Record number and destroy tag

[somenewguy]

Medecos in particular I notice when new, come with a metal tag on the ring of keys which has a number and this warning.

-The numbers don't appear to be a direct code for the key bittings (right?)
-So does Medeco keep on file zillions of these indirect codes and the associated bitting or is there some way to decode them to find the bitting?

What is the deal with the tag itself? Why are we directed to destroy the tag? If they wanted to give us the numbers but thought it was a security risk to keep them with the keys (meaning someone might put it on their keyring with the key?) then why not provide the numbers on a paper tag or card in the box, not attached to the keys.

Does having the metal tag allow you to get copies made without having any other documentation? I am just trying to figure out what the risk is that they would tell you to destroy the tag.

[spandexwarrior]

The tag has an indirect/blind code which can be decoded with the Medeco code book. There are three versions of the code book, one for Original and two for biaxial (the 3rd one was revised to add additional sidebar codes after the Marc Tobias research/book). For non-carded/contract programs like AIR, the tag or the code will be enough for duplicate keys, most everything else requires the card or paperwork through the dealer or whoever the locks came from. Precut keys or locks keyed from the factory will come with these if they don't have a card. The newest locks come with a small white card with the code and a barcode but it's the same info. A system where the locksmith selects the code and cuts the keys won't come with a tag, he'll maintain the records with the signature info, etc.

-Brian

[somenewguy]

Understood, thanks!

So at least on the older systems, I guess the risk is being able to copy keys without having the key present (though I figure any reputable locksmith would ask a few questions before just copying based on the metal tag, to see if it passes the sniff test). I assume the code books are not supposed to be public knowledge, but have some leaked out?

Thanks for the info!