What is a keyed-alike system?
A keyed-alike system is a set of locks that all open with the same key. One key operates the front door, back door, garage and any other lock in the set, so you carry one key instead of a bundle. It suits homes and small business premises. It is different from a master key system, which layers different levels of access.
How does a keyed-alike system work?
Every lock in a keyed-alike set is pinned to the same combination, so one key turns them all. The locks can be different types, a euro-cylinder on a uPVC back door and another on the front, as long as they are keyed to match. The trade-off is that a lost key affects every lock in the set, so all of them are changed together.
Keyed-alike suits households tired of carrying separate keys for the front door, back door, side gate and garage, and landlords who want one key per property.
What is a restricted master key system?
A master key system goes further: individual keys open individual doors, while a master key opens them all. Restricted versions add key control, because duplicate keys can only be cut through an authorised code process. Keys cannot be copied at a high-street cutter without that authorisation, so a business always knows how many keys exist and who holds them.
That control suits offices, commercial premises and any building where staff, cleaners or contractors hold keys to some doors but not others.
Which one do I need?
For a home, keyed-alike is usually the answer: one key for every external door, with anti-drill and anti-snap cylinders fitted as standard when locks are replaced. For a business with staff or multiple rooms, a restricted master key system gives graded access and controlled duplication. The quote visit settles it against how the building is used.
Locks & Alarms Ltd fits keyed-alike systems, where one key operates multiple locks, and restricted master key systems for businesses, where duplication runs only through an authorised code process. Call 01322 436084 to book a free quote.
Related service: Locksmith Services