Key blank

[[File:Keyblanks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Keyblanks pre-stamped with various imprints to discourage key duplication.]]

[[File:Keyblanks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Keyblanks pre-stamped with various imprints to discourage key duplication.]]

A ”’key blank”’ (sometimes spelled keyblank) is a [[key (lock)|key]] that has not been cut to a specific [[Bitting (key)|bitting]]. The blank has a specific cross-sectional profile to match the [[Keyhole|keyway]] in a corresponding lock cylinder. Key blanks can be stamped with a manufacturer name, end-user [[logo]] or with a phrase, the most commonly seen being ‘Do not duplicate’. Blanks are typically stocked by [[locksmithing|locksmiths]] for duplicating keys. The profile of the key bow, or the large, flat end, is often characteristic of an individual manufacturer.

A ”’key blank”’ (sometimes spelled keyblank) is a [[key (lock)|key]] that has not been cut to a specific [[Bitting (key)|bitting]]. The blank has a specific cross-sectional profile to match the [[Keyhole|keyway]] in a corresponding lock cylinder. Key blanks can be stamped with a manufacturer name, end-user [[logo]] or with a phrase, the most commonly seen being ‘Do not duplicate’. Blanks are typically stocked by [[locksmithing|locksmiths]] for duplicating keys. The profile of the key bow, or the large, flat end, is often characteristic of an individual manufacturer.

In many territories, keys stamped with “Do not duplicate” or “It is unlawful to duplicate this key” are protected from unauthorised duplication by patent or registered design and the dealers (often locksmiths) being conditionally licensed to distribute the keys by the owner of the design (the manufacturer).<ref>{{cite web |title=Restricted Key Systems |url=https://www.chubbfiresecurity.com/en/nz/products/locks-safes/restricted-key-systems/ |website=Chubb New Zealand |publisher=Chubb New Zealand |access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref> Once a patented or registered design has expired, it is no longer legally protected from unauthorised duplication, however the license agreement may continue to restrict the distributor, and some trade organisations have ethical standards that prevent members from duplicating such keys.<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited BY-LAWS |url=https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/locksmith-industry/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/MLAA-By-Laws-13Oct2016.pdf |publisher=Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited |access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref> In other territories, they are perfectly legal to duplicate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://keyalarms.com/index.php/key-duplication|title=Do Not Duplicate|publisher=Racine’s Locksmithing & Security|accessdate=16 October 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214225632/http://www.keyalarms.com/index.php/key-duplication|archivedate=14 February 2016}}</ref> Some key blank manufacturers strictly restrict the sale of their own blanks. Some blanks are made only in small volumes and are not widely available.

In many territories, keys stamped with “Do not duplicate” or “It is unlawful to duplicate this key” are protected from unauthorised duplication by patent or registered design and the dealers (often locksmiths) being conditionally licensed to distribute the keys by the owner of the design (the manufacturer).<ref>{{cite web |title=Restricted Key Systems |url=https://www.chubbfiresecurity.com/en/nz/products/locks-safes/restricted-key-systems/ |website=Chubb New Zealand |publisher=Chubb New Zealand |access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref> Once a patented or registered design has expired, it is no longer legally protected from unauthorised duplication, however the license agreement may continue to restrict the distributor, and some trade organisations have ethical standards that prevent members from duplicating such keys.<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited BY-LAWS |url=https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/locksmith-industry/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/MLAA-By-Laws-13Oct2016.pdf |publisher=Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Limited |access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref> In other territories, they are perfectly legal to duplicate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://keyalarms.com/index.php/key-duplication|title=Do Not Duplicate|publisher=Racine’s Locksmithing & Security|accessdate=16 October 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214225632/http://www.keyalarms.com/index.php/key-duplication|archivedate=14 February 2016}}</ref> Some key blank manufacturers strictly restrict the sale of their own blanks. Some blanks are made only in small volumes and are not widely available.

The State of California prohibits locksmiths from copying keys marked “Do Not Duplicate” or “Unlawful to Duplicate”, provided the key originator’s company name and telephone number are included on the key.<ref name=”california-key-code”>{{cite web|url=http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=6980.54.&article=7.|title=CA Business and Professions Code Section 6980.54(b)(1)|accessdate=16 May 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231154258/http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=6980.54.&article=7.|archivedate=31 December 2017}}</ref>

The State of California prohibits locksmiths from copying keys marked “Do Not Duplicate” or “Unlawful to Duplicate”, provided the key originator’s company name and telephone number are included on the key.<ref name=”california-key-code”>{{cite web|url=http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=6980.54.&article=7.|title=CA Business and Professions Code Section 6980.54(b)(1)|accessdate=16 May 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231154258/http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=6980.54.&article=7.|archivedate=31 December 2017}}</ref>

[[Associated Locksmiths of America]] (ALOA), an internationally recognized as the North American association for locksmiths, considers such stamps to be ineffective at providing security.<ref name=”aloa”>{{cite web|url=http://www.aloa.org/pdf/techstd.pdf|title=ALOA TECHNICAL STANDARDS|date=1 May 2005|publisher=The Associated Locksmiths of America|accessdate=7 September 2021|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512003545/http://www.aloa.org/pdf/techstd.pdf|archivedate=12 May 2008}}</ref><ref>[https://locksmithforqueensny.com/ Locksmith For Queens NY]</ref>

[[Associated Locksmiths of America]] (ALOA), an internationally recognized as the North American association for locksmiths, considers such stamps to be ineffective at providing security.<ref name=”aloa”>{{cite web|url=http://www.aloa.org/pdf/techstd.pdf|title=ALOA TECHNICAL STANDARDS|date=1 May 2005|publisher=The Associated Locksmiths of America|accessdate=7 September 2021|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512003545/http://www.aloa.org/pdf/techstd.pdf|archivedate=12 May 2008}}</ref>

[[File:Taylor 539 Bit Key Blank.jpg|thumb|right|Blank of Taylor 539 [[bit key]]]]

[[File:Taylor 539 Bit Key Blank.jpg|thumb|right|Blank of Taylor 539 [[bit key]]]]