#Multiple locks one key how to#
#Multiple locks one key code#
#Multiple locks one key professional#

The key code refers to the groove depths on the key. If you are buying locks at Home Depot, or similar big box stores, the products should have very prominently displayed key codes on the packaging. Online retailers should provide a keyed alike option, but you will need to purchase all of your locks at once. When you are purchasing new locks, you can take steps to ensure the locks are keyed alike. Lock installation is also likely to be easier than rekeying a lock for the first time. However, you can decrease the cost by changing the locks yourself. The costs come from the price of the new lock hardware and the service cost for changing locks. Purchasingīuying brand new locks is often the more expensive choice for obtaining keyed alike locks.

#Multiple locks one key professional#

This information should also give you a better idea of whether this work should be left to a professional home locksmith. The main trade-offs will center around the price, procedural difficulty, and required tools. To open multiple door locks with the same key, you will need to determine your method of acquiring keyed alike locks. Ultimately, you must decide what level of security you want for your property. And if there is an exploit or simple manipulation method, it will work in both keyways. If an unauthorized party gains access to that one key, they can open your door. When a door can be opened by one key, it is only secured by one key. Keyed alike door locks offer greater convenience, which comes at the expense of security. Should your deadbolt and doorknob use different keys? With the system in place, you can differentiate levels of access between residents, employees, visitors, etc. The certification gives locksmiths access to key blanks, replacement parts, etc., required to design and implement a master key system. Most master keys use patented key blanks to prevent unauthorized duplication and require a locksmith certified by the lock brand to make new keys. Every key that is not a master key will only open their given lock, but the master will open them all as if they were keyed alike. You can have a master key designed to correspond to a specially built group of locks, and it will open all of the locks in that group.

Warding, groove depth, and key size vary from product to product. There is no universal skeleton key that can open every type of lock. Is there such a thing as a key that opens every lock? In terms of retrofitting, all locks have to use the same type of cylinder so that one key profile will fit all locks. For purchasing, you must look for the key code on the product information, and every lock with that combination of numbers and/or letters will use the same key. Keyed alike door locks can be purchased, or existing locks can be retrofitted to be keyed alike. How do you make all your door locks use the same key? If you are attempting to make existing locks work with the same key, you can rekey locks. You can purchase keyed alike locks by selecting locksets with the same key code. You do not have to limit the number of keyed alike door locks a building is using. The main information you need to know about keyed alike door locks is:įAQs Can two door locks use the same key?Īny door lock that uses the same style of lock cylinder can be keyed alike.

#Multiple locks one key how to#

We will discuss how to get a hold of keyed alike locks when to use them, their strengths and weaknesses, along with answering some general questions. Are you looking for the ability to open multiple door locks with the same key? Besides investing in keypad door locks, keyed alike door locks are the standard solution you should be looking into.