Master Key Question

[Exodus5000]

During summer while i'm not in college, I work at a hotel/resort. While there my job requires that I have access to all rooms and closets, so i'm equipped with a master key to the building. I notice that a normal key that would open, for example, only the storage closet is just a normal schlage key, while the master key is a shlage key with extra groovings on the side of the key. I'm trying to envision in my head what these extra grooves could be used for that would make the difference between being a master and normal key? Perhaps there is an extra set of pins in the doors that need to be set?

[Chucklz]

What exactly do you mean by a normal schlage key? C keyway? There are many Schlage keyways, and from your description, it seems likely that there exists one of three situations

1.) Your hotel is keyed with a keway like the CE keyway which is a more complicated keyway than C

2.) Your hotel is sectionally masterkeyed. That is there exist several keyways, each with their own master key that will not enter the other keyways, and then one "master" section key that will enter all of the keyways.

3.) You have a combination of the Everest and Primus systems, in which the cheaper Everest locks are on "low" security areas, and the Primus on "high" security areas, and probably guest rooms. A primus key will operate an Everest cylinder.

[Varjeal]

Not sure what you mean by grooves, but Schlage has several "sectional" keyways where a lower level key will fit into a certain type of cylinder while another will not.

umm..example: A schlage "c" sectional key will fit into a "c" keyway, but not an "E" or "F" while a Schlage "L" will fit into all of them. This is due to key "warding" or shape. The profile of an "L" sectional Schlage key is extremely thin, which allows it to fit into any of the locks.

I hope that makes sense. If possible, have a peek into a keyblank book and you'll understand what I mean.

[Exodus5000]

I think the third option is what I am reffering too, especially after researching primus, everest, and schlage keys. This is the site I came up with:
http://www.centralsafeandlock.com/schlage/ev-prim.html

The primus key would be the master key I am reffering to with the extra milling on the side of they key. Just from looking at the diagram however I can't tell how the extra milling changes how they key behaves. Do locksmiths have the ability to make keys with side milling, or do you have to go to the key/lock distributor? Interesting stuff.

[Varjeal]

k....now I understand...good questions Chucklz...anyways, locksmiths do not have the legal ability to cut the side milling on the key, just the standard blade. The blanks are purchased from the manufacturer and go straight to the locksmith to be duplicated or originally cut to the master system that the locksmith has set up.

The locksmith may "own" a particular side-milling (or two or three) but they cannot legally "make" their own side-milled keyblanks.

[Exodus5000]

Makes sense, an extra check for security measures never hurts I guess. But for my original question, what does the extra milling on the side do?

[Chucklz]

The extra milling operates an extra set of 5 (4? I cant remember) pins that control a sidebar.

[randmguy]

Primus locks have side pins to prevent picking the milling on the side of the key is to operate the side pins.

[Varjeal]

That would be an extra set of five pins in the side milling FYI.

[Exodus5000]

That is what i expected. I've been looking for a picture of the sidebar pins but have not found anything interesting. Also, could someone provide a link, or even just tell me more information on this set up. Does the key need to set the six standard pins, plus the side bar pins? What makes them not able to be picked? Information!