Master Keying your Business or Apartments
Master keying your business or apartment building is a convenient way to have access to all your locks with just one key. For Apartment owners and managers this makes emergence access much faster and easer when needed.
How Master Keying Works
This example shows you how two different keys work the same lock.
For a key to operate a lock cylinder it must make all the pins line up with the "Shear Line" in order to turn. As you can see above, the first key (Key #1) makes all the pins line up just fine. The second key (Key #2) needs "Master Pins" or "Wafers" in some of the chambers in order to make them all lineup with the "Shear Line" so it can turn.
Master Keying Terminology
- Master Key
The Master Key will open all the locks in the master keying system.
- Sub Master Keys
A "Sub Master Key" is used to open smaller groups of locks within a large master keying system. You can have several levels of "Sub Masters" within your master key system.
- Change Key
A "Change Key" is a key that usually operates one lock, one office or a group of locks that access the same area. For example, an employee could have a "Change Key" that would only operates their office. This key could be changed or "rekeyed" if this employee left your company without effecting the "Master Key" or "Sub Masters".
An employees entrance door could be keyed to a "Change Key" and passed out to employees. This key could also be changed or "rekeyed" if you have employees leave. Also without effecting the "Master Key" or "Sub Master" keys.
- Cross Keying
"Cross Keying" is a method that allows several keys in your master key system to operate a common area. One example could be to have a supply closet "Crossed" with several office keys, so several employees could access the supplies when needed with each of their own individual offices keys.
Master Keying by Computer
I use the computer to design and maintain your master keying system. I use master keying software that was developed by me. My software has been used by thousands of locksmiths and lock professionals world-wide and has been on the market since 1990.
For apartment and business owners that have in-house locksmiths and do your own master keying and further software information please visit KeySoft Security Software (R)