Master keys and one key homes

When it comes to master key suites our decades of experience and product knowledge can find a security solution that suits your needs. Locks come in a range of key operations. Some locks only work on one key (known as keyed different in the USA), others are keyed alike or to pass and allows one key to operate a number of locks.

Master keys

When it comes to master keys it can be complicated, but it basically means an owner/manager or responsible person can control who has access to certain areas of a building using keys. The basic form of the suite has a main (Master) key that can access all doors, sub masters that open certain doors but not others, while differs (slave keys) will open just one door. The diagram below is a brief overview of how it work.

Abbey Gate can also integrate Master Key Systems with modern electronic devices, for example entryphones, to make doors communal doors more convenient to use.

One key homes

A related topic to the master key is a “one key home” that was briefly mentioned earlier. Should you wish to carry less keys in your pocket we can make all locks (provided they are the same type) work on the same key. One advantage is should you require the means to escape a building fast you can exit any door with the same key, should you for any reason need to enter from a door not usually used this is also possible. It is possible to extend this to padlocks.

Our master key service does not stop here. We continue to maintain Smiths security service suites. Should you have a Smith’s key you can’t get cut, but don’t want to change your system, we can help. No other locksmith in Europe can offer this*

*while we can and do offer this service it is advised to consider updating should you be in charge of a Smiths system. Due to its age distribution of keys could be vast and the suite itself very worn.

Locksmiths

Key types

Berkshire Countryside key cutting

Key cutting

Need more information about our key cutting in Berkshire? Follow one of the links above for more information.

Abbey Gate locksmiths are the parent company to Basingstoke and Reading based Smiths Security Service.