How do locks with multiple keys work?

Some locks are designed to work with two different keys. The change key will open only that specific lock, while the master key will open that lock and several others in a group. In these locks, a few of the pin pairs are separated by a third pin. This third pin is called a master wafer or spacer.

How do master keys work for multiple locks?

Master key system is a system that allows two or more keys to open one lock. Master keys will be able to open multiple locks. The greater the difference between the master key and the change key, the more master wafers will be needed. The more master wafers, the more possible keys can open the lock.

Can two different keys open the same lock?

In short, a master key system allows one keys to open multiple different locks. At the same time, more than one key can open the same lock. In an office building, for example, each employee can have their own key which unlocks the door to their office.

How do keyed alike locks work?

In a nut shell, keyed alike means that the locks have the same cut so that any one key with that cut can fit all the locks. For example, imagine that your deadlock key can also open the back door, screen door and veranda.

How do you get all door locks keyed the same?

Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!) Each kit will re-key six locks, but you can order extra pins if you need to do more.

07 - How Masterkeying Works

Should I key all my locks the same?

The best time to have your locks keyed alike could be as follows: Moved into a new house – looking to change all the locks. Have lost your keys – locksmiths always recommend to change the locks when losing keys – so having your locks keyed alike at the time is a good idea )

Are master keys real?

Legitimate skeleton or master keys are used in many modern contexts where lock operation is required and the original key has been lost or is not available. In hotels without electronic locks, skeleton keys are used by housekeeping services to enter the rooms.

Is there a master key for all Master locks?

A: No. Without the key number, there is no way for Master Lock to know which key will open your lock. There is not a master key that will open all Master Lock products.

Is there a key that can open any lock?

Master key: The master key can open all locks you have in your residential or commercial property.

Is it better to rekey or change locks?

If you're looking to get better security of your locks, changing them to new, higher security ones will be the way to go. Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed.

What is a 999 key?

Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.

What is a sub master key?

The Sub-Master A opens the main entrance and all the locks on the ground floor, and is held by the manager of the company that occupies that floor. The same applies to Sub-Master B. In addition, each employee has one key that opens the main entrance, their own office door and their filing cabinets.

What is the code for Master Lock?

The factory-set combination is 0-0-0-0. Turn the shackle 90° so that the notch on the shackle is aligned with the notch on the lock body.

Are Master locks easy to pick?

Most Master Locks are very easy to pick and are considered one of the easiest beginner locks when practicing lock picking. They have 4 standard pins and a wide-open keyway that can be quickly bypassed in many ways including picking them with improvised tools such as paperclips, bobby pins, or even a chicken bone.

Can a locksmith open a Master Lock?

The best way to unlock a master lock is to call a professional emergency locksmith service to do the job for you. It might be a bit expensive compared to some of the other methods, but you will save a lot of time in the process. A professional locksmith will be able to make you a spare key for the lock.

Can a skeleton key open any lock?

In this type of system, each lock will still have its own key that corresponds with the wards; the skeleton key, or master key, can open any of the locks within that system.

When did skeleton keys stop?

Little changed in the design of the mechanism until the mid 1800's when Linus Yale Sr. and Jr. introduced the modern flat keys. Skeleton keys, however, continued to be used in most houses until after WWII when the pin tumbler lock (or Yale lock) took over.

Is the skeleton key Scary?

Parents need to know that this movie features scary images of hoodoo and conjuring, as well as jump scenes, abrupt flashbacks to the legendary source of the trouble, and some language (one use of the f-word).

Can a locksmith make one key for all doors?

It Is Not Always Possible to Open All Locks with One Key

If your locks are made by different brands or are of different types, you may have no choice but to use different keys for each one, unless you want to replace the locks with ones made by the same manufacturer.

Is Schlage or Kwikset better?

Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.

Should you have two locks on a door?

It's quite useful to have two locks in the door separating the house/apartment from the surrounding world but use just one of them. Locks happen to break, although that's quite rare. If one of the locks starts malfunctioning you can just stop using it and use the other one until you fix the first one.

Can Schlage and Kwikset be keyed alike?

This is because Schlage and Kwikset locks are not compatible with the same type of key. Their keyways are made differently, therefore you will either want to have all Schlage locks or all Kwikset locks. When you're at home, you don't want to use different keys for each lock you own.