As a locksmith, one of the most common challenges I see block managers face is the juggling act of keys. When you’re responsible for multiple apartments, communal areas, plant rooms, and security doors, carrying (and keeping track of) a hefty key ring quickly becomes impractical, inefficient, and even risky. That’s where a master key system comes in.
What is a Master Key System?
A bit like the ‘one ring to rule them all’, a master key system is the one key to rule the rest in your building. A carefully created system that allows one high-level master key to unlock multiple doors, while the ‘sub-keys’ can only open specific locks within the building.
This type of system works perfectly in commercial buildings, schools and apartment complexes, because they allow owners to balance administrative convenience with a customisable security solution.
The Pros of Master Keys
Efficiency and convenience: With a master key your key holder has instant access to every door you’re responsible for. So even if it’s 11pm and the fire alarm panel is going off and needs resetting, you don’t need to call a locksmith or spend ages fumbling through different keys to find the right one.
Improved security: With just one key you can dramatically reduce the number of keys in use, which means it’s much more difficult to lose them. Tenants and cleaners have keys that give them access to the areas they need, while only you and your authorised agents have a master key, keeping security tighter.
Customisable access levels: One of the real strengths of master key systems is that you can create key hierarchies within them. So you have complete control over who can access what area of the building with tailored keys. Tenants’ keys can only open their own flat. Cleaners’ keys can open communal doors, bin stores or service areas. Maintenance teams can have keys to open plant rooms and technical spaces, while a block manager can have a key that opens everything.
Long-term cost savings: Yes, there’s an initial investment in getting the system set up, but over time master keys can save you a huge amount of money. Fewer lost keys, fewer emergency lock changes, less downtime when you’re trying to provide access and more. And a properly designed system can be expanded as new areas are added to the property.
The Cons of Master Keys
Security risks: Because a master key opens every door, the entire facility’s security can be compromised with one lost, misplaced or stolen key.
System complexity: Setting up a master key hierarchy (one with different keys, sub-masters and grand masters) isn’t a simple task. It’s highly technical and needs a professional locksmith to do it – and a good one at that.
Expensive re-keying: If the master key is stolen, the costs to re-key multiple locks across the building can add up quickly.
Limited scalability: If a building drastically expands or has major renovation work done, the existing master key framework could run out of combinations. This would mean the entire system would need to be designed from scratch.
Why Use a Certified Locksmith?
The Master Locksmiths Association has developed its own, non-governmental certification process for any locksmiths wishing to join. Each member is regularly inspected and vetted, including background checks, CRB checks and required to pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skill. In order to stay a member, they need to go through these checks every few years. There are also some other benefits, like being listed on their website and being able to display a membership logo on your website, van etc, but they are mainly for the members.
Now, we understand that when you’re stuck outside in your socks, keys on the dining table and cursing that auto-locking door, you might not be too worried about who comes to your rescue, as long as they do! But trust us when we say it’s worth spending the extra few minutes finding an MLA approved locksmith, because:
- They meet the industry standard – Every industry has standards its members should meet, and locksmiths are no exception. The MLA requires a level of skill and experience for membership, and members have to commit to ongoing training and inspections as part of their membership.
- You know they’re legit – Locksmiths are people you need to be able to trust. They help you access your home, car, business and more, and install security measures designed to keep you safe. But because there is no legislation to govern the practice, rogue traders are a real problem. That’s one of the reasons the MLA was created – to prove legitimacy.
- They will be CRB checked and insured – Criminal checks and adequate insurance are both pre-requisites for membership to the MLA, and are checked regularly, so you know you’re in safe hands.
- Your information will be safe – All members of the MLA have to meet strict codes of conduct and keep your information safe. For example, they may need to see some ID to grant access to a property, or open a safe full of sensitive data. An MLA approved locksmith will never record any kind of sensitive personal information, whereas a non-member could, and could use it however they wished.
- They will likely save you money – There are plenty of individuals out there who offer locksmith services, when actually all they do is come to your house and drill your entire lock out. While this will get you into your property, it also means you can‘t secure it again, and will have to pay for a whole new lock to be installed as well. With an MLA locksmith, you know they have the skill to do the job with minimal to no damage, so you spend less.
Given the delicate nature of master key systems, we always recommend you use a MLA approved locksmith. It’s the only way you’re going to know you’re working with someone who can create your system and all your keys in complete confidence. Luckily, the whole team at My Locks Locksmiths are fully MLA approved, so you can be sure that when you use us, you’re getting expertise, quality and value for money.