Master Key Systems and Restricted Key Systems Frequently Asked Questions
Q: "What is the difference between a 'Restricted' key system and a 'Master key System'?" A: A Restricted key system means the keys can not be duplicated without written consent from the person nominated as the 'Autherisor' - George Tall & Co keep a sample of our customer's signature to varify only the correct person obtains a key. A Master Key system is best described as a number of locks that have been specifically altered to be operated by a 'Master key', even though each lock may have it's own unique key. A good example of this is an Office, where each of the staff members have a unique key to their office and the team leader has a Master Key to open all of these doors.
Q: "I thought a Master Key System meant all the locks were on the one key - like all the padlocks on my truck." A: Well that's a loose form of Master keying. But technically we call that a 'Keyed Alike' system.
Q: "Does a Master Key System have to be Restricted?" A: No. But imagine if the Manager's key is not Restricted and someone borrows his keys - it takes only a short amount of time to go to a nearby hardware store and make a copy!
Q: "Can a Keyed Alike System be restricted?" A: Yes. Any system can be restricted. The type of lock you have may not be suitable, but most locks on the market today are. At worst your lock may need to be modified or replaced.
Q: "Who can have a 'Restricted' key system or a 'Restricted' Master key system installed?" A: Anyone can! These systems are for Major Corporations, Clubs, Retail Stores, Churches, Government Departments, Apartment Blocks, houses, garages - these systems are available to anyone who is concerned their keys may be copied without their consent.
Q: "Can any Locksmith duplicate my Restricted key?" A: No! Only the Locksmith who installed the system. This is a great advantage for the customer as this enables the Locksmith to keep a record of how many keys have been supplied. Look at this example: you are a manager of a business and a team leader leaves the company. He returns the Master Key. You call your locksmith who installed the system and ask for a 'Key History'. After you have been confirmed to be autherised for this information, you are told there have been 5 Master Keys supplied for this system. If you can account for all 5 keys, then there is no need to change all the locks in this system. As no other Locksmith can duplicate your keys, you are garanteed that the only Master Keys in existence for your system are accounted for. On the other hand, if your Locksmith informs you that the Key History shows 7 keys and you can only account for 5 of these - you may have found the reason why stationery is going missing after hours!