Bilock Key

So would alot of other people! If you do not have the little press for folding the key into the U-shape after cutting it with a punch, someone would need to handcraft a key and that would be worth more than $100. Cutting it on two parallel blades mounted in epoxy, etc is theoretically possible but any #4 cut would leave hardly any metal.

The original Bi-lock is nearing the end of patent life AFAIK, but it would seem doubtful whether any after-market operators are going to make the press for folding these keys.

understand that Bilock's are common down under. maybe someone from there could help ?

But I doubt anyone's going to provide an unauthorized duplicate.

Here is the program. The HOA pays for restricted keys to control access to common areas so residents only have access. ( That is what you pay them for.) They charge a deposit for the keys so those that loose the keys or give them out to their friends are the ones paying for the next rekeying. If you feel this system is unfair, run for a seat on the board and change it.

" understand that Bilock's are common down under. maybe someone from there could help ?"

"thats why I refered him to BiLock Service Center. if everthing is above board ? he shouldn't have a problem."

There was no referral to a Bilock service centre..... You just implied that contacting a locksmith in Australia will help this guy get a key cheaper...... Bilock is a restricted key and owned and supplied by a locksmith. Any attempts to get this key copied outside of that locksmith is superceeding the law and immoral for any recognised locksmith to copy. Maybe 'Key' is outside that criteria but most are in total accord with the concept of 'Restricted'.

Sure are where I am. They are on Parliament, City Hall, city parks and reserves padlocks, at least one church, at least two hotels as well as on most pokies. But I doubt the local lockies will help unless you are authorised. They are the ones pushing Bi-Lock to those wanting decent security and key control.

Presumably landlords, bodies corporate, homeowners' associations, etc normally issue one or two entrance keys to each resident, but are loathe any more for security reasons. They use (or the locksmiths market them) restricted or high security cylinders with key control so they are assured that there are no more keys than the ones officially made.

They are going to receive requests for keys to replace those lost as well as additional keys, and presumably have latched on to the idea that charging a high price for these keys is a good way to encourage residents to look after their keys and not to ask for extra keys unless they are really essential.

Simply sticking to this policy saves alot of bother and hassles for the manager / estate office. Also as pointed out elsewhere, these $100's will contribute to changing the lock which will be ineitable at some stage. The fewer lost and extra keys, the less likely the lock will need changing.

Viewed in this light, the $100 charge makes sense. Also note that restricted, Bi-lock etc keys cost twice or more than normal keys to duplicate as the blanks are more expensive (short manufacturing runs), the locksmith has to check credentials, and the key takes longer to duplicate (remembering that they are usually cut 'to code' to ensure accuracy).

If this arrangement is too inflexible for most residents, then the answer lies in an access control system so that lost cards can be cancelled and where residents can obtain a 'short term' card for their guests.

<<<<Viewed in this light, the $100 charge makes sense. Also note that restricted, Bi-lock etc keys cost twice or more than normal keys to duplicate as the blanks are more expensive (short manufacturing runs), the locksmith has to check credentials, and the key takes longer to duplicate (remembering that they are usually cut 'to code' to ensure accuracy).

If this arrangement is too inflexible for most residents, then the answer lies in an access control system so that lost cards can be cancelled and where residents can obtain a 'short term' card for their guests>>>>

Peter and the rest of the group,

The $100 charge makes sense for the association and the locksmith. Not for the homeowner who may or may not have had any input into this decision. I freaked when my property manager wanted $20.00 to replace a lost Yale 8 reverse keyway for my mailbox. The post office charged 1/2 that much. I still felt I was being taken advantage of, especially since it wasn't me who lost the key. Somehow or another, a blank mysteriously came into my possesion. Security is expensive, I thought only Infiniti and Lexus could get away with a $100.00 key.

