How Master Key Systems Work

A master key system grants access to various parts of the building by allowing a single key to open multiple locks. This is particularly useful for owners and apartment managers. It is incredibly tedious to carry a large bunch of keys around in a property with hundreds of rooms. Instead, a master key system is employed to ensure high level access any time using single or multiple locks.

Master key systems have their hierarchy and types. This include:

Traditional Master Key System
Multi-key System.

Further divided into Great Grand Master, Grand Master, and Master

Traditional Master Key System

The system involves a single key opening locks with similar or the same pin arrangement. In this system, the locksmith ensures that the lock mechanisms are almost identical, allowing the same key to open various locks. The versatility of this master key system is relatively low because it can only open locks with similar pin arrangements and can be tedious to set up.

Multi-Key System

This is usually divided into a hierarchical tree-like arrangement, with each hierarchy becoming more sophisticated and offering a higher access level for the holder. A multi-key system is important if you manage a large organization with different executives or leaders managing various buildings in different locations, such as a restaurant chain.

Great Grand Master Key

This is the highest hierarchy in the system. In other words, anyone holding the Great Grand Master Key can open all locks in the entire organization without restriction. This includes safe rooms, facilities, etc. Most times, the founder or CEO has access to the Great Grand Master Key.

Grand Master Key

Grand Master Key is the next lower tier level from the Great Grand Master Key such that the holder can access various parts of a property, but few rooms can still be restricted. For example, a facility manager can access all the rooms, but the safe or control room can be limited. This is also given to major stakeholders in a company.

Master Key

The lowest tier of the hierarchical arrangement is the master key. It can open various locks except the ones meant for the Grand and Grand Master Key access. This is usually given to people that lead a particular tier of the organization. For rekeying, the ordinary master key system is easy to handle.

How Does A Master Key System Works?

For a master key to work, there must be master pins installed in the lock. The master pins usually sit between the gate and the driver’s pins. When a key is inserted, the master pins line up and allows the key to turn and open the lock.

Developing a master key system requires expertise, and it is best to contact a professional locksmith with the necessary knowledge and experience.

At Tampa Locksmith, we have the expertise to configure a master key system for all kinds of organizations. We will ensure each master pin is color-coded and inserted in the lock based on the codes assigned. You don’t have to worry about key replacement and maintenance when we handle the installation and configuration of a master key system for your organization.