Help with this key.

[masterwafer]

...you offer a restricted keyway and the customer is happy and the key duplication stops.

Not only does duplication stop, risk of bumping is reduced since it's so difficult to find a blank. I like restricted keyways.

[1mrchristopher]

I carry and sell one restricted keyway, but wouldn't ever let a key out without stamping it.

[cledry]

We stamp all restricted keys with an identifier and keep a list of authorized people who can get more keys. We also log how many keys and when the keys were cut and they sign the log book.

[1mrchristopher]

Right there with you cledry.

[averagejoe]

I swear I recall seeing a key way that looked similar to that when I was doing some reading over the Holidays.
I have been looking for the last day with no luck, I will keep at it though

If that was a private key way restricted to one locksmith company's use who would have made the hardware? I am guessing key blanks were not made in house. (and if they were I would love to work for that company)

I think HL Flake or McDonald Dash sell the keys & the lock cylinders but there is a "buy-in" requirement. I just don't like locksmiths who play this type game
on their clients. I have seen this key several times already as clients have come in to get it copied and wind-up feeling like someone screwed them over when
I explain that it's a restricted key that I can't buy, used to keep them from getting a copy.

Not sure why you think locksmiths who offer a restricted keyway are screwing their customer or playing a game. In my experience a customer will say I am tired of my tenants getting copies to give to all and sundry, what is the most cost effective solution to my problem? Then then you offer a restricted keyway and the customer is happy and the key duplication stops. What am I missing?

The problem comes when a business or property owner has a lot of locks with the restricted keyway and then the locksmith either goes out of business or stops carrying that line for what ever reason. The only possibilities for the lock owner is to either find another locksmith that has that keyway or to replace their entire system.

If a locksmith were to use a restricted keyway without the customer knowing to prevent them from going somewhere else is also shady, doubly so with the reasons above.

[billdeserthills]

I swear I recall seeing a key way that looked similar to that when I was doing some reading over the Holidays.
I have been looking for the last day with no luck, I will keep at it though

If that was a private key way restricted to one locksmith company's use who would have made the hardware? I am guessing key blanks were not made in house. (and if they were I would love to work for that company)

I think HL Flake or McDonald Dash sell the keys & the lock cylinders but there is a "buy-in" requirement. I just don't like locksmiths who play this type game
on their clients. I have seen this key several times already as clients have come in to get it copied and wind-up feeling like someone screwed them over when
I explain that it's a restricted key that I can't buy, used to keep them from getting a copy.

Not sure why you think locksmiths who offer a restricted keyway are screwing their customer or playing a game. In my experience a customer will say I am tired of my tenants getting copies to give to all and sundry, what is the most cost effective solution to my problem? Then then you offer a restricted keyway and the customer is happy and the key duplication stops. What am I missing?

The problem comes when a business or property owner has a lot of locks with the restricted keyway and then the locksmith either goes out of business or stops carrying that line for what ever reason. The only possibilities for the lock owner is to either find another locksmith that has that keyway or to replace their entire system.

If a locksmith were to use a restricted keyway without the customer knowing to prevent them from going somewhere else is also shady, doubly so with the reasons above.

So turn Your lemon into lemonade by selling the client a bunch of new un-restricted lock cylinders. It's win-win, as You get to blame the other guy and laugh all the way to the bank with that new-found money!!

[jeffmoss26]

It looks like Clarks locksmith keyway

My thoughts exactly...I have a few different ones in the collection.

[cledry]

So the business owner has a choice. Accept that anybody can make keys to their business. Accept that a locksmith may go out of business before they do. Accept the burden and buy their own restricted keyway.

First one, not a solution.

Second one, a possibility so choose a locksmith who has been in business for some time and looks to be doing well.

Third, probably the best solution, costly and what if the manufacturer goes out of business.

There is a legitimate need for restricted keyways. Not offering them isn't a very wise business choice. Probably the same guys that don't offer electric strikes or electronic locks.

[blue60]

We stamp all restricted keys with an identifier and keep a list of authorized people who can get more keys. We also log how many keys and when the keys were cut and they sign the log book.

this is what I would expect a Locksmith shop to do when dealing with restricted key (I have only ever worked as a in house locksmith).
its just like the "signature card" you fill out with Medeco when doing a new install

also cledry I was wondering what is the price difference for the Client when talking Restricted vs Non-Restricted keyway?

