by GWiens2001 » 11 Sep 2026 7:53
First part of your question - yes. Your math is correct. One master pin in each pin channel would create 2^6 (64) keys that will operate the lock. That is why the best description of master keying I've ever heard (by member Sinifar) is "Master keying is the controlled destruction of security." Every pin stack that has a single master pin doubles the number of keys that will work in the lock. The pin stacks with multiple master pins obviously create more permutions and increase the number of keys respectively to the number of pins.
Many of those locksmiths who are more skilled at master keying design their systems to use as few master pins as possible.
The second part of your question is yes... if they are looking for it. If the picker, no matter how skilled, only wants to get the lock open, then they won't care about whether it is master keyed or not, except to realize it will be easier to open. If they are checking to see if it is master keyed without taking apart the lock, then it can be done.
Clearly, the more key permutations that can operate a lock, the easier it is to pick the lock. That is why I roll my eyes when a customer who has a single lock on the front of their store says "I have my lock heavily master keyed because my previous locksmith explained how much it increases security".
Yes, there are least three locksmiths here in town who do that. One of them puts 2-4 master pins in every pin channel. Simple rule of thumb... if you have only one lock or only need one key to operate the lock - - - DO NOT MASTER KEY THE LOCK!!!
*** Steps off my soap box ***
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
