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You have likely heard of a type of key known as a master key. They are typically used in commercial spaces such as schools, office buildings, and other types of businesses. While you may be somewhat familiar with master key systems, there are some facts you should be aware of – especially when it comes to having a master key system outfitted in your home.
Masters keys are keys that can open multiple different doors. They are used for a variety of different reasons. Master key systems are often used on construction sites, especially when a residential neighborhood is being built. For example, if a construction company is working in a cul-de-sac to construct multiple homes of the same type at one time, a master pin system of some sort will likely be used. This allows construction workers and managers to secure each home they are working on with one key, instead of a different set of keys for each home. For convenience purposes, master pin systems are quite useful.
Master keys are also used by janitorial staff members, business owners, school administrators, and other officials that made need access to multiple rooms or spaces in a given building. Some homeowners may even choose to have a master key system set in place in their home for convenience purposes and other means.
Not all master key systems are built the same. In fact, there are four levels of master key access that you should know about. They are listed and described below in order of least amount of access to the most access possible.
Change Keys
Change keys are also referred to as sub-master keys. These types of keys will only open one lock or locks that are identical to one another. They are the lowest level of keys in any master locking system.
Master Keys
Most master lock systems will only require one master key. These keys can open multiple locks on a given site. You may notice that a master key is sometimes referred to as ‘MK’ for short.
Grand Master Key
The next level in a master key system is a grand master key, or ‘GMK’ for short. These keys can operate multiple master key systems on several different sites.
Great Grand Master Key
A great grand master key is typically the highest level in master key systems that you will see. Any level beyond this will typically make the locks too complicated to function properly. Great grand master keys can open all grand master key systems, the master key systems below them, as well as any locks operated by change keys.
While master key systems are useful in certain circumstances, they are not as secure as locks that do not have master pins installed. It is far easier to pick a lock that is outfitted with a master key system since these systems must be flexible enough to accommodate multiple keys, such as both the change key and the master key. If your home has a master key system of any kind, you may be putting your security and safety at risk.
Now that you know more about master key systems, the varying levels of master keys, and why they are less secure than locks without master keys, you need to make sure your home is free of any master lock systems. However, how are you supposed to know for sure whether or not your home has a master key system in the first place?
This is a great question and one that a lot of homeowners may have trouble answering. To start, consider whether or not your home was built at the same time as other homes in your neighborhood and by the same construction company. If so, your locks may likely have a master key system in place that is left over from the construction company. Once a company has finished constructing several homes, they may not adjust the locks to accommodate one key once they are finished if they used a master key system during the construction process.
The best way to determine whether or not your locks have a master key system in place is to hire a locksmith. They will be able to inspect your locks and determine within a few moments whether or not your locks are set up with master pins. Once a determination has been made, the locksmith you hire can readjust your locks so that only one key is able to work with your home locks. If you suspect or are worried your home may have a master locking system, be sure to call an expert in for an inspection ASAP to help restore your home security and keep your household safe.
