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I went to ~6 different hardware stores in NYC before I found one in LES that did not bat an eye on the "do not copy". So, I guess, YMMV.


I think the somewhat better ones use blanks that are in theory only sold to locksmiths (not to your typical hardware store/kiosk), but that's unlikely to matter all that much. These days you can get keys made from a photo or two, or you can just spend some time watching Deviant Ollam's videos and likely have several other options for opening doors.

Popping the pins is probably not a great approach for daily use though.


There are some ones that use mechanical features, rollers usually, that require access to either a good machine shop or OEM blanks.


Or a bent screwdriver and a spring steel hook


Yeah, back in the day you'd have to go to a crappier store and (over)pay for the new key with cash. Putting a piece of strong tape over the words and having a decent story didn't hurt either.

Nowadays you can just use the kiosks in grocery stores though.




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