How To Duplicate Medeco Keys? - Okey DoKey Locksmith
Need to duplicate a Medeco key or replace one that has been lost? Medeco keys are commonly used with high-security residential and commercial locks, and some Medeco key systems use restricted key-control procedures that are very different from copying an ordinary house key.
A key stamped “DO NOT DUPLICATE” does not by itself explain whether a key can legally or technically be copied. What matters more is the particular Medeco key system, whether the keyway is restricted or protected, and what authorization is required by the dealer or locksmith.
This guide explains how Medeco key duplication works, where to have a key copied, what may be required if you lose your authorization information, and what to do when both the key and authorization information are missing.
Contents
Who Is Medeco?
Medeco Inc., originally known as Mechanical Development Company, is a manufacturer of high-security locking products. Medeco is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group and is based in Virginia.
Medeco produces cylinders and key systems for residential, commercial, institutional, government, and other applications where key control and resistance to unauthorized duplication may be important.
Different generations and families of Medeco locks use different key-control systems. For that reason, the requirements for duplicating one Medeco key may not necessarily apply to another.
Can Medeco Keys Be Duplicated?
Yes, Medeco keys can be duplicated, but the process depends on the particular Medeco system.
Some Medeco systems use restricted or controlled keyways intended to limit who can obtain key blanks and who is authorized to cut additional keys. An authorized Medeco dealer may need to verify that the person requesting the duplicate has permission to order another key.
This is one of the reasons Medeco locks are used in applications where an owner or facility manager wants greater control over the number of keys in circulation.
For example, if a business gives keys to employees, contractors, or maintenance personnel, a controlled key system can make it more difficult for someone to obtain an unauthorized duplicate through an ordinary key-cutting counter.
If you need another key for an existing Medeco lock, identify the key system and contact an appropriate Medeco dealer or locksmith before assuming that any locksmith can duplicate it.
Unauthorized Medeco Key Duplication
A stamped message such as “DO NOT DUPLICATE” should not be confused with the actual security controls of a restricted key system. The important questions are whether the key blank is controlled, whether patent or other protections apply to the particular system, and what authorization procedures the manufacturer and dealer require.
Like other security products, no key-control system should be treated as an absolute guarantee against every conceivable form of unauthorized duplication. Medeco's objective is to provide controlled systems that make obtaining unauthorized keys substantially more difficult than copying an ordinary unrestricted key.
For security reasons, this article does not provide instructions for bypassing Medeco's authorization procedures or creating unauthorized copies of restricted keys.
Where Can I Duplicate Medeco Keys?
The appropriate place to duplicate a Medeco key depends on the key system. For restricted systems, you may need a Medeco authorized dealer or locksmith with the correct key blanks, cutting equipment, and authorization for that system.
Medeco provides a dealer locator that can help you find an authorized provider.
Bring the existing key and any authorization information associated with the system. For commercial or institutional systems, additional keys may need to be ordered through the person or organization responsible for the property's key-control program.
How to Replace a Lost Medeco Key
Losing one Medeco key does not necessarily mean that the entire lock must be replaced. If you still have the required authorization information and the system permits additional keys to be ordered, an authorized provider may be able to produce another key.
There is, however, a separate security question to consider: who might find the missing key?
If the lost key can be connected to your home, business, or building, simply making another copy does not prevent the missing key from continuing to operate the lock. In that situation, consider whether the affected cylinder should be rekeyed or whether another change to the key system is appropriate.
What If I Lost My Medeco Authorization Card?
Losing the authorization card or other credential associated with a controlled Medeco system can make duplication more complicated. An authorized locksmith should not simply ignore the system's authorization requirements because the customer no longer has the original credential.
The procedure for restoring authorization depends on the particular Medeco system and how it was originally registered. Medeco or an authorized dealer may require documentation that establishes your authority over the key system before additional restricted keys can be ordered.
Medeco provides information and assistance through its support resources. Requirements can vary, so confirm the current procedure directly with Medeco or an authorized dealer rather than relying on an old universal checklist.
Depending on the system and circumstances, you may be asked for information such as:
- Identification of the Medeco key system or cylinder.
- An existing key, when available.
- Documentation establishing authorization or ownership.
- Information maintained by the original Medeco dealer or locksmith.
What If I Lost the Card and Every Medeco Key?
If both the authorization information and every working key are missing, the situation requires more investigation. The appropriate solution depends on the Medeco system, its registration records, the cylinder, and whether ownership or authorization can be established through other records.
Do not assume that an expired patent automatically means any locksmith can or should generate a replacement key. Patent status, availability of blanks, dealer restrictions, and the technical design of the particular Medeco system are separate issues.
An authorized Medeco dealer can identify the system and determine what legitimate replacement options are available.
If a replacement key cannot appropriately be issued, changing or rekeying the affected lock may be the practical solution. For a property where control of the existing keys has been lost, a lock change can also establish a new set of authorized keys.
How Much Does a Medeco Key Cost?
The cost of duplicating or replacing a Medeco key depends heavily on the particular key system and the service required. A straightforward authorized duplicate is different from a situation involving lost authorization information, no existing key, cylinder servicing, or rekeying.
| Service | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Service Call | $29 |
| Medeco Key Duplication | Price varies by key system |
| Lost Key / Authorization Assistance | Price varies by system and work required |
Estimates only; final pricing is provided after inspection.
Factors that can affect the price include the type of Medeco system, whether a working key is available, authorization requirements, the number of duplicate keys requested, and whether the lock itself needs to be serviced or rekeyed.
Medeco Key Duplication FAQ
Can a Medeco key be copied?
Yes. Medeco keys can be duplicated when the requirements of the particular key system are met. Restricted systems may require authorization and an appropriately equipped dealer.
Can any locksmith duplicate a Medeco key?
Not necessarily. The locksmith needs access to the correct blank and equipment, and restricted systems may require an authorized Medeco dealer or other approved provider.
Can a hardware store copy a Medeco key?
It depends on the key. Many controlled Medeco systems are not intended to be duplicated through an ordinary retail key-copy counter.
What does “DO NOT DUPLICATE” mean on a Medeco key?
The wording itself is not the same thing as the technical and administrative restrictions of a controlled key system. Whether a key can be duplicated depends on the particular keyway, authorization requirements, and applicable restrictions.
Do I need my Medeco authorization card to make another key?
Some Medeco systems require specific authorization before another key can be produced. If your system uses an authorization card and it has been lost, contact an authorized Medeco dealer to determine the current replacement or verification procedure.
Should I duplicate a key after losing the original?
You can replace a lost key when the system permits it, but consider the security risk created by the missing key. If someone could identify the property it operates, rekeying or changing the affected lock may be safer than simply making another copy.
What if I have no Medeco key and no authorization card?
An authorized dealer will need to determine whether your authority over the system can be verified and what replacement options are available. Depending on the circumstances, rekeying or replacing the cylinder may be necessary.
