Have you ever found yourself patting down every pocket in a panic because your keys have mysteriously vanished? It’s a fast-track ticket to stress city. Your mind races. You’re fretting who’s got them. Were they stolen? Are you locked out forever? It’s never fun.

Thankfully, key copies exist to save the day. A good locksmith can whip up a duplicate in no time and give you that reassuring spare set for moments just like these.

People have many reasons to have extra keys. Maybe your teenager’s finally earned their own set. Or you’ve got a trusted tradesperson doing work while you’re away. Perhaps senior management needs office access. Whatever the reason, key copies can be incredibly handy.

Unfortunately, there’s a catch. Duplicating keys come with a side of risk. If those copixes end up in the wrong hands, someone could stroll right into your property, no invitation required.

Having said that, not all keys are created equal. Some are designed NOT to be copied. That’s right! There are special keys out there with built-in protection to stop unauthorised duplicates.

In this guide, we’ll explain the ins and outs of key copying, including which keys can be copied, which can’t, and why. We’ll even cover keyless entry systems and other modern alternatives. Everything you need to know, all in one tidy package.

More importantly, you’ll be happy to know that this guide was carefully prepared by an expert locksmith in Sheffield who deals with key conundrums every single day. So let’s unlock some answers, shall we?

Key Copying: What Is It?

As the name suggests, key copying involves making a duplicate of an existing key so someone else can come and go as needed.

You might think it’s a slow, fiddly job. In reality, key copying takes anywhere from a speedy two minutes to a more leisurely 25 (depending on the key type). A locksmith can produce a copy for just about any purpose you can think of, using a nifty little gadget called a key-cutting machine.

The process itself is quite straightforward. The original key secures into one side of the key cutting machine. The locksmith then fixes a blank (uncut) key on the machine’s other side. The machine then gets to work, sculpting the blank into a near-perfect twin of your original.

Don’t panic if you lost the original key. A good locksmith can still help, although it takes a bit more know-how. The copy might not be a pixel-perfect match, but it will get your door open and locked again.

One word of advice, though. Always partner with a trusted locksmith. Sure, there are plenty of self-proclaimed key-cutters floating around on social media or classifieds, offering rock-bottom prices. But if the key to your front door is involved, cheap and dodgy isn’t the combo you want.

Using unverified services is never a good idea (it’s a bit like leaving your spare key on the table next to a window). It’s convenient, but risky. Not only could the key be copied again without your knowledge, but the quality might be so poor it doesn’t even work properly.

When you go with a trusty, professional locksmith, you get peace of mind, proper craftsmanship, and a key that won’t quit on you after a few turns. It’s worth it for the security alone.

Are There Keys That Cannot Be Copied?

Not all keys are fair game for duplication. Some are designed to be true one-of-a-kinds (no twins allowed!).

While you might be able to find someone willing to give it a go, certain keys simply aren’t meant to be copied. In some cases, it’s because the key contains unique electronic components. In others, it’s down to strict legal restrictions that prevent replication without the explicit go-ahead from the original keyholder.

These aren’t your average shed padlock keys. They’re serious, security-minded stuff.

Here are a few types of keys that usually can’t (or shouldn’t) be copied:

Abloy Keys

Unlike your everyday key, the Abloy doesn’t rely on pins. Instead, it uses rotating cylinders to secure your door. This design makes it a tricky customer for standard key-copying machines.

To make things even more secure, Abloy keys are crafted using a highly specific cutting system. That means not just anyone with a key cutter can whip up a duplicate.

Only authorised locksmiths with the proper cutting gear, correct PIN code, and key ID can legally and successfully copy one. It’s basically a VIP key.

Transponder Keys

These keys have been around for about 30 years and are most commonly used in the auto industry. However, you might also find them securing garages, safes, and other important spaces.

Each transponder key features a distinct serial number. This number set must match the one inside the lock. When they match, the door opens. It’s as simple as that.

The magic happens via an RFID signal, which allows the key and lock to communicate or connect to each other. If the lock recognises the key’s serial number, access is granted.

Because the serial number is so difficult to copy, duplicating a transponder key is virtually impossible. If one breaks, it’s usually not about copying but more about reprogramming both the key and the lock.

In short, transponder keys are high-tech, high-security, and definitely not something your average key cutter can handle.

Tubular Keys

These keys are easy to spot because they’ve got a ring-shaped hole and operate quite differently from standard keys. Conventional locks feature a vertical pin-and-tumbler system. On the other hand, tubular locks work horizontally, giving them a unique mechanism.

The key’s notches sit around the edge and match a very specific shape in the lock. The key won’t get in if it doesn’t match the lock shape.

One of this key’s biggest perks? Tubular locks can rotate 360 degrees, making them far harder for would-be intruders to pick.

You’ll often find tubular keys on things like bike locks. These have a solid reputation for being tough, durable, and nearly impossible to duplicate. If you ever need a copy, you’ll need a top-tier locksmith with the right tools and plenty of skill!

Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) Keys

These high-security keys are electronically designed, which means standard key-cutting machines are completely useless against them.

Each VATS key has a built-in resistor that sends a specific electrical current to your car’s engine. If the current matches what the engine expects, it starts. If not, the car stays put.

This clever system makes VATS keys much harder to bypass and adds a solid layer of protection for vehicles.

To copy one, a locksmith would need a special device called a VATS interrogator to read the resistance values inside the key. Only then could they possibly create a working duplicate.

