Is there a locksmith in the house? :)

RickJ · Sep 10, 2009, 05:46 AM

I've got an apt. community of 134 apartments.

12 years ago I did the research and was told that with only 134 apartments, I was "safe" to use just one master key for them...but now I find that some of them are cut WAY too close to each other.

I found that there are some resident keys that open other apartments.

...so I'm considering re-doing everything.

The little research I've done tells me that 134 locks on 1 master IS safe... so I'm thinking that maybe our locksmith is just not using a good cut list (some are clearly just too close to each other).

So the bottom line(s):

1. Is 134 locks mastered to 1 master key safe if the generated cut list is good?
2. If so, do you know a reliable and nicely priced supplier? I currently pay $6 for the cylinder and $6 to have it mastered to my master.
3. Is there another cylinder that will fit into my Weslock housings? I don't mind changing the cylinder type if I can find a better deal with someone who can do it right...

Thanks for any input you can give.

RickJ · Sep 25, 2009, 04:16 AM

I have a book on how to master locks - which is how I did the initial mastering.

I use key blanks and do not put the cut codes on them... It cracks me up that some manufacturers (such as Baldwin) put the cut code right on the key!

KeepItSimpleStupid · Sep 25, 2009, 07:27 AM

Never put key codes on the key,or for that matter what they open. There can be indications on the key that they are masters, sub-masters or off masters, but not things like Apt 22 or building 3.

KeepItSimpleStupid · Sep 25, 2009, 07:41 AM

Never put key codes on the key,or for that matter what they open. There can be indications on the key that they are masters, sub-masters or off masters, but not things like Apt 22 or building 3.

KeepItSimpleStupid · Sep 25, 2009, 07:50 AM

I had a key in which I know a few codes. Exterior, external doors, masters, sub-masters and off masters were clearly marked. A general area was encoded,so was facility rooms, and construction cores. I never saw a cylinder removal key.

The building number/name might be oddly encoded and so was a relaive area. Key blank grooves were on the key itself. This was a Best lock system.

Stratmando · Sep 25, 2009, 02:42 PM

Kiss, I haven't been able to find a photo of the "Control" key, but here's the cylinder, it shows the piece that holds the cylinder in place:
Notes on SFIC (Best) Interchangeable Core Locks

KeepItSimpleStupid · Sep 25, 2009, 05:07 PM

That was sooo cool.

The control key is cut to operate the outer cylinder. Nothing special. As he said, it can be found out by using the upper most cut depths. It's a single key, but it's almost like a master. It just operates a second cylinder. Neat.

Thanks bunches.