How Do Master Keys Work

Living in an apartment building, working in a major corporation with multiple floors, and even visiting a car dealership, you may notice there is a specific person⁠—or people⁠—who are in control of all of the locks within the property. However, they don’t seem to have a different key for every different component, which may be confusing to see because you may be wondering how your apartment is actually safe if they use the same key to open your door to unlock your neighbor’s.

Well, you don’t need to worry about your place being less safe because of this one tool. It’s highly unlikely the person who is in possession of this key will use it steal your belongings unless you live in a dangerous area, but that has nothing to do with the key and lock system itself. Rocket Locksmith understands the importance of having a well-made master key, which is why we will do our best to help you make a spare of this vital tool so you never have to worry about being unprepared when emergencies occur on your property. Contact us now if you have any questions about what we can do or if you want to start the process of acquiring a master key.

How Do Master Keys Work?

Now, master keys are rather similar to any other key you have in your position for your home or commercial property, but it works differently when unlatching the locks in the building. In order to understand how master keys work, you first need to see what makes a lock so effective. Within the actual component are various parts to prevent people from just turning the knob and entering your home.

The most common type of security is a cylinder lock, which is primarily what master keys are used for. Within the tool are “pins”, which sit on the top and bottom part of the bolt. The top part are extending downward in various measurements, so only one type of key should be able to push all of them so nothing is protruding the cam from pulling in the bolt. Even the slightest obstruction can prevent your key from working.

What master keys do is have their notches push up the shear line so it’s at the bottom of the master wafer. This is what allows it to open up any lock within the building, primarily because property owners tend to use the same kind of security system for each door. Although, there might be certain times where another key will be required, but this is usually for rooms with pertinent data, belongings or secretive information.

Importance of a Master Key?

As a tenant, you might not see the importance of a master key and may even be nerved by the fact someone can just walk in whenever they want. However, most of the time landlords will only use the key to fix something you have requested needed assistance, there is a flood happening, a terrible smell is emanating or even because you are stuck and can’t get up. Although, property managers aren’t the only people who need this kind of unlocking system. Security personnel, maintenance workers, attendants in retirement homes or those needing medical attention, and even people in charge of lockers. This tool is only to ensure the property is entirely secured and for nothing else.

Should I Copy the Master Key?

If you have been given the master key for a property or building, you may notice it say “Do Not Copy” or “Do Not Duplicate”, or was even told by the gifter to not make any spares. However, as someone who is going to be in charge of this and all of it encompasses you should do your best to make a copy of this important key. You don’t need to keep it on you at all times, but it will be best for you to have in a secure location.

There is no legal obstacle preventing you from doing this, however, the original owner may have gone through the trouble to ensure the key is completely fortified. You may need to go to the exact manufacturer of this tool to get a spare, but there are locksmiths around who have the potential to accomplish this at an affordable rate. Rocket Locksmith continuously upgrades our equipment so we can make the best spare keys for people to use, despite the type of design used.

Contact Rocket Locksmith Today!

Being in possession of the master key is quite a responsibility to have, which is why you need to do your best to keep it safe and out of the wrong hands. Seeing Rocket Locksmith to make you a spare key will guarantee you never misplace it and can instead use something no one knows exists nor care if it is lost. Contact us now if you want to learn more about our services or if you want to come in to make a spare for your master key.