But here’s the catch! Most locksmiths don’t offer this service. So if you’ve got a VATS key, you will want to treat it like gold!

Cruciform Keys

These unusual keys have four sets of teeth, giving them a cross-like shape that definitely stands out from the crowd.

Thanks to their complex design, cruciform keys are incredibly difficult to copy and the locks they work with are just as hard to pick.

They’re among the most secure key types out there, but because of their rarity, you won’t come across them very often. When you do, though, you’ll know you’re dealing with serious security.

Sidewinder Keys

Some people call these laser-cut keys. Sidewinder keys don’t have traditional grooves, featuring instead a flat rectangular blade with precise notches. You can insert these keys into the lock either way without fumbling around trying to find the right side!

They’re tougher than the average key, and their unique design makes copying them a real challenge for anyone trying to clone them.

Do Not Duplic2ate Keys: What Are They?

Most standard keys are easy to copy, but some come with extra rules, including legal ones and not just mechanical.

Take Do Not Duplicate (DND) keys, for example. These have “DND” stamped right on them, signalling that they shouldn’t be copied without the owner’s permission.

While DND keys sound fool-proof, they aren’t. Someone (professional or not) can still copy a DND key without securing the key owner’s permission.

To put it in simple words, DND is more of a polite request than a legally enforced barrier. It relies on honesty and respect. Sadly, such attributes aren’t always guaranteed.

Restricted keys are a different beast entirely. These keys feature legal protections that make copying illegal without the key owner’s permission. Only authorised locksmiths with the proper approvals can make copies, and usually, these keys have patent protections, making them much tougher to duplicate.

You can think of restricted keys like landlord keys for rental properties. A tenant cannot just pop into any key cutter to get a spare. They need official permission.

So, if you want to seriously guard against unauthorised copies, go for restricted keys. They’re the legal heavyweights in the key world, giving you control and confidence over who holds a copy.

Keyless Door Systems: The Solution to Key Copying Worries?

Today’s technology has brought us access systems that once felt like pure science fiction. Traditional keys have been around for centuries, as does their risk of being copied or misused. While many people simply upgrade their locks or get sturdier keys, others are opting for a different approach. Keyless entry!

Keys have their limits. No matter how secure your lock is, a skilled criminal with a copied key can still get in. That’s why more folks are choosing to ditch physical keys altogether and switch to keyless systems, also known as access control systems.

Key copying doesn’t exist in keyless systems because they rely on electronic user credentials for user access.

Businesses and high-end homes are the principal clients of such systems. Controlling who can enter specific areas is easy using different authentication types.

Here are some keyless entry methods worth knowing.

PIN Codes

PIN codes are convenient, key-free ways to access rooms and buildings. Key-copying is never an issue because there’s no physical key to duplicate.

However, that doesn’t mean PIN code systems are immune to misuse. For example, someone might overhear, guess, or steal the code. Such acts is like getting a key copy and grants unauthorised individuals access.

So while PIN codes lets you avoid physical key duplication, keeping the code secure is equally important.

Key Cards

Keycards work by storing access permissions within the card itself. It eliminates the need for a traditional key. Since there’s no metal key to copy, you avoid the typical risks of key duplication.

However, keycards can still be stolen or cloned using specialised tools. So, while they reduce the chance of someone walking into a key-cutting shop to make a copy, they aren’t entirely copy-proof.

Remote Control

Physical keys are non-existent in remote access systems. So, there’s nothing to physically copy. Instead of worrying about spare keys floating around, access can be granted or revoked instantly through a smartphone, tablet, or central control panel. This makes traditional key copying a non-issue.

The biggest risk here isn’t duplication, but ensuring only the right people have digital access at the right time.

Biometric Access

Biometric access systems take key copying completely off the table. These include retinal scans, fingerprints, facial recognition, and even whole-body movements (in high-security facilities). There’s no key to lose, lend, or duplicate, because your access is literally you.

Replicating biometric data is nearly impossible. That makes copying access virtually impossible too. It’s one of the most secure ways to avoid the headaches of key duplication, although it comes with a higher price tag.

Is Keyless Entry The Right Choice for You?

Deciding if a keyless entry system is right for you depends on how much you value convenience, control, and security. If you’re often misplacing keys (or trusting people who do), keyless entry removes that hassle entirely. There’s no physical key to lose or copy, and access is controlled digitally through a smartphone, PIN, or biometric scan.

It’s worth pointing out that keyless systems are challenging (if not impossible) to bypass. Criminals need specific tools and technical knowledge to even attempt access. Many systems also log entry attempts, giving you real-time insight into who comes and goes, with the option to grant or revoke access instantly—even if you’re away from home.

However, keyless systems aren’t for everyone. The upfront cost can be high, especially for advanced setups. And because they rely on power and internet, they may not suit areas prone to outages. Still, keyless entry could be a worthwhile upgrade for anyone seeking greater oversight and no risk of key copying.

Final Thoughts

Key copying isn’t always easy (or even possible). Many options exist to stop unwanted duplication, from high-security keys like Abloy and tubular designs to electronic transponders and legally protected restricted keys.

If you’re worried about your keys falling into the wrong hands, you might want to consider a system that’s harder (or outright impossible) to copy. The right choice offers peace of mind and better control over who comes and goes, whether that’s a restricted key or a keyless setup.