This type of system can be used in businesses, schools, and other facilities where security is important. A master key system is a security measure that uses a single key to unlock multiple locks. One will be for the person with access to what that lock is securing, and another for the person that has access to what every lock is securing in the location.You may have heard of a master key system before, but you may not know exactly what it is or how it works. Of those 32 possible keys, only two keys need to be made. That is 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, or two to the fifth power (2^5), which equals a total of 32 possible unique keys. If each one of those stacks has a master wafer, then each chamber will have two possible shear lines. Say there are five chambers in the lock and five active pin stacks. This can work to create a number of possible keys. However, the property manager will have one key that works for both locks. In the example of a property manager, one tenant’s key will work on their lock but not on the neighbor’s lock. When a master key system is finished there may be a graduated level of access. A master key system allows for different levels of restricted entry. Similarly, most owners would like to restrict access based on an individual’s position and role, within the company. Most large employers do not want employees carrying around large quantities of keys.

Watch The Master Keying Explainer You Tube Video Below.

Therefore, the key needs to have the right set of grooves to lift the key pins to the correct height. The driver pins will be a universal size. To open a lock a pin stack consisting of a driver pin and a key pin must be elevated so that the two rest on opposite sides of the shear line. Most master key systems work off of a basic pin tumbler lock. There could be grand master keys prefaced with great great great great, etc. Theoretically, this trend can continue until the locks become too complicated to function. In the trade, a master key may be shortened to ‘GMK’.Īnd so on and so on…. This key will open every master system under it, and the subsequent change keys under those systems. Grand Master Key – A grand master key is used to access multiple master key systems. In the trade, a master key may be shortened to ‘MK’. In some systems, this will be the highest ranking key. This is the necessary key to change a simple lock into a master keyed lock. Master Key – Without a master key, there is only one key for a lock. The lock that the change key opens will also open with the use of the master key, and any key above that rank. It will open one lock and only locks that are exactly the same. There May Be Several Keys in a Master SystemĬhange Key – This key is also referred to as a sub-master key. Here, we explain how master key systems and key management operations work together to achieve these goals. In this article Ken Lozinski, owner of Shearline Locks in Saskatoon shares how you can ensure access for employees with different levels of authorization whilst also maintaining a high level of security for your commercial facility. Though an increasing number of companies and multi family buildings are upgrading to electronic access control systems, many facilities still rely on traditional keys. Interested In Learning More About A Master Key System?

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