Master Key System

It seem like many people are fascinated by Mater-Key systems. The interest, most likely, is because of the confusion revolving around the nature of the system. The fact that one key is enabled to open two different doors while another key will only open one of them is what triggers curiosity among people. Is it the key that is extraordinary? Is it the inner mechanism of the lock? To answer these questions, there is some math involved and procedure in which professional locksmiths are well trained for. With a little understanding of the system, you will be able to see the advantages in security such system can offer.

First, we'll go through the different level of keys in a master-Key system:

Change Key - Also known as a sub Master-Key. Essentially, the key would only be enabled to operate one particular lock, or others in the system that would be similar. However, the lock that can be operated with the Change Key could also be operated by the Master-Key or any key above that level.

Master-Key - Without the Master-Key, there won't be any key that would have the capabilities to unlock to different doors in a Mater-Key system implementation. This is the important key to change a standard lock system into a master keyed lock system. In a few frameworks, this will be the most elevated positioning key. In the locksmith industry, a Master Key is also known as MK.

Grand Master-Key - A Grand Master-Key is a key that is enabled to control several Master-Key systems. This key will be responsible to operate any Master Key system implemented under it. Just like a Master-Key, a locksmith will refer to such key as GMK.

Great Grand Master-Key - Technically, the Great Grand Master-Key is the top key on a Master-Key system. It will control any Grand Master-Key associated locks as well as other levels of locks under. The system can be developed beyond that, but it can get too complicated to function properly, so normally most professional locksmiths will stop at that level.

Most types of Master-Key systems are based on a traditional pin tumbler lock. Such type lock consist of driver pins on identical lengths and key pins in different lengths which are lifted and aligned once the correct key is inserted and turned. In order to convert a traditional pin tumbler lock to be a part of a Master-Key system a Master-Wafer will need to be added between a key pin and a driver pin. Inserting such pin will create two different shear lines inside the cylinder which one of them would be designated for the pin stack with the Master-Wafer.