Keyed alike door locks let one key open several locks. For many homeowners and businesses, this provides a simple and practical way to reduce the number of keys carried and to streamline access across a property.
Key Takeaways
- Keyed alike locks let one key open multiple doors for convenience.
- Ideal for homes, small businesses, and outbuildings where uniform access is needed.
- ‘Keyed to differ’ systems offer individual keys for stronger access control.
- Always use high-quality cylinders to balance convenience and security.
What Does Keyed Alike Mean?
A keyed-alike system is a group of locks that all operate with the same key.
Rather than each lock having a unique key, the cylinders are manufactured or re-keyed so that one key fits all of them. This is different from a keyed-to-differ arrangement, where each lock has its own unique key.
Keyed alike is commonly used where multiple doors need the same access rights. Typical examples include front and back doors of a house, gates and shed locks, or a series of internal doors in a small business. The system reduces key clutter and makes day-to-day access easier for the user.
How Keyed Alike Door Locks Work
Keyed alike relies on matching the internal pinning of lock cylinders. Inside a pin tumbler cylinder, there are pairs of pins that must line up at the shear line to allow the plug to rotate. When multiple cylinders are keyed alike, the manufacturer or locksmith sets the pin combinations so they all respond to the same key cut.
There are three main ways to achieve keyed alike cylinders:
- New cylinders supplied keyed alike: Many manufacturers can supply batches of cylinders already keyed alike. This is convenient when fitting multiple new locks at once.
- Re-keying existing cylinders: A locksmith can change the pinning inside existing cylinders so they match a single key. This is often the preferred option when the current hardware is satisfactory but the keys need to be standardised.
- Keying sections within a master keying system: For larger properties, keyed alike can be part of a master key system where one level of key opens a set of locks, while higher-level keys open additional or all locks. Keyed alike may simply be the most basic level within that hierarchy.
It is important to use good quality cylinders and to consider security features at the same time, such as anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-pick options. Keyed alike convenience should not come at the cost of reduced security.
‘Keyed Alike’ vs. ‘Keyed to Differ’: Explained
Understanding the difference will help you choose the right option.
| Feature | Keyed Alike | Keyed to Differ |
|---|---|---|
| Key system | One key opens multiple locks | Each lock has its own unique key |
| Best for | Homes, small businesses, outbuildings | Properties needing individual access control |
| Convenience | High – fewer keys to carry | Lower – many keys required |
| Security control | Basic – one key compromises all locks if lost | Higher – individual access and control |
Neither option is universally better. Choose keyed alike for convenience where security requirements allow it. Choose keyed to differ when individual access control and higher security segmentation are needed.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Keyed Alike Locks?
Keyed alike systems offer several practical benefits:
- Convenience: One key for multiple locks reduces the number of keys carried on a keyring and simplifies daily routines.
- Time saving: Fewer keys mean quicker entry when moving between doors or buildings, which can be particularly helpful for small business owners, landlords and people with mobility issues.
- Cost-effective: When fitted at the same time, supplying cylinders keyed alike can cost less than managing multiple unique keys and the key blanks required for each. Re-keying existing cylinders is often cheaper than replacing entire locks.
- Easier key management: For households, landlords or small teams, keyed alike makes it easier to distribute one key to authorised people without needing to manage many different keys.
- Flexible upgrade path: Keyed alike systems can often be integrated into a larger master key system later if access requirements change.
However, consider these potential drawbacks:
- Security trade-off: If one key is lost or stolen, all keyed alike locks are compromised. In such cases, you may need to re-key or replace all affected cylinders.
- Suitability: Keyed alike is not appropriate where different levels of access are required or where strict audit trails are needed.
- Insurance and compliance: Some insurance policies and building regulations may stipulate particular cylinder standards. Ensure keyed alike