Schlage "Numbered" (paracentric) keyways

[redsox88]

So I just moved into a new house, and I went to make a copy of my front door keys and got rebuffed by three locksmiths in town. I'm so confused...Two said that they didn't have the blanks. One said that he wouldn't copy the key.

Apparently my front door has a restricted keyway for some reason. As far as I can gather (from the Schlage site, etc.) the keyway I have falls into a group that they no longer produce for new applications. Originally it was called "Paracentric." Now it's called "Numbered." The keyway features three grooves on the right hand side that restrict the key blanks that can be used, but otherwise it looks pretty similar to a normal 6-pin SC Schlage keyway. The bow of my key is stamped with "1348" which I am taking to be the number of the keyway. The other side is stamped "Do Not Duplicate"

I called the previous owner, and he said he never made copies of the keys and wasn't aware that they were restricted somehow.

Where the heck am I supposed to get this key copied? None of the locksmiths I talked to seemed to have any experience with this system, which struck me as very odd.

Does anyone know how this system works? are the keyways geographically restricted? Is it possible to order blanks from somewhere to get them to the locksmiths? Shouldn't I just be able to go to a Schlage dealer and get a copy, even though it says 'Do Not Duplicate'? I'm really stumped. It seems like such a low-security system, and yet it's very frustrating.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Chucklz]

Seems like a reasonable way to minimize unauthorized duplication for me, as you have had no luck getting keys made. You should bring all your locks to be rekeyed anyway, so at least then you will get keys made.

[SoBeIcedT]

you could try either bringing the lock With you to show it was in fact your lock. OR you could grind the words do Not duplicate off and try some more locksmiths

[locksmistress]

The Schlage numbered keyways were restricted - I think patent has expired on most of them and they are now just darned inconvenient.

Ilco carries the 1348 keyblank (part# SC1348) - which means that your local locksmith can special order them cheap and easy. You may be stuck paying for a minimum order of 10 or something like that, but you'll have as many copies as you need for life.

While some locksmiths will not make copies of Do Not Duplicate keys, they will generally re-key a lock and issue you new keys. As Chucklz suggested, you should really get your locks changed either way.

Congrats on your new house.

[Varjeal]

Hmm...unless you feel that security-wise you need a restricted keyway, I'd have the cylinders changed to something different. In fact, I'd probably do so regardless. Take your locks to a locksmith you can trust, tell them you'd like a higher security lock cylinder installed. Most likely you will have to fill out a signature card in so that you are authorized to get keys cut at that particular locksmith place.

If that seems needless to you, get a locksmith to put in standard Schlage cylinders in.

[redsox88]

Yeah, I know I could have someone put in new cylinders, but that's almost more of a hassle.

I think I should be able to get the thing copied SOMEWHERE.

Does anyone have experience picking these things? I tried it just for fun and i couldn't get it. Only spent about 20 min. trying, but it seems like a solid pick-resistant design. Anyone know if they employ serrated drivers or mushrooms? Now it's got me frustrated so I have to pop it.

[Wolf2486]

When I was working at a locksmiths I believe I came in contact with one of those Schlage locks. We did not have the key blank but we could order it from, as said above, Ilco. The customer did say something about having trouble getting his key copied (though he probably tried Lowe's and Wal-Mart ect.). Re-keying that lock may not work if they do not have the proper key blank to cut. Unfortunately I've never had the pleasure of picking these locks, so I cannot help you with that.

Wolf