Ken at Shearline Locks Shares An Article About Master Keys and How They Work
Interested In Learning More About A Master Key System?
Though an increasing number of companies and multi family buildings are upgrading to electronic access control systems, many facilities still rely on traditional keys. 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. Here, we explain how master key systems and key management operations work together to achieve these goals.
There May Be Several Keys in a Master System
In order of least access to most access:
Change Key – This key is also referred to as a sub-master key. It will open one lock and only locks that are exactly the same. The lock that the change key opens will also open with the use of the master key, and any key above that rank.
Master Key – Without a master key, there is only one key for a lock. This is the necessary key to change a simple lock into a master keyed lock. In some systems, this will be the highest ranking key. In the trade, a master key may be shortened to ‘MK’.
Grand Master Key – A grand master key is used to access multiple master key systems. This key will open every master system under it, and the subsequent change keys under those systems. In the trade, a master key may be shortened to ‘GMK’.
And so on and so on…... Theoretically, this trend can continue until the locks become too complicated to function. There could be grand master keys prefaced with great great great great, etc.
How Master Keys Work
Most master key systems work off of a basic pin tumbler lock. 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. A key lifts key pins within a lock. These key pins are all different sizes. The driver pins will be a universal size. Therefore, the key needs to have the right set of grooves to lift the key pins to the correct height.
Watch The Master Keying Explainer You Tube Video Below.
the key Convenience in business
Most large employers do not want employees carrying around large quantities of keys. Similarly, most owners would like to restrict access based on an individual’s position and role, within the company. A master key system allows for different levels of restricted entry. When a master key system is finished there may be a graduated level of access. In the example of a property manager, one tenant’s key will work on their lock but not on the neighbor’s lock. However, the property manager will have one key that works for both locks. This can work to create a number of possible keys. Say there are five chambers in the lock and five active pin stacks. If each one of those stacks has a master wafer, then each chamber will have two possible shear lines. 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. Of those 32 possible keys, only two keys need to be made. 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.
Key Take Aways
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.
Master key systems often use pin tumbler locks.
Pin tumbler master locks use a master wafer/pin in between the key pin and the driver pin.
When you need to rely on local lock and key service, you should consider Shearline Locks as your first priority. With our professional service and knowledge in the locksmith world, you can contact us 24/7 for any of your commercial, residential and automotive lock and key concerns in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. Contact Shearline Locks today