by glenaw » 26 Jul 2011 20:55
Several different options could be used.
A couple things you should consider.
1.) Use original parts only. OEM only. There was a lawsuit where a woman got assaulted in a hotel with a key that should not have worked. She named the hotel, lock manufacturer, and locksmith in the suit. It turned out the locksmith did not use OEM products which released the other two named in the suit. The Locksmith was held totally responsible.
2.) Take existing keys in your system and measure them. Use these keys and plug them in to your Key Bitting Array and print out the system. Cross off keys already used then check to ensure that the locksmith did not cut any sub-master for change keys.
I was called out to do master-keying for a apartment complex. They wanted me to do a single unit. No Master Keying charts were provide. When I measured the existing keys and progressed it out I found a sub-master had been used. Knowing that the system had been compromised I told the complex that the only way I would continue would be to redo the entire system. Since they would not do that I walked away from the job. I did not want the liability!!
3.) Hire a locksmith to progress a full chart. I can hand write a kwikset 5pin system, with a copier on hand, in under 15 minutes. How many useable change keys you will have will depend on the restrictions you would would put on the system. On a one step progression with no restriction will yield 125 changes per page. I personally would eliminate all changes that would use #1 Master Wafer. Any significant wear and the #1 master wafer will fall in-between the locks shell and the locks plug. I would also eliminate changes that are only one number away from the master key. These keys, even though technically the manufacturer would call them usable, could act like a sub-master. You would also want the system to be wrote out to have all unusable changes to be at the bottom of your pages and at the end of the system.
I'm probably way late on my post and you probably have already taken care of the issue. I hope I have been of some help. If you have any questions I could help you with let me know.
