You can head to your local hardware store and buy all key 'keyed alike' locks where all you need is one key and you can open each lock you buy. While this is going to be the most expensive option, if you don't know much about rekeying locks or making new keys, this is going to be the easiest solution for you.
Benefits of a Single Key
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.
Pick the key you like the best (or have the most of) and have all the other knobs keyed to it. Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.
Locks May Not be Compatible – Not every lock can be rekeyed to share a key with another lock. So, if you are adamant about only using a single key, your locksmith will need to replace the locks so they are the same brand.
Yes, there are millions of locks with the same key. Think of it this way... Master lock has 8 depths and four pins for most of their locks. 8x8x8x8 = 4,096 possible key permutations, including keys that exceed MACS (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specifications). The actual number is lower than that.
It Is Not Always Possible to Open All Locks with One Key
If your locks are made by different brands or are of different types, you may have no choice but to use different keys for each one, unless you want to replace the locks with ones made by the same manufacturer.
It varies by lock design, but there are a finite number of truly different keys for every mechanical lock. This can vary from only one “key” for something as simple as a pair of handcuffs, to millions of different possible valid keys for disk style locks.
A skeleton key (also known as a passkey) is a type of master key in which the serrated edge has been removed in such a way that it can open numerous locks, most commonly the warded lock. The term derives from the fact that the key has been reduced to its essential parts.
House locks have a series of levers and pins set to a specific formulation that only accepts a particular key. Therefore, there's no such thing as a universal key that can open any door lock. However, there are master keys that can open multiple locks set to accept them.
Mul-T-Lock's cylinder applications enable a variety of keying options, together with a master keying hierarchy, to meet every home or organization's locking needs. These options range from traditional to innovative and are designed to provide ease of use and control over your locking systems.
A lock rekey kit is exactly what you might imagine. It is a kit that can be used to change the locks in an organization, without having to call a locksmith. There are no tools required, no hardware removal, and you do not have to have the expertise of a locksmith to perform a rekey.
We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.
Fire codes in some homes prohibit the use of double-keyed deadbolts on egress doors. In rental houses, it's crucial to take into account the liability of using double-keyed deadbolts. Before installing such a lock, be sure to check local laws.
Re-keying a new lock to match an existing Kwikset key is simple and easy. And all Kwikset pin & tumbler locks can be re-keyed to achieve convenient one-key operation across multiple locks. All you need is a Kwikset Re-keying Kit, a Kwikset key, and a pin & tumbler lock.
Manage multiple locks. If you love and trust Schlage smart locks enough to put them on multiple doors, the Schlage Home app can help you manage each of those locks all in one place. Enjoy any of the first nine points whether your locks are on the front door, the back, a vacation rental or all of the above.
No. Without the key number, there is no way for Master Lock to know which key will open your lock. There is not a master key that will open all Master Lock products.
The answer to this question is Don"key" and Mon"key". EXPLANATION: The definition of a key is that it's a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it.
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 or a master key are the common terms.
The fundamental principle which makes any master key system functional is that there are extra pins in the cylinder of the lock, and these allow for several differently shaped keys to achieving a compatible alignment with all sets of pins that they extend into.
Given the space available for the length and number of the pins, and operational room for error there are only so many key combinations possible. Given all the different variables involved it's certainly possible for every person on the planet to have a unique lock, it's highly impractical.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties. Due to their popularity, they are also a common fixture in commercial spaces.
It's Your Choice. 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.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.
Single and double cylinder locks are typically used for different situations: Double-cylinder locks operate with a key on both sides of the deadbolt. Single-cylinder locks can be locked from the inside by a thumb turn.