Master key systems for offices and buildings.
A master key system lets each person carry one key that opens exactly the doors they need: a change key for a single office, a sub-master for a department or floor, and a master for building staff. Lock Raven designs and installs master key systems for offices, retail, warehouses, and multi-tenant buildings, and maintains them as people and tenants change.
How the levels work
Each cylinder is pinned so that more than one key can operate it. The key hierarchy is planned on paper first, then every cylinder is pinned to match. Done well, adding a new office or replacing a lost sub-master later does not mean redoing the whole building.
What we plan with you
- Who needs access to which doors, today and as the business grows.
- Which keys are restricted, so copies cannot be cut at a hardware store.
- How keys are issued and tracked, and what happens when one is lost.
- Where access control should replace keys entirely, such as main entrances.
| Key level | Opens | Usually held by |
|---|---|---|
| Grand master | Every door in the system | Owner or facilities lead |
| Master | All doors in one building or area | Building manager |
| Sub-master | A floor, suite, or department | Department head |
| Change key | One door | Individual staff or tenant |
Related services.
- Rekeying and lock changes Rekeying changes which key operates a lock without replacing the hardware. Learn more
- High-security locks High-security locks resist picking, bumping, and drilling, and they add key control: copies can only be made by an authorized locksmith with your permission. Learn more
- Access control Card readers, keypads, intercoms, and electric locking hardware. Learn more
Before you call: guides.
- Commercial security · 5 min read Master key systems, explained. How master key systems work, the key hierarchy, key control, what to do when a master key is lost, and when to add access control. Read the guide
- Commercial security · 6 min read Access control for small businesses, in plain English. How keycard, fob, and keypad access control works, the hardware involved, fail-safe versus fail-secure, and how to start with one door. Read the guide
Master key systems across Central Maryland.
Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties. All service areas
Master key systems: common questions.
Straight answers, without the upsell.
What happens if a master key is lost?
Call us. Depending on the system, that can mean rekeying only the affected cylinders rather than replacing everything. We walk you through the real exposure and the fastest fix.
Can a master key system work with access control?
Yes, and it should. Access control on the main entrances and a master key system on interior doors is a common setup, and a mechanical key override on electrified doors is still important.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the hardware, the door, and the number of locks, so we price every job before any work starts. Call with the details, or send the quote form, and you will have a price before you commit to anything.
Get a quote.
Tell us about the job and we will reply the same day. For a lockout, call (410) 449-4940.
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