Key Copies

[wyndow]

Recently bought a house with “do not duplicate” keys. Tried home depot & lowe’s and received a “no go”. Any recommendations of how or where in West Seattle to get copies made? Thank you!

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[Kevin]

Put a little piece of cloth tape over the “do not duplicate” stamp and write something like “back door”, “garage” or something like that. Make sure to “age” it a little with some dirt or grime so it looks like it has been on there for some time.

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Also, if you are still having trouble, take the problem to your realtor and let them get you extra keys made.

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Lastly, if you are not POSITIVE about who might have a copy of that key, you may be better off to take the lock off the door and take it to a locksmith to have it re-keyed (cheapest option) or call a locksmith to make a house call to re-key the lock.

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If it was me, I would be thinking about re-keying.

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[Ken]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_blank

What brand is the key?

In most states it is only a copyright issue or because of the “patent” on the key blank or the method used to cut it. CA and a few others only enforce the do not duplicate rules for state owned and public buildings.

In WA Medeco “do not duplicate” seems to be a profit center for some locksmiths though they seem to address a very real issue for people in rural areas and vacation homes.

http://www.keyholesecurity.com/bumpkey.htm

I suspect any local locksmith will make you a key if you can prove you own the building. The blanks for some are more expensive than the standard blanks and must be bought in boxes of 50 or more, so expect to pay a premium.

I think I had one made at the hardware store in pike place (near the original starbucks) back in 99 but I think the place has closed since then.

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[KBear]

Did you try Junction True Value? They make keys. I’d call ahead and ask about your particular problem.

But seriously, you’re going to spend hundreds of thousands on a new house and not change the locks?

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[HelperMonkey]

I’d also agree on getting your locks changed. Whatever route you go, re-keying or duplicating – definitely try Locksmith Services up in the Admiral, just south of Circa. Ask for Charity.

206-935-7538

2607 California Ave SW

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[Sue]

I seem to recall that locksmiths can often copy those keys if you have a letter (on letterhead) from someone giving you authorization to copy them. You could try that or at least call ahead and see what it takes to get it copied. But I do agree with others who suggest getting the locks changed.

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[tom kelley]

Charity helped me with a similar situation. Very helpful.

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[Author]

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