Ah, now access control....I wish I could get homeowner's associations to invest in these. It's like pulling teeth. Any insight into how to sell this option? Also, on many residential clubhouses and community areas, the access control is needed on pool gates, tennis court gates and the like. Secure access control components on residential grade doors and frames is a challenge. Gates provide their own challenges. Any recommendations?

Bob

Thanks for all of the input on my Bilock problem guys. I have lived in my complex for 18 years and I have never once asked for a duplicated key. I understand the need for discouraging people from losing keys etc. But you are hurting the innocent as well. Of course I'm being taken advantage of, there is no way this key is worth a $100.00, it may be more expensive than a simple key but not that much more expensive. During a heavy rain my key slipped out of my hands and fell down the storm drain in the middle of the driveway of my complex. And for the Association to charge me $100.00 is out of line. Yes I'm looking for a break from the homeowners association. And I will continue to look for anyone who can duplicate this key for me. Let's remember this, the key is for me to get into my own building where I have lived for the past 18 years. That is not a security issue.

Stewart... i cut bilock keys every day, and without the signature of the owner/ administrator I won't even pick up a blank.... if the homeowner ass is said person you'll have to go through them bro... I know were you're at mate I see disgruntled customers telling me the same story every day. But isn't it a good feeling, knowing that your work colleague cant pick up your keys, nick down to Mr Minute and get it copied?

security is not mean't to be convenient.......

steve

A young assistant in a combined sports shop / locksmith was unlawfully cutting restricted keys for $100 each - keys for forest road boom gates being particularly sought after. Forest staff caught a trespasser with one of the keys. The shop owner had to meet the cost of $25,000 to replace the relevant padlocks to salvage his goodwill but only got $5,000 restitution (presumably being paid at some small amount per month)..

Instead of worrying about where to get a key made and trying NOT to pay your "homeowners association" a price that you see as TOO MUCH why not ask them to go fishing in the drain catch basin that your keys fell into...

During that heavy rain that single key fell out of your hands and flowed down the drain in the middle of ther driveway of your complex ??? Sounds like you need to invest in a key ring and keep all of your keys together rather than loose in your pockets...

Don't compromise the security of your complex... Purchase the key in the manner you have been informed you would have to in the event you lost it like you should... A security plan for keyed locks is not worth anything if one doesn't know how many keys are out there...

Evan, ~~formerly a maintenance man, now a college student

read your contract. there is probably mention of the charge for replacing a lost key. just because you don't realize the type security you have there. it is not a reason for you to think you are being ripped off. also, you should be glad that any tom, dick or harry can't easily have a duplicate made to your place. it is a serious security issue.

g'day

The name & phone number of the issuing locksmith is (should) be stamped on the key. Call them & ask what the price is - advise them of the system number etc and ask who the authorised signatories are - there just might not be any and the system may not be registered - That is not meant to happen but it does ...

In the event that the price is a tiny fraction of the price you are being quoted then ask the association to justify it. The most expensive price I have ever heard of for a bilock key is AU$27-80 inc GST.

Paul

I do not think that a locksmith should advise who the authorised signatories are, and certainly should not disclose the customer's name given the system number (I personally consider it wrong to stamp the system number on any key but the top masterkey)..

Just for the sake of fairness, I have located two fello neighbors that have lost keys and were charged only $15.00 dollars for replacement. The Management Co. that is supervising the Keys etc. apparently has one particular individual in charge of the keys. She apparently has the ability to authorize who pays the price, even know the rule states any keys should be $100.00. I will follow up with this and possibly file a complaint etc. To charge me $100.00 and some one else only $15.00 is unfair. It is a form of discrimination.

You should take the matter up with your Homeowners' Association as it appears that they may not have set or ratified policy, and if the policy allows discretion by Management Company staff on behalf of the Association, then this should be subject to any final decision from the Association. Moreover if the $100 charge is valid, then it should be credited to the Accociation (minus cutting and handling costs) to contribute to future re-keying costs, not be profit for the Company.