DO NOT DUPLICATE stamped on keys means different things to different people. My friend Ron at Santa Fe Lock is a real DND Nazi! He also gets lots of walk in traffic and copies tons of keys, so it can be difficult to determine if someone is authorized to have the key copied. Lots of people walk out of there upset. For me, the person I’m usually dealing with is authorized to have keys made. I stamp DND if requested with the caveat that it’s only three words on a key, nothing more. I make it clear that it’s not going to prevent anyone from making the key. Stamping DND on common keys like SC1 and KW1 is a wasted effort, in my opinion. Some keys like those belonging to the Postal Service are protected by Federal law, others need to rely on patents and unusual key sections and designs.
The good stuff isn’t expensive at all compared to what it’s expected to protect. Alarms are OK, but only alert you after your perimeter has been breached. Many “break-ins” are done with a simple duplicate key, and DND is usually no help. A couple of really good deadbolts with up to date key designs costs less than a good computer and will last much longer.
It may seem like overkill, but if it makes a burglar take a pass on your place, it’s worth it. It’s an awful feeling to come home to find the door wide open and your things rifled through.
Until next time, good lock!
Chris G.
