One key for the people who need access everywhere, and their own key for everyone else. A Mul-T-Lock master key system cuts down the keys you carry without giving up control.
How a master key system works
Every lock in the system has its own change key that opens only that lock. On top of that, higher-level keys are cut to open groups of locks. Each person gets the one key that opens exactly the doors they need, and nothing more.
The key levels, from top to bottom
- Grand Master Key (GMK): opens every lock in the system. Usually held by the owner or facility manager.
- Master Key (MK): opens one group of locks, such as a floor, a department or a building.
- Sub-Master Key: an optional extra level for smaller groups inside a master group.
- Change Key: opens a single lock, or a set of locks keyed alike, such as one office or one apartment.
Example layouts
- Office building: the building manager holds the grand master. Each floor manager has a master key for their floor. Each employee has a change key for their own office.
- Apartments and condos: each unit has its own change key. Maintenance has a master key for the units, and management holds a grand master that also opens the mechanical rooms, pool gates and storage. Common doors can be keyed so every resident’s key opens the front entrance and mail room.
- Retail and restaurants: the owner opens everything. Managers have a master for the front of house, office and stock room. Staff keys open only the doors they use.
- Multiple locations: each store or building has its own master key, and one grand master opens all locations.
- Schools and campuses: separate masters for classrooms, offices and maintenance areas, with a grand master for administration and emergencies.
Why Mul-T-Lock for master keying
- Patented key control. Keys can only be copied by authorized dealers with your key card, so nobody makes a copy of your master key at a hardware store.
- One system, every lock type. Deadbolts, knob and lever cylinders, mortise and rim cylinders, and padlocks can all be part of the same system, as long as they share a platform and keyway.
- Room to grow. Systems are planned ahead so you can add doors, groups and buildings later.
- Fewer keys in circulation. Less to track, and less risk when an employee or tenant leaves.
How to order master keyed locks
- New system: email us a list of your doors and who needs access to what. We’ll design the key plan and send you a quote.
- Adding to your existing Mul-T-Lock system: choose Master Keyed on each product page and put your system number or key card number in the order notes.
- Every master keyed lock includes 2 keys per change key. Master keys and extra keys can be added with Additional Cut Keys.
Diagrams and links are from Mul-T-Lock’s official website.