There are many movies that have been made, especially of the horror genre, where you see what appears to be a master key, a skeleton key in use. You know what it is, that one big key that only the owner or caretaker of a home or factory possesses which opens every door in the building allowing them to have access to any room, anytime.
There have even been shows and movie that show the bad guys with a key that allows them entrance into others residential homes.
Did you know that there is even a popular daytime game show that features a game based on the name of this type of key?
Is there such a key? Well, yes in respects that there are systems which exist where a key can have the ability to open many doors, but the answer ultimately is no, there is not any master key out there that can open every door and lock.
In terms of definitions that a locksmith uses a master key is a key that has been cut to work on two or many more locks that have different combinations and it must be customized to be able to operate these locks.
Some have confused master keying to be all about the key. The term master key, while giving very high respects to the key actually is more about the locks than it is about the key. The key, in and of itself is a normal key and it is the locks that are specially fitted for it. The locks can work with this "master key" and also have primary keys that work for each specific lock. The way this works is that each lock will have two shear points at every pin position, one that is for the primary key and the other for the master key.
Many places use a master key and you have undoubtedly seen them in action. Hotels and motels use a master key system for housekeeping, staff and any emergency that may arise. Apartment complexes will occasionally use these in order to gain entry for emergencies, evictions, and repairs in case the tenant is unavailable. Many offices have them for not only important and high security areas, but even bathrooms, storage closets and cabinets.
There can be multi level master key systems that are operated by different master keys as some levels of clearance and access are specifically for those who are in various positions in a company, such as lower to mid and upper management.
There are homes that utilize a master key and have such a system in place but these are generally homes that are so large, with a great number of rooms, storage space as well as guest homes and other areas that it is necessary to set up a master key system, but the common homes, from small to large, do not need to have such a keying method.
So while maybe in that movie you were watching when you started reading this article shows the master key in use, room by room and door by door, you can sleep with confidence that in regards to your door, you are safe.