Master Pins in Locks – What They Are Used For, Why You Don’t Want Them

Locksmith In NilesThose who own properties, whether commercial or residential, are going to come across information on locks at some point while looking up different options available. It is so important to have sturdy locks that you feel offer the right level of protection. In your search for the best locks, you might have come across a term called “master pins in locks.” If you are wondering exactly what they are, Niles IL Locksmiths is here to tell you! We provide services to customers in Niles, Illinois and the nearby area. If you are in our service location, give us a call so we can answer any questions you have over the phone. Or, feel free to keep reading to learn about what master pins in locks are used for and why you might not want them!

What Are Master Pins in Locks?

A variant of the pin tumbler lock is the master keyed lock. This essentially lets a lock be opened with multiple different keys. You will find this kind of lock typically on buildings with numerous tenants, like offices and certain complexes.

If you find yourself wondering – “What is the need for master pins?” Or, “I don’t really understand the point of small master pins, but I think they go between the bottom and top pins” - then you are not alone. Many people are unsure of master pins and what their function is. Master pins are utilized to pin locks so that a master key can work with them in addition to a change key. Let’s say you work in a commercial building as a manager. You might have the master key to get into all of the rooms. But if you are an employee who works in one specific department, maybe you just have the change key. Multiple key pins will allow numerous keys to work in the same lock. Other individuals who might benefit from having a master key would be realtors, property managers, housekeeping staff, and janitors. They will likely need to be able to open numerous different locks, and having a master key system can make things a bit easier. But, like with everything, there are cons to master pins and reasons that people do not want them. Why wouldn’t you want master pins in locks? Here are some thoughts…

Issues With Master Pins

Pin and tumbler locks are used quite frequently, and they are unfortunately fairly simple to pick. Going with high-security locks or going keyless tend to be a better option for many people. Of course, if you do want to use master pins, there are methods you can use to make sure your security is enhanced, and talking with a locksmith will certainly provide you with some ideas. For example, because the master pins can be manipulated, you might want to have a high security lock installed on the outside of your building to act as an added security measure. Another thought is that you can use separate master key systems for different sections of your building. Of course, some will also view this as a con, as it might be too many things to keep track of.

Another potential con to master pins is that you might not want to have to carry multiple keys in the event that you have a key only to your specific door, but then won’t be able to access common areas. Having a cylinder with a stack of master pins and a low bottom pin can end up leading to issues with pins becoming jammed, which could also mean keys don’t work when they are needed.

Clearly, master pins can get a little bit complicated, and when we have systems such as keyless entry in place today, it can be difficult for some to justify using master keys rather than simply going keyless. Of course, you might find that master pins/keys happen to be what works best for your situation, and if this is the case, a locksmith can go over ways to improve your security if you have concerns about that.

Those who own properties, whether residential or commercial, are going to come across information on locks at some point because eventually, you are going to want to look into your security, hopefully sooner rather than later. It is so important to have locks in place that you can count on to offer the right level of protection. If you don’t have confidence in your security system, then it is very important to talk with a lock and security expert – we are talking about locksmiths. It is our hope that you now have a better understanding of a term that can sometimes leave people confused - “master pins in locks.” If you were unsure of what they were before, hopefully Niles IL Locksmiths has answered your questions. Of course, if you still have questions and you are in our service area, give us a ring. We offer consultations totally free of charge to allow customers to get the information they are looking for without any hassle or pressure.

Simply put, a variant of the pin tumbler lock is the master keyed lock. This, for all intents and purposes, lets a lock be opened with several different keys. You will find this kind of lock characteristically on buildings with numerous tenants, such as offices and certain complexes. However, many people are opting to go keyless instead as a result of some of the flaws described above. Remember, a locksmith is able to provide the information you need and answer all of your questions. Most will offer consultations free of charge, and you should be wary of those who do not. Thanks again for learning about master pins in locks, what they are used for, and why you might not want them. We hope that this information has been beneficial for you and we are glad you stopped by!

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