Master rekey
Blog Post
Whether one of the keys in your master key system has gone missing or you think it might have been copied without authorization, master rekeying can be the most convenient and fast way to fix the problem.
Here at Lan Locksmith, we’ve helped business owners here in Louisville restore their security after a range of different threats and breaches. And we want to offer the most cost-effective and straightforward solutions in your time of need. Master rekeying is just one of the services that we can recommend to put things right, and in this article, we’ll talk about how it works, why it can be preferable to lock replacement, and its limitations.
What is master rekeying?
In order to understand master rekeying, let’s talk first about basic rekeying.
This is a process by which a locksmith can restore the security of a lock by replacing the keys instead of the lock itself. It works by removing the internal lock cylinder, which has a series of pins and springs that are responsible for maintaining the cylinder in a locked or open position. By reconfiguring the placement of these pins, the lock can be calibrated to be opened by a different key. This renders the old set of keys unusable.
Now, in a master key system, the lock can be opened by two or more different keys according to a hierarchy. This is thanks to an additional pin/pins called spacers or master wafers, which grant the master key access to all of the locks within the system.
You might be wondering, then, how to rekey a lock within a master system. To be sure, it is a more complicated process than rekeying a single lock. But when the conditions are right, a locksmith can rekey individual levels of security without having to replace keys at lower levels of the hierarchy. This means that if you lost the master key, you can cut a new one and rekey the locks for that new master without having to replace the change keys (lower level keys.)
What makes master rekeying preferable to lock replacement?
As a business owner, you want to make sure that you’re making the best decision for your security. So, how can you be sure that rekeying is the right move? Here are some of the benefits of rekeying over lock replacement:
- A shorter gap in coverage. If you’re dealing with a lost or stolen key, you want to rectify the problem quickly to lower the risk of unwanted entry. And, if you have to wait for new locks to be ordered, delivered, and installed, that’s more time that your property is vulnerable. Lock rekeying can be done in a far shorter timeline so that you don’t experience long gaps in coverage.
- Convenience. Lock replacement can require a lot of time and resources from your business, as you’ll have to spend time issuing new keys to all levels of the master system and possibly making changes to the door frames to fit the new locks. Rekeying gives you the convenience of only having to replace some keys on the affected hierarchy level and not having to worry about refitting the lock housing.
- Being able to keep the same hardware. If your locks are in good condition, it would be a shame to have to replace them just because of a security breach. With rekeying, you can give your locks a longer lifespan.
- Cost. Master rekeying tends to be significantly cheaper than lock replacement, making it an appealing alternative for any business owner!
What are the limitations of master rekeying?
In the right circumstances, we usually recommend master rekeying for business owners here in Louisville. But, there are some scenarios in which we wouldn’t consider it the best option for security restoration. Some examples include:
- Problems with the master hierarchy. Maybe your master key system was installed many years ago and you’ve since lost track of the hierarchy schema. Or, maybe you’ve had to rekey multiple locks within the system, leading to issues with key reliability and system cohesion. When things get very convoluted, it might be in the best interest of your business to do a complete overhaul of the master key system.
- Problems with the lock hardware. We’re all for adding extra years onto locks in good working condition. But, we can’t recommend rekeying locks that will need to be replaced soon because of damage.
- Lack of building code compliance. Every once in a while, we come across businesses with locks that aren’t in compliance with Louisville building code. And, whether the mistake was unintentional or because of changes in the code since the locks were installed, we would still need to recommend changes for compliance instead of simply rekeying the lock.
- Insufficient security. Another thing that we might point out to business owners is if we see that their lock grades are not sufficient for their security needs. For instance, you might be using a lower security lock that would be more appropriate for a residential setting but doesn’t offer you the durability you need in a workplace. In this case, we would recommend a lock upgrade instead of rekeying.
Who can you call for master rekeying?
Master key hierarchies are complex systems that should be handled by professional locksmiths who know the importance of meticulous craftsmanship and accurate record keeping. Lan Locksmith here in Louisville will make sure that your master key system is secure, well-organized, and reliable in the face of any security threat.
When you call us, we’ll ask to see documentation of your master key system so that we can create a rekeying plan that will keep your hierarchy in good working order. By doing things the right way now, we can prevent you from having to deal with complicated problems with your master key system in the future.
Lan Locksmith offers master rekeying, lock repair and replacement, and master key installation for businesses in and around Louisville KY, including Jeffersontown, Prospect, New Albany, Clarksville and more.
