
Locksmiths may also determine cuts for a replacement master key, when given several different key examples from a given system.Ī maison key system is a keying system that permits a lock to be opened with a number of unique, individual keys.

To visualize this, it can be thought of as a hierarchical chart, or a tree.Ī practical attack exists to create a working master key for an entire system given only access to a single master-keyed lock, its associated change key, a supply of appropriate key blanks, and the ability to cut new keys. Larger organizations, with more complex systems, may have several levels of master keys, where the top level key works in all of the locks in the system. For example, a standard 6 pin cylinder, which was designed to be operated by only one key, can be operated by up to 2 6 = 64 keys if there are two shear points in each chamber. The fact that some pin chambers have two shear points allows for more options when picking and it also allows for more keys to operate. Master keyed lock systems generally reduce overall security. A far more secure (and more expensive) system has two cylinders in each lock, one for the change key and one for the master key. For example, master keyed pin tumbler locks often have two shear points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key. Locks that have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to operate them that is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. These master-keyed locks are configured to operate with two, or more, different keys: one specific to each lock (the change key), which cannot operate any of the others in the set, and the master key, which operates all the locks in the set.


Usually, there is nothing special about the key itself, but rather the locks into which it will fit. Master key turning a pin tumbler lock with two shear pointsĪ master key operates a set of several locks.
