Banham keys - really illegal to duplicate?

dada44

I have a Banham key that I am looking to get copied. I know the usual way to do this is to register with Banham, but it requires much more time and effort than is required.

Are the keys really "illegal to duplicate", as engraved on the key? I cannot see them passing a law like this in parliament?

Am i likely to find a key cutter to do this?

iamcornholio

It would not be a criminal offence to copy the keys, but the copier may open themselves up to private action in the civil court, but I can't think how this would be successful

It's similar to the "This is a pack from a Multipack and must not be sold separately" argument

Key cutters tend to observe their own little codes and would probably decline to copy the keys - as they do with any normal security key

Exactly how much trouble is it to register with Banham?

moonrakerz

I have special keys similar to this. If I require new keys (not cheap) I have to go to a recognised dealer in these locks and prove that I am in possession of this particular lock and have just cause to have more keys cut. Obviously if you have a key already - no probs.
Only their dealers will have the correct blanks and the correct cutting tools.

telsokari

i got my banham keys copied at a Timpson no trouble. i wasn't even aware of this supposed law

It was expensive though, he classed them as security keys

Imp

We have secure keys for work (Kaba). A contractor needed and extra set, for legitimate purposes - working on two sites at once. Rather than go the correct route to get an extra set issued, he went to a key cutter to get them cut.

The locksmith said "of course we can cut these, but they will take a little time as they are unusual", and went to the back of the shop. When out of site/ear shot of the contractors, he telephoned the police who arrived quick smart and took the contractors down the local nick until they could explain why they were trying to copy a protected key, and our company had said they had been issued a key.

ormus

my auntie lives in a HA flat. the keys are not allowed to be copied.
timpsons refused to copy it. as did one local locksmith.

but i found one that did do it. eventually.

inspiredart

telsokari wrote: »

i got my banham keys copied at a Timpson no trouble. i wasn't even aware of this supposed law

It was expensive though, he classed them as security keys

was it a dimple key