Can I make a master key if I have several keys?

[TooComplicated]

I have several keys in a "Best" system. Stamped "E".
http://mysecuritypro.com/best1a1e1keybl ... tion=17963

Can I make a master key by using my current set of keys, so that I don't have to carry around five pounds of keys that will eventually tear holes in my pants????

[minifhncc]

Short answer: Assuming MACs compatibility (which might not hold) you can't without creating many "ghosts", which would effectively make your system much more insecure.

[Squelchtone]

If the locks all of your current keys go to are already on a master key system, just ask your campus public safety office or facilities office to get you the master key for your building instead of all the individual keys.

If you're asking for a way to buy that E blank and cut the teeth on it so that it opens all the locks based on the key cuts of your current keys, I don't think that's physically possible.

Are they your locks or your employer's locks? If they're yours, do you have enough know how to take them apart and repin them and add master wafers? do you have the core control key?

Squelchtone

[Legion303]

It is possible to derive a master key, but as mentioned, if you're allowed to have one, just ask the facilities manager. If you aren't allowed to have one, why are we even discussing it?

-steve

[TooComplicated]

"If you're asking for a way to buy that E blank and cut the teeth on it so that it opens all the locks based on the key cuts of your current keys, I don't think that's physically possible. "

It's possible. There are commonalities between the keys that open different locks.

MACs and "Ghosts"???

[minifhncc]

I just realised what you were asking. I was assuming that you rekeyed the locks.

You can't create a master key if the lock isn't master keyed.

[TooComplicated]

@Steve, Did you forget to notice that I mentioned a previous issue about keys tearing up my pockets?
Solutions, please.

[TooComplicated]

...and yes, all the locks are master keyed.

[Squelchtone]

@Steve, Did you forget to notice that I mentioned a previous issue about keys tearing up my pockets?
Solutions, please.

We gave you solutions, go to campus facilities and ask for a master key in exchange for all the change keys you carry in your pocket. The keys in your pocket are already cut too deep to be cut into a master key, that's how most good master key systems are designed so people cant reverse engineer a master out of a change key. If you get a blank key online somewhere, you would have to be a math wiz or trained locksmith who knew master keyeing very well to look at the keys you have and be able to mathematically derive the master level key and then have a machine or really steady hand to cut one from one of your blanks. It's easier to do if you can take one of the locks apart, do you have the approval of your maintenance dept to be taking the locks apart?

[Legion303]

@Steve, Did you forget to notice that I mentioned a previous issue about keys tearing up my pockets?
Solutions, please.

I'm not sure how one would go about forgetting to notice something, but in any case I gave you a solution.

-steve

[TooComplicated]

So the answer to the question: "Can I make a master key if I have several keys?"...


...is (drum roll.....)

...Yes.

Thanks for your help,

The steady-handed mathematician.

[Legion303]

You're welcome. Since the question's been answered, I'll go ahead and lock the thread.

-steve