Unethical Life Pro Tips

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ULPT Request, Copy "Do Not Duplicate" keys (slrpnk.net)

submitted 6 days ago by vimmiewimmie@slrpnk.net to c/unethicallifeprotips@lemmy.world

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How would I make copies of keys that either say "Do not duplicate", are of that general type with like a locksmith business etched into it, or is some fancier "Best" Cormax brand?

I'm really close to getting into stable housing, been roughing it for a few years, and do custodial to make ends meet. There are a few keys that if I had copies of them would let me use a shower, toilet, A/C and a microwave for a few months then destroy the keys when I move in to a place.

Any ideas?

Sorry to ask, thank you for any direction or guidance you might be able to provide.

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[–] jinx@lemmy.zip 2 points 6 days ago (2 children)

minute key? there's one in most walmarts i've been to

[–] three@lemmy.zip 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Can I copy “Do Not Duplicate,” school building, high-security, public institution or other restricted keys?

No, this machine cannot be used for duplicating any keys marked “Do Not Duplicate”. See TERMS OF USE for more details.

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 6 points 5 days ago (2 children)

I used one for this. The machine doesn't know.

This is just a legal CYA.

[–] three@lemmy.zip 5 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Huh, I'd figure they'd scan for that or something.

[–] vimmiewimmie@slrpnk.net 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

That's my worry as well. The last thing I want is to set off some alarm or whatever.

[–] jinx@lemmy.zip 0 points 4 days ago

if you're worried, i've heard of people covering the words with tape

[–] vimmiewimmie@slrpnk.net 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Thank you very much. That's really good to know.

Though, I'm unsure of a few things.

So, the machine physically CAN copy this type of key, you're just not supposed to?

And, additionally, I wonder how it copies a key type if it doesn't have the key template in it's inventory.

Unless it either has those templates and just tells people to use the honor system, or it somehow copies keys in a way which somewhat disregards the specifics of templates?

Also, unless the manner in which it copies keys is capable of duplicating various security features, this wouldn't work for say the more secure 'Best Cormax' key (which would give the shower access)?

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 2 points 5 days ago

It’s definitely going to depend on what type of key you have. The ones at my local supermarket are very simple and practically can only copy house keys. I’ve definitely copied rental apartment keys with it though that have a “do not copy” text engraved.

Postbox keys and automotive keys, I don’t know of any machine that copies them in my area. Not because they detect and refuse, but because it needs to be the correct key size.

If it actually has the right size key available, I’ve yet to come across a machine that would actually inspect the key to see if it was labeled to refuse copying.

[–] vimmiewimmie@slrpnk.net 2 points 5 days ago

Like @three@lemmy.zip mentioned, the service states you can't duplicate those types of keys. But on their website, after this statement, they link to their Terms of Service, which states

and you will not use the Service or the Minute Key Machine to duplicate any third party’s keys (including without limitation, protected keys such as “Do Not Duplicate,” “Do Not Copy,” public school, public university, or public institution keys)"

unless you are authorized in writing by such third party to duplicate such keys."

So, the machine physically CAN copy this type of key, you're just not supposed to?

And, additionally, I wonder how it copies a key type if it doesn't have the key template in it's inventory.

Unless it either has those templates and just tells people to use the honor system, or it somehow copies keys in a way which somewhat disregards the specifics of templates?

Also, unless the manner in which it copies keys is capable of duplicating various security features, this wouldn't work for say the more secure 'Best Cormax' key (which would give the shower access)?