The Science of Master Key System

Security and safety have always been priorities of large corporate bodies. This is not surprising because of the large building sections and individuals requiring access to various parts of the buildings. The Master Key System works by giving the business owner or stakeholder the autonomy to open different locks with the same key, eliminating the need to carry countless keys or having to wait for a worker or homeowner to grant access to a particular part of a building.

It is always fascinating how one key will open different locks, and the original key of a particular lock cannot open another.

What is a Master Key System?

A Master Key System contains a hierarchy of locks and keys, with one key, known as the master key, being above other keys and having the ability to open different locks.

To break it into simpler terms, picture a landlord with a key that can access different apartments in his house even though the present homeowners have their keys. In this case, the landlord has a master key and doesn't need the homeowner’s key before accessing the apartment.

How a Master Key work

The Master Key often uses the pin tumbler lock principles. But to understand how a master key works, one must first understand how pin tumbler lock works. A pin tumbler lock contains a set of pins supported by springs. The pins come in two types; the driver pin that comes in equal sizes and the key pin that comes in varying sizes. Each pair of pins is made up of the driver pin and a key pin that is supported by a spring. When the correct key is inserted, the key pins fit into the respective grooves on the key, and when turned, the pairs assemble exactly at the shear line, and the bolt is retracted.

A master lock usually has an extra set of pins called a master wafer or spacer pins that is usually between the driver pin and the key pins causing the lock to have two shear lines. When the master key is used, the pins align at the second shear line.

Levels of Master Keys

Depending on the size of an organization, there may be a need for a more sophisticated master key system to ensure that the highest stakeholders can restrict access to some places, even if someone else is with a master key.

Change Keys:

These are the lowest type of keys in the master key system and can only open one lock. Change keys are usually given to office workers or those who need access to one part of the building.

Master Keys:

Master keys can unlock more than one lock but can also be restricted to some secure places

Grandmaster Key:

A grand master key can open every lock including those that the master key can’t

Great GrandMaster Key:

This is usually owned by the highest stakeholder and can unlock every lock a grandmaster key and a master key can unlock. It can also grant access to highly secured places.

Let a Locksmith Install Your Master Key

Master key systems can be delicate to install, requiring experience and proper calculations. A professional locksmith with enough experience working with master key systems should come in. Tampa Locksmith provides you with an experienced locksmith for your master key systems or other key replacement and lock-related problems.