Pinning for Multi-User Access

[JimmyT1950]

Not sure if this is the proper place for this post but here goes.

I have an apartment building with 24 apartments and 2 outer access doors. Pinning the apartments to a master is not a problem. What I'm wondering is what is the best way to key the outer doors so all the tenants have access along with the master.

TIA
Jim

[Squelchtone]

Not sure if this is the proper place for this post but here goes.

I have an apartment building with 24 apartments and 2 outer access doors. Pinning the apartments to a master is not a problem. What I'm wondering is what is the best way to key the outer doors so all the tenants have access along with the master.

TIA
Jim

Maison keying. or get a prox swipe for those doors or issue them another key to carry. Maison keying reduces overall security and key complexity, I'll let one of our actual locksmiths explain why.

and I'm moving this to key machines, as it's probably closer to the correct area than General Off Topic Chatter.

Squelchtone

[cledry]

Just use a combination lock is my opinion. Avoid maison keying.

[nick08037]

Hello JimmyT1950,

Another option would be to use an electric strike door release with a programmable keypad controller. This would allow you to use your conventional locking hardware with a master keyed cylinder. I would not suggest a magnetic lock for various reasons. You would not need to issue prox cards or a second key to the residents. The keypad code could be a single code on an inexpensive system shared by all or individual codes on a higher end control system used.

As I was typing this I see cledry suggested a combination lock which would be a simple KABA Simplex mechanical keypad type or higher end Alarm Lock Trilogy electronic style programmable lock assembly. Good suggestion.

-Nick

[jimu57]

Dont put exterior doors on a cross key system. Have everyone carry an apartment key and an exterior key. Either decide if you want convenience or security.

[billdeserthills]

Dont put exterior doors on a cross key system. Have everyone carry an apartment key and an exterior key. Either decide if you want convenience or security.

Take the money and do as your customer wishes or someone else will
My Dad used to tell me that all the time

[TORCH [of KCK]]

Jim U (57) put it right on the money.

Don't put exterior doors on a cross key system. Have everyone carry an apartment key and an exterior key. Either decide if you want convenience or security.

Keep the exterior off the master key system.

Make everyone carry 2 keys.

If there's a laundry room, put it on the exterior key.
(Limits un-monitored access to a MK'd lock to a minimum)
Not to mention, re-keying is less of a hassle for your other tenants, in the event that you have to evict one.

[jimu57]

Thank you TORCH. I disagree with just doing what a customer asks and running with the money. I'll either do it right or not at all. Most customers don't know details or mechanics of master keying. They especially dont know that master keying is a planned destruction of security of their building, unless it's done right.

I am working on getting licensed in my state right now. But I have done a couple of small master key jobs for friends. Easy ones.

I have one situation that has a vestibule entering off of a main street. Inside are 2 doors that lead to 2 different businesses. Definitely key the outside door for a change and master. What I haven't decided on is too cross key the interior doors to the businesses so the employees office keys also open the main door to their business. Worse case would be that all employees carry 3 keys. Definitely don't cross key business doors with the vestibule entrance. Since there are only up to 6 offices in each business, cross key those doors to the entrance door to their business and leave it independent from the main vestibule door. Leaves it with carrying 2 keys.

I know the basics of master keying on several sub levels. But this building has quite a few shared entrance doors with various combinations of people that need access. The customer cant tell me in detail what to do. Its up to me to figure it how to make it the best system as possible.