Master keys are unique tools of their kind and that is the reason why many people are so fascinated with their functionality. All this euphoria is due to the intrigue of knowing how it is possible that this one key can open several locks, but another conventional key model can’t. What is the secret behind this key? Or is the magic in the internal system of the locks?
The reality is that to solve these questions you have to implement a bit of mathematics, but it is not a difficult level to understand. Once you finish reading this article you will fully understand how master keys work, from the simplest mechanisms to those of great complexity, and the fact that you should hire a good and experienced locksmith to apply it to your business or home.
How A Master Key Works
The first thing to keep in mind is that master keys work with the most basic pin model locks. If you don’t know what a pin model lock is, we will explain it to you:
The lock mechanism works thanks to a line of pins and counterpins that are raised so that they both rest at corresponding heights depending on the cut lines. Once the key enters the chamber, it lifts the pins inside the lock, aligning all the spaces inside the lock with the cut line.
The normal pins are of different sizes, but the opposing pins are of universal size. This allows a key to have the necessary height and slot combination so that it can lift the pins to the corresponding one. This is a very simplified version of how the locks work.
Once you are clear on the above it is easier to understand the functionality of master keys, although a local Las Vegas locksmith can explain it to you much easier in person. All that is required to convert a standard lock into a system suitable for a master key is the familiar wafer, master pin or spacer, which is placed between the pins and pins of a key. The master wafer can be defined as a spacer in the shape of a field hockey puck. Once it is positioned in place, the line of pins will have two cut lines. One line for the part of the pin stack of a wafer below or above the line.
With the spacer, what is achieved is to create a new cut line, and an additional level for the master key, you can add more spacers that will allow you to create various combinations and thus several levels for the master keys. This is how the popular master keys work. The key to the magic is inside the locks.
Fascinating, don’t you think? We hope this article has cleared up all your doubts and now you can share how the master keys work or you can cheer up to have a master key professional install one in your home.
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