You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!)
To get your locks re-keyed, visit your local locksmith to have them do it for you. Or, just ask the store you're purchasing the locks from to re-key the lock to one you may already own. It's a process that should only take a few minutes.
Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.
Purchase a rekey kit—for a single lock or up to five locks of the same brand—that matches the brand of lock you want to rekey.
Is there a master key for all locks? For certain systems of locks, yes. A master key is specifically designed to unlock a given locking system. Having one key for safekeeping can help open a lock in case its paired key is lost or damaged.
In short, a master key system allows one keys to open multiple different locks. At the same time, more than one key can open the same lock. In an office building, for example, each employee can have their own key which unlocks the door to their office.
Let's begin with 'Keying Alike'. Essentially this is where all locks within a set have the same key code, or in other words, one key can used to open multiple locks within the set. 'Keyed to Differ' is simply where each lock will come with its own key, one which cannot be used on any other locks.
Keyed Alike: This means key coded to the same key number. This option provides "same key" convenience and eliminates the need for multiple keys where numerous locks and access is needed. Keyed Different: This means that the lock are keyed differently. Different set of keys are required to unlock each lock.
Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
Home Depot will rekey locks such as Schlage, Kwikset, doorknobs, deadbolts, single and double cylinders for $5 to $15 per lock. If your local store does not offer the service, you may purchase a rekey kit or visit Lowe's or Ace Hardware. Home Depot does not rekey car locks as they often require specialized technology.
Most brands of locks can be re-keyed, but it usually requires specialized techniques and sometimes tools. Many retailers will do it in-house free or for a small fee. Otherwise, any locksmith* should be able to help you out.
For Keyed Alike orders, you must purchase the same manufacturer's products. For example, a Kwikset key will not go into a Schlage product and vise-a-versa. All products offered for sale on this site clearly list the manufacturer, and you can shop by brand to make sure everything can be keyed the same.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Advantages. The main advantage of having your locks keyed alike would be the convenience of having one key for all locks such as at home or your workplace. It helps to eliminate the hassle of finding the right key for the right lock if you have multiple locks.
When purchasing more than one lock, look for packages that have the same “key alike” number on the package. Alternatively, our store associates can key all of your locks to work with the same key. You can also purchase a rekeying kit to swap out pins and springs yourself.
Ultimately, whether you choose to have your deadbolt and door lock open with the same key is your choice. There isn't necessarily a one size fits all answer. If you want to have separate keys for a door that currently uses only one key, it is easy enough for a locksmith to set it up for you.
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
A skeleton key has the warded section of the key removed so that it opens all the doors of a system.
No, each key in a dictionary should be unique. You can't have two keys with the same value. Attempting to use the same key again will just overwrite the previous value stored. If a key needs to store multiple values, then the value associated with the key should be a list or another dictionary.
The "do not duplicate" label on door lock keys is often used to prevent unauthorized duplication of the keys by non-authorized personnel. This is done primarily for security purposes in order to protect homeowners or businesses who share key access with different people.
MK - Master Keyed (Locks keyed different (separately), or in sets - usually 2 keys each), and a Master Key that operates all locks.
Please note, products are not keyed alike across functions. Schlage Rekeying Kits provide everything you need to get the job done—including all the tools and parts you need for repinning the cylinders of most Schlage locksets so that they work with a single key. Navigating your way through the Kit tray.
This is because Schlage and Kwikset locks are not compatible with the same type of key. Their keyways are made differently, therefore you will either want to have all Schlage locks or all Kwikset locks. When you're at home, you don't want to use different keys for each lock you own.