Master Key Systems
Professional Master Key System Installation in Fort Wayne, IN
All Around Locksmiths, LLC designs and installs master key systems for businesses across Fort Wayne, Auburn, Allen County, and the surrounding 80-mile radius. These systems allow one master key to open multiple locks, while each lock still accepts its own unique key. This improves access control and simplifies daily operations.
Property managers, business owners, school administrators, and medical facility staff use master key systems to control who enters specific spaces. Whether you need to manage a single building or a multi-tenant facility, we build key systems that support your structure, staff, and security priorities.
How Master Key Systems Work
In this example of a master key system in an apartment complex, the property manager and owner have master keys, the maintenance staff have sub-master keys, and each tenant has their own child key that only opens their apartment door.
A master key system uses customized lock cylinders with additional pin sets, allowing different keys to open the same lock at varying access levels. A master key operates all locks within a defined group. In larger facilities, sub-master keys may be introduced to support multiple departments or buildings under one hierarchy. At the lowest level of the hierarchy, the child keys only open single locks.
This design makes it easy to give each employee, tenant, or contractor the right level of access without changing hardware or carrying extra keys. Emergency personnel or facility supervisors can access all areas with a single key, reducing response time and improving control.
What Fort Wayne, IN Businesses Need from a Key System
Businesses in Fort Wayne value secure, cost-effective, and easy-to-manage systems. A master key setup meets those needs by creating a single structure for access across different spaces. We work with schools, offices, retail buildings, and apartments to create systems that support your team and protect your property.
For example, commercial landlords may need master access to all suites, while tenants use change keys limited to their unit. A clinic might assign doctors access to patient rooms and labs while restricting administrative areas to select staff. We design these systems to reflect real-world movement and job responsibilities.
If lock security is a concern, we install high-security cylinders and patent-protected keyways to prevent unauthorized duplication. As roles shift, we also provide rekeying services to keep your system secure and current without needing new hardware.
Where Master Key Systems Work Best
We install master key systems for buildings that require multi-level access. These include:
- Office buildings: Managers access all suites; employees use keys tied to their workspace.
- Apartment complexes: Maintenance staff can enter every unit; residents access only their home.
- Medical facilities: The department sets staff access—administrators, nurses, and physicians may each have different clearances.
- Warehouses and plants: Supervisors hold master keys; teams use sub-masters for task-specific areas.
Each system includes documentation of key levels, labeled keys, and clear user instructions to support long-term use and updates.
Why Choose a Master Key System?
Master key systems reduce the need for multiple keys, simplify key distribution, and allow administrators to manage access without changing locks. This approach reduces long-term costs while strengthening control over shared spaces. Key benefits include:
- Better key control: Assign and limit access with precision. Collect or update keys as staff roles change.
- Simple management: Cut confusion and boost accountability by giving each person exactly what they need.
- Long-term flexibility: Easily scale or modify your system as your team grows or spaces are reconfigured.
- Stronger security: Avoid risk from lost keys or untracked duplicates. Patented systems prevent unauthorized copies.
Our systems fit into existing hardware whenever possible and are built for your specific floor plan and access needs.
Choose Fort Wayne’s Trusted Locksmiths for Master Key Solutions
All Around Locksmiths, LLC has served commercial clients throughout northeast Indiana since 1999. We build smart key systems that help you control access, reduce liability, and simplify entry across your property. Our process includes on-site evaluation, system design, installation, and full support.
We use commercial-grade hardware, follow ADA and local codes, and provide a 45-day labor warranty. If your building needs better key control, fewer physical keys, and structured access, we can help. Let us design a master key system that works for your layout and daily needs. Serving Fort Wayne, Auburn, Allen County, and nearby towns—contact us to schedule your consultation today.
FAQs About Master Key Systems
What is a master key system?
A master key system lets one key open multiple locks, while each lock works with its unique key. This setup gives you better control over who can access different areas of your building.
Who should use a master key system?
Property managers, business owners, schools, medical offices, and multi-tenant buildings benefit from master key systems. They simplify key control and reduce how many keys staff or vendors need to carry.
Can I add more locks to my system later?
Yes. We can expand your master key system as your building grows or your needs change. Our locksmiths will assess your current setup and match any new locks to the existing key plan.
What happens if someone loses a master key?
If a master key is lost, we can rekey the affected locks and update the system to restore security. We recommend using patented keyways to prevent unauthorized copies of master keys.
Will all keys open every door in the system?
No. Only the master key opens all assigned locks. Other keys, called change keys, open specific doors based on the access level you set during the planning process.
How do you design a key hierarchy?
We review your building layout, departments, and access needs. Then we create a key plan that assigns access levels—such as master, sub-master, and change keys—to match your staff roles and security goals.
Can you rekey my existing locks into a master key system?
In many cases, yes. If all the locks are compatible, we can rekey them to work within a new master key setup. If not, we’ll recommend high-security locks that support the system.