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The Master Key

A master key is a type of key that opens a set of several different locks.

A master key is a type of key that opens a set of several different locks. Each lock also has a key, called the “change” key, that is specific to it and will not open any other lock. The locks in the set using a master key have two internal opening mechanisms, one of which is identical in all the locks in the set for use of the master key and the other of which is specific to the use of the change key. For example, the pin tumbler lock has two shear points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key. In another design, each lock contains two cylinders, one of which is for the master key and the other of which is for the change key. This design is much more secure but also more expensive. Some large organizations have “grandmaster” keys. These keys can open the locks in different sets of locks with master keys.

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