Masterkey Questions

[bprzybyl]

Hello,
I was wondering today about Masterkey systems. I have a BEST SFIC along with an operating, master, and control key. Ignoring the control key, wouldn't all the cuts on the operating key have to be lower than those on the master key? Also, including the control key, wouldn't all of the cuts on it need to be higher than those on both the operating and master key? If someone asks, I'd be glad to post pictures.

Thanks.

[jjmerg]

not in best IC cylinders. the bitting can be all different.

in best, its all about the numbers. 23.

you would want to follow some sort of chart, so as not to replicate bitting, or have cross bitting.

[bprzybyl]

So do any follow the standard as I stated earlier (Control w/ highest cuts, then Master then Operating)?

Or is there any system in which they alternate which ones are which?

How will I know which ones are for the control and which ones are for operating/master? I bought 2 other BEST SFIC's (And my BEST SFIC padlock, but I hate it so it doesn't get to be included) and I have been looking to acquire more. I haven't got keys for any other SFIC's, only the keys for the Core stated in my 1st post.

Sorry for more questions, but thanks.

[Chucklz]

There is no rule about the key with the highest cuts being the master or control or whatever. There are however rules describing the total hieght of a pin stack, the buildup pin for the control shear line etc. But what rules used depends on what system was used to set up the cores. That is was it set up using the A2,A3, or A4 system. Here is a very good guide to IC's, but do read carefully as there are differences between Schlage and Best SFICs

http://professional.schlage.com/pdfs/pc ... manual.pdf

[bprzybyl]

Just one last question (for now)
How do I know the difference between A2, A3, and A4?

Thanks.

[Chucklz]

You need to measure the keys to determine the increment used

A2 .0125"
A3 .018"
A4 .021"

Cheers

[bprzybyl]

Measure the keys?

do you mean distance difference in pin height? because I thought you might have meant distance between pin stacks but the one I checked was .18" and I have no clue what else to measure.

Thanks.

[Chucklz]

Measure the differences in pin height, and see which one it is a multiple of. Do allow a very tiny allowance for tolerances and measuring troubles.

[franko452000]

Q. lock type: SCHLAGE. three locks in masterkey system, 1st change key from bow to tip = 3 5 6 4 1 4 . 2nd change key = 3 5 6 4 1 2 . & 3rd key = 3 5 6 4 1 8 . ___ my question is can the master key be made by this knowledge alone, without taking the locks apart.

[keysman]

[quote="franko452000"]Q. lock type: SCHLAGE. three locks in masterkey system, 1st change key from bow to tip = 3 5 6 4 1 4 . 2nd change key = 3 5 6 4 1 2 . & 3rd key = 3 5 6 4 1 8 . ___ my question is can the master key be made by this knowledge alone, without taking the locks apart.[/quote]

No you need more information than given .
Probably best reserved for the advanced area, you can make a master key with out taking the lock apart.

[franko452000]

tx for the fast reply. i looked thru the books i have, and i found no way. teaching my self this humble trade of locksmithing, guess been into it about 2 good years. wish i knew a smith to compare notes with. i manulate cut-a-ways safe locks too re-pinning tulbular locks, i live 4 it. just took the foreign lock ( auto ). hell let's talk. tell me somthing i may not know....... just kidding not cocky just drunk.. friday-night

[franko452000]

OK, you wanna do it old school ?. buy a book on master-keying ! we live in a high-tech world, buy yourself a cd-rom on master-keying. it will set you up a system with a click or two. botta bing-botta boom.