CloneMyKey vs DIY & Kiosks
The Smarter Way to Duplicate Your Key Fob
Skip the risk and frustration—get professional-grade RFID duplication with guaranteed compatibility and secure handling.
Important First: Check With Your Landlord
Hey, going through your landlord, if possible, is the best way! If your landlord or property manager offers reasonably priced key fob copies, we recommend going through them first. CloneMyKey is here when you need a more affordable, convenient, or technologically advanced alternative.
How CloneMyKey Compares
A detailed look at your RFID duplication options
Retail Kiosks
Typically found in big box stores, grocery stores, and other retail locations
When Kiosks Make Sense
You're at a big box store for other shopping and have time to spare
You have a backup plan if your original key gets damaged (rare, but has happened)
You have an older, non-encrypted key that kiosks typically support
CloneMyKey offers better pricing, especially when ordering multiples
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Immediate - if your key is compatible and the machine has stock
- Convenient when already shopping - perfect when you're already at the store for other tasks
Cons
- Highest prices - Often the most expensive option due to store rental fees and commissions
- Very limited RFID format support - only supports a handful of older formats that were introduced in the 1980's
- Often out of stock - frequently no inventory for the keys you need
- Only physical locations - must visit store during operating hours
- Limited key blank options - only several basic options available
- Risk of damaging original key - customer reports of overwriting originals
DIY Methods
Do-it-yourself approaches using consumer or professional cloning equipment
When DIY Makes Sense
You have technical knowledge of RFID systems and programming
You're working with older systems that consumer equipment can handle
You're doing this as a learning project and don't mind risking your original key
You understand memory locking and can source compatible blank keys
Learn About Memory Locking
Memory locking makes it extremely challenging to find the correct blank key. Understanding this technical limitation is crucial for DIY success.
Read About Memory Locking ChallengesPros & Cons
Pros
- Potential learning experience - if you succeed, you learn about RFID technology
- Control over the process - you manage everything yourself
Cons
- Cheap cloners don't work on modern formats - Amazon/eBay cloners are ineffective on newer systems
- Professional cloners are very expensive - industrial equipment costs thousands
- Hard to find right equipment - complex market with many incompatible options
- Blank keys are hard to source - must find exact compatible blanks
- Memory locking prevents using same key type - cannot buy identical blanks due to memory locks
- Risk of overwriting original key - can permanently damage your working key
- No support when things go wrong - you're completely on your own
- Requires technical knowledge - RFID programming, electronics, cryptography
- Success rate is extremely low - most attempts fail with modern systems
The Verdict is Clear
When it comes to RFID key fob duplication, CloneMyKey delivers what others can't
Badger Access Control, INC
30 W Mifflin St. Suite 903
Madison, WI 53703 USA
Appointment Required