[peterwn]

We stamp all restricted keys with an identifier and keep a list of authorized people who can get more keys. We also log how many keys and when the keys were cut and they sign the log book.

this is what I would expect a Locksmith shop to do when dealing with restricted key (I have only ever worked as a in house locksmith).
its just like the "signature card" you fill out with Medeco when doing a new install

also cledry I was wondering what is the price difference for the Client when talking Restricted vs Non-Restricted keyway?

Two to three times as much as for ordinary keyways, at a guess. The cost of broaches and milling cutters are spread across far fewer plugs and blanks, stocking overheads are higher (especially if several types of plugs for different purposes have to be carried) and the locksmith will charge a premium. The fewer plugs and blanks produced per keyway the better since it is not worth after market blank suppliers making them, but such rarity comes at a price.

I read somewhere that there is a locksmith in Illinois who quoted knock-down prices for supplying locks for state buildings and facilities which he provides on 'his' Primus keyway then cleaned up on extra keys, re-keying, etc.

So the customer has to decide whether it is worth paying extra for enhanced key control. IMO for schools, churches, commercial premises, etc especially where there is masterkeying, it is a no brainer - go restricted every time.

[cledry]

We stamp all restricted keys with an identifier and keep a list of authorized people who can get more keys. We also log how many keys and when the keys were cut and they sign the log book.

this is what I would expect a Locksmith shop to do when dealing with restricted key (I have only ever worked as a in house locksmith).
its just like the "signature card" you fill out with Medeco when doing a new install

also cledry I was wondering what is the price difference for the Client when talking Restricted vs Non-Restricted keyway?

We offer different levels of restricted keyways, but the least expensive option is very reasonable. We only charge $5 each for the keys, versus $3 for a coined neuter bow key. The cylinders sell for @ $40 vs $19-$30 for a non-restricted cylinder. Most of the time we can use the customer's hardware (commercial). SFIC restricted is a bit more. We always give our customers the control key and we offer to sell them their MK system.

[billdeserthills]

You guys might be surprised at just how little customer interest actually is in restricted lock cylinders. I have stocked them for years and while I did sell 15 to one client, other than that, once I did sell a few for a pool/tennis court, in order to keep others out. All in all, restricted cylinders are one of the very slowest sellers I have. Are you guys aware that most folks never even heard of "bumpkeys" let alone even know what they do? Nowadays folks think their burglar alarm will totally protect them from any break-in. I see less folks nowadays even bothering to rekey their locks, because they Know that security alarm is there to save them.

[blue60]

We offer different levels of restricted keyways, but the least expensive option is very reasonable. We only charge $5 each for the keys, versus $3 for a coined neuter bow key. The cylinders sell for @ $40 vs $19-$30 for a non-restricted cylinder. Most of the time we can use the customer's hardware (commercial). SFIC restricted is a bit more. We always give our customers the control key and we offer to sell them their MK system.

That is not as expensive as I expected

[YouLuckyFox]

@Bill: Most people I know will do "the next best thing;" they'll ask about Bump Keys and their heightened awareness will spur them to buy a lock for their bike, even if it doesn't guard against bumping. Or they'll get robbed and install a deadbolt instead of relying on a locking doorknob, but not do anything beyond getting the deadbolt. When I ask why, they've pretty much responded with "aut Ceasar aut Nullis," if it can't keep thermite from getting through, it's not worth upgrading. Another thing I see a lot is putting alarm stickers or ADT signs in the yard, but not having a security system.

[cledry]

You guys might be surprised at just how little customer interest actually is in restricted lock cylinders. I have stocked them for years and while I did sell 15 to one client, other than that, once I did sell a few for a pool/tennis court, in order to keep others out. All in all, restricted cylinders are one of the very slowest sellers I have. Are you guys aware that most folks never even heard of "bumpkeys" let alone even know what they do? Nowadays folks think their burglar alarm will totally protect them from any break-in. I see less folks nowadays even bothering to rekey their locks, because they Know that security alarm is there to save them.

They may not know, but that is part of your job... to listen to a customer's problem and find and offer solutions. We are heavy into sales and sell hundreds of restricted key systems. I'm sure these people didn't know about restricted keys before we explained the pros and cons of their key control or lack thereof. I suppose every area of the country is different but we sell a fair number of restricted as well as high security systems. Once the system is sold it also is constant repeat business.

As for bump keys most people seem to know about them, at least the ones who watch TV.

A lot of residential customers do not rekey but most businesses do. Their loss prevention and insurance make sure that they take care of that when the need arises. We do very little residential work.