With a five pin tumbler lock there are 10x10x10x10x10 = 100,000 theoretical possible keys. There are more than this number of locks in use. One way we limit the possibility of someone else having the same key as you have is to use different keyways. The keyway is similar to the old keyholes. It is the part of the lock where you insert your key.
Your key has groves on it called millings. The keyway has matching broaching. This is to ensure that not every key made will go into your lock. Even if a key has the exact same biting (code) it may not go into the lock.
Now there are a larger possible number of keys. 100,000 x the number of keyways. And there are hundreds of keyways.
High
Security locks are designed with an exclusive keyway so that only their
own keys will work their locks. Many locksmiths invest in their own
keyways, side bars or interactive pin. This keeps other locksmiths
from being able to cut keys for their system, helping to maintain the systems integrity.
We fix locks!
We open locks when you've lost the key
We change the key of your lock
We change the combination of your safe
We remove keys broken in the lock
We repair broken doors
We repair and reinforce broken frames
We repair or replace broken locks
We rekey your locks
We replace and upgrade locks
We install new locks on new doors
Key control is a central issues in security these days. You can have the best lock on your door and still not be in control of access through your doors.
It is necessary to re-key, or change the key of the lock, when you know your security has been compromised. Several situations warrant the re-keying of any lock:
1) Moving into a newly built house, apartment, condo or office.
2) Moving into a previously occupied house, apartment, condo or office.
3) Missing keys presumed to be lost or stolen.
4) After a break-in or other theft.
5) When an employee or contractor does not return their keys.
The standard keys that you count on daily are corruptible anytime you give them to anyone. For instance, a babysitter, repair person, or friend could make a copy of your key for as little as 99¢ at any corner store.
Think of the last time you made a copy of your keys. Did the clerk ask you for ID? Did the clerk even ask you if they were your keys? No.
In addition, this type of five pin tumbler lock can be opened without a key. Brute force, picking, bumping, copying someone's key or even using a cordless drill are ways burglars are entering homes in Toronto.
This is why we recommend Mul-T-Lock so strongly. Not only is it impossible to copy a key or break into this lock but it comes with two re-keys built-in.
When we re-key most locks we remove the lock from the door, open the cylinder and change the arrangement of the pins.
Mul-T-Lock cylinders can be re-keyed in the same way. To save you time and money Mul-T-Lock cylinders can be re-keyed without removing the lock from the door.
This is ideal in large complexes like apartment buildings or on doors where the lock is on the bottom and cannot be easily removed.
The lock is installed and green keys are issued to the key holders. If a key is lost or stolen yellow keys are issued to the key holders.
The yellow keys work instantly. Upon use of the yellow key, the green key is disabled.
A simple turn of the yellow key actually changes the arrangement of the pins in the cylinder.
A second re-key is built-in.
If a yellow key is lost or stolen, red keys are issued to the key holders.
The red keys work instantly. Upon use of the red key, the yellow key is disabled.
No need for a locksmith to come out and charge you for a service call. Just order new keys and issue them out.
Again, using an apartment building as an example, the super or concierge only has to issue the yellow (or red) keys. When the tenant uses the key it will automatically disable the old key.
No need to spend hours and hours going from door to door.
