24hr:

1 Pin & Tumbler Locking Mechanism

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The pin-and-tumbler locking mechanism is the traditional and simplest locking mechanism. It is composed of a series of spring-loaded pins, that are inserted into a series of small cylinders. Each cylinder contains a bottom part, called a pin, and a top part, called a driver. As the key is inserted, the springs become compressed as the key lifts the pin, pushing the driver into the upper chambers of the cylinder.

When the matching key is placed in the lock; both the top drivers and bottom pins will align in the shear line. The shear line is the space between these pins, around a track similar to a ward.

When all of the pins and drivers are aligned, the shear line becomes clear and the the key will turn. When the key is removed from the lock, all pins should return to and rest in the chamber. The bottom pins rest in the key chamber and the drivers rest on top of the bottom pins as the pressure of the spring relaxes. An incorrect key will misalign one or more of the spring-loaded locking cylinders. This blocks the key from turning by keeping one or more of the pins or drivers in the way, blocking the shear line.

2 Tubular Locks

The tubular lock is the most common type of locking mechanism. Most interior doors are designed to accommodate the installation of tubular locks. They are most commonly used for bathrooms, bedrooms and other interior doors. Tubular locks are equipped either with a key tumbler lock on the outside knob of the door or with a push button or turn button on the inside knob.

3 Mortise Locks
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A mortise lock is requires a bore, known as the mortise, to be cut into the door. The lock case is then fitted into the mortise. Mortise locks have two different locking mechanisms built into the lock case: the latchbolt and the deadbolt.

4 Rim Locks

A rim lock is a locking mechanism that you attach to the interior surface of a door. A latch is used to unlock the door from the inside. The exterior door surface is unlocked using a smaller sized rim with a pin and tumbler mechanism.

5 Mechanical Locks
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Most locks used on exterior doors are mechanical locks. Mechanical locks operate via a combination metal tumblers, levers, or latches which fall into a slot in the bolt. This prevents it from being moved. Most mechanical locks require the insertion of a key to open the lock. The matching key serrations, that raise the metal pieces will allow the bolt to move.

6 Electronic Locks
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Electronic locks use a code signalled electric current to operate. Electric locks can be mounted directly to the lock, which allows access by a combination code, magnetic card or a key.

So now you know how the 6 most common types of lock mechanisms operate. If you ever find yourself in need of a locksmith you can contact us here.

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