How we help
Give each user the access they need while keeping management control. We organize doors, user groups and compatible cylinders into a key system that makes sense for your property.
Common situations
- Building staff carrying too many keys
- Tenants needing keys only to their own units
- Managers needing access to every door
- Office expanding onto a new floor
What the service includes
- 01A walk-through lists every door, its lock type and who needs access to it.
- 02The hierarchy is designed: grand master, masters for floors or departments, and individual change keys.
- 03Pin combinations are calculated and every cylinder is rekeyed or replaced according to the plan.
- 04Keys are cut and labeled, then each key is tested against every door it should open and every door it should not.
- 05You receive a key schedule, a key log template, and a list of who is authorized to order duplicates.
Typical time: About one day for small systems, longer for buildings
Options
- Two-level system
- One master plus individual change keys; often enough for a small walk-up.
- Multi-level hierarchy
- Grand master, floor or department masters, and change keys for larger buildings.
- Restricted keyway
- Patented keys that only authorized dealers can copy, the base of real key control.
- Interchangeable cores (SFIC/LFIC)
- Cores swapped in seconds with a control key, for frequent turnover.
Master key hardware
Compatibility and limits
- Each master wafer adds possible keys that could operate a lock, slightly reducing security.
- Mixed brands and keyways usually need new cylinders.
- A lost master key means rekeying every cylinder it opens.
How does a master key system work?
Read the answer
In a master keyed pin-tumbler cylinder, extra small pins called master wafers create a second shear line. The change key lifts the pins to one shear line and the master key lifts them to another, so both keys turn the plug.
Systems can have several levels: a grand master that opens everything, masters for each floor or department, and change keys for individual doors. The design must be planned carefully so keys do not accidentally open doors they should not.
Each master wafer adds possible keys that could operate the lock, which slightly reduces security. A professional design keeps that effect small and documents everything.
What is key control and why does it matter?
Read the answer
Key control means knowing who has which key and preventing unauthorized copies. With a standard keyway, anyone can copy a master key at a hardware store, which defeats the system.
Restricted keyways from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and others limit duplication to authorized dealers with signed authorization. That is the foundation of a secure master key system.
Keep a key log, require employees to sign for keys, and collect keys when people leave. If a master key is lost, the affected cylinders need to be rekeyed, which is why fewer master keys is better.
What are interchangeable cores (SFIC and LFIC)?
Read the answer
Interchangeable cores are removable lock cores that can be pulled out with a control key and replaced in seconds. SFIC (small format, the type Best popularized) and LFIC (large format, offered by Schlage, Medeco and others) are the common formats.
They make rekeying quick: instead of disassembling a lock, a manager swaps a core. This is valuable for offices with frequent staff changes.
Interchangeable cores cost more up front, but they reduce long-term rekeying costs in larger systems.
Common questions
Can my existing locks be master keyed?
Often yes, if they share a keyway and are in good condition. Mixed brands may need new cylinders.
How many doors can a master key system cover?
From a few doors to thousands. Larger systems need more careful planning and usually restricted keyways.
What happens if a master key is lost?
The cylinders it opens should be rekeyed. With interchangeable cores, this can be done quickly by swapping cores.
Are master key systems less secure?
Slightly, because master wafers add possible key combinations. Good design and restricted keys keep the risk low.
What documentation should I get?
A key schedule listing which keys open which doors, which you should store securely, plus a record of who may order duplicates.