Locksmithing/How to master key

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Expert: Lynn Chambers - 2/25/2009


Question
I am a locksmith and I have a customer who has 3 mortise locks he wants re keyed to one key.I can do that no problem! He also wants me to make his exsiting master key that now works the locks to work the newly will be re-keyed locks.Once I re-key the 3 locks, how do I make his master work the 3 new locks? The master does fit the 3 keyways. Is there a simple numeric formula that will tell me what size master pin to put in and whaere? Or do I just re-key the 3 locks fist to the user key with the same existing top pins, and then stick the master key in and drop a master pin in all of the holes that still have gaps?

Answer
There are books on decoding master keys.I know of no simple formula.
Decode the existing operating keys.If you have say 23456,23458,and 23460 for your operating keys you may be able to see what progression the locksmith was using to determine how to key the locks.Just follow his/her progression steps,and look for a pattern. Failing that,decode the master key and change keys. There will be some similarities in the cuts or he/she was using a computer generated system.In that case trial and error will lead you to the right steps.

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Lynn Chambers

Expertise

Any and all questions about general locksmithing. NO SAFE QUESTIONS PLEASE. Commercial and residential hardware experience of 10 years. I cannot answer questions about picking or bumping locks for obvious reasons of security. I do not work on safes,safe deposit boxes or vaults or newer automobiles. Older auto lock questions I can answer.PLEASE if you have a question,be very specific. Give me as much information as you can on your particular problem;include a photo if possible.The more information I have the better I can help you.Do not expect that I just "know" what you are talking about; give as much information as possible,as there is literally thousand of locks on the market. Please include a brand mane if possible. If what I tell you does not make sense, or you cannot figure out what to do, call a Licensed Locksmith.

Experience

Ten years as a locksmith in commercial,residential,institional,auto locks and master-keying systems. Experienced in Interchangeable cores and Medeco locks.Currently working as an Institutional Locksmith,and owner of After 6 Locksmith,LLC.

Organizations
Louisiana-Mississippi Locksmith Association.

Publications
http://www.after6locksmith.com

Education/Credentials
Foley-Belsaw,and 2 years of apprentice level training.Certified,registered locksmith,licensed,bonded,insured.

Past/Present Clients
Serving the Baton Rouge,New Orleans and Hammond Louisiana areas

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