What Is Master Rekeying?
One of the positive aspects to pin-and-tumbler locks is that they can be easily reconfigured to fit an already existing key; this, of course, provides that the key is relevant for the design of the lock.Get an estimate
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The advantage to this is readily apparent; one can add new locks to their home without having to schlep around additional keys.
In order to have a new key made for an already existing lock, a series of notches are cut into the key in such a way that it lifts each of the upper pins of the lock just above the shear line. In more simple terms, a pattern is cut into the key that match the pattern of the pins of the relevant lock.
In order to reconfigure a lock so that it fits an exiting key, one must simply work in the opposite direction. The pattern of the lock pins are simply reconfigured in such a way that they match the pattern of notches cut into the key. When a lock is designed utilizing a universal keying system, any locksmith can rekey the lock without any issue; in fact, such locks can be rekeyed in the most hardware stores.
In a standard six-pin lock system, the locking mechanism is made up of a cylinder and shafts. Inside the shafts are a total of six springs and twelve pins. The upper six pins will all be of the same size. The remaining six lower pins will be of varying lengths correspond with the notches cut into the key that fits the lock. When rekeying a lock, the locksmith will replace the lower six pins with pins that fit perfectly between the notches of the key that is to open the lock just above the shear line.
Now, when the new key is inserted into the reconfigured lock, the lower pins will push the upper pins just above the shear line and the cylinder will turn without any resistance. Of course, this process differs dependent upon the design of lock.
Most locks are designed to work with two different varieties of keys; the change key and the master key. The change key will only open a specific lock whereas the master key will open a number of locks in a series of locks. With these types of locks, a number of the pin pairs are separated by a third type of pin which is known as a master wafer or a spacer.
When there are three pins combined in a particular lock shaft, there will be two ways in which to position the pins so that the lock opens. The change key will raise the pins in the shaft in such a way that the shear line is just above the master wafer. The master key will raise the pins in such a way that the shear line is just at the bottom of the master wafer. In both cases, a space is created at the shear line and the key will be free to turn in the cylinder.
With this type of lock design, the lowest pin is of the same length in every lock in the group with the master wafer being of varying length. In this way, the master key will open every lock in the group; whereas, a change key will only open one specific lock. Such a design is perfectly suited in an apartment building setting where tenants will have access only to the lock of their apartment and a building manager will have access to all of the locks of the building.
