How Weather Affects Your Locks

A master key system refers to a mechanism within a lock that makes it so that multiple different keys can open that lock. For example, most apartment complexes and businesses have locks that accommodate master keys. The owner of the building then has access to multiple different locks using only one key known as the master key. In these instances, master keys are actually necessary and quite helpful. For apartment complexes, having the locks outfitted with master pins allows maintenance workers or managers to enter all of the units in the complex without needing multiple and individual keys in order to do so. Most apartment contracts lay out exactly when workers or managers are allowed to enter your apartment and most are required to give at least 24-hour notice before entering your apartment. If and when they do so, however, it is likely that they will enter using a master key.

There are some instances, however, where having a master key and lock system is not safe and you will want to have the master system removed from the lock as soon as possible. Continue reading to find out more about how master pin systems work, as well as the circumstances when you will want to make sure you do not have master pins in your locks.

Why Master Keys are Necessary

Master keys are used by larger institutions, businesses of all kinds, universities, and residential complexes. Using a master key system makes it easy for business owners to customize which employees have access to which rooms and corridors, as well as make it so that they do not have to carry around multiple keys at once throughout their workday.

Increased convenience is the number one reason why master systems will be installed and most business owners prefer to make use of master keys due to the perks they provide. While master key systems may not be ideal for all businesses, they are helpful for those that want to make use of the convenience and customization master keys offer.

Why You Do Not Want Master Pins in Your Locks

One of the other sites you may find master pins is on homes, especially ones that are newly built. This is because multiple workers may need to get in and out of a construction site. If you live in a newly built home that had several other homes being built around it at the same time by the same contractor, it is highly likely that master pins are in your home locks. Master pin systems in these cases make it easier for home builders to go from one house to another if multiple homes on one site are being built.

While master pins are great for the construction process, they are not so great when it comes to actually securing your home once your family moves in. Locks outfitted with master pins are far less secure than locks that only allow for one key to operate one lock. The pins and mechanisms inside the lock that make the master lock work also make the lock itself easier to break-in to. A criminal can more easily ‘pick’ locks that have master pin systems.

If you have recently moved into a new home, you will want to make sure your locks do not have master pins in them. This may make you a target for a break-in or criminal activity of some sort. Some criminals may even target certain areas because of this fact, so it is important to take action if you know that your locks have been a part of a master system.

Hire a Locksmith to Check Your Locks

If you have recently moved into your home, you will want to make sure you have any master pins removed as quickly as possible. You can hire a professional locksmith to rekey or replace your locks entirely in order to make sure you are the only owner to the sole key that operates your home locks.

It is recommended that homeowners rekey or replace their locks whenever they move into a new home anyway, but this is especially true if you know a master key system is in your locks. Call a professional locksmith as soon as you move in to help you not only identify if any master pins are in place, but also properly replace your locks and secure your home once more.

Remember, master key systems are great for certain properties and in certain circumstances, such as during the construction of multiple homes, but they are not ideal for homeowners. It is not a good idea to leave master pins in one’s locks. You may end up putting your family’s safety at risk or may be more likely to experience a break-in at some point.

Need Professional Assistance?

If you are unsure whether or not your current locks are outfitted with master pins, it is best to call in an expert. Hiring a locksmith can help you determine what exactly is going on with your locks, as well as give you the opportunity to remove the master pins in your locks, rekey the locks, and even replace the locks entirely if you so wish. Working closely with a trained professional will help you make the right choice that will best serve your personal safety and security.

24 Hour Montebello Locksmith in beautiful Montebello, California is the top choice locksmith that business owners and residents rely on when they need reliable and fast lock and key services. You will always know you are in good hands when you work with our locksmiths. From the moment you call, we make sure your needs are taken care of first and that any security concerns you have are addressed as soon as possible. Let our lock and key specialists know how they can help by giving us a call today! We are standing by to help with all of your lock and key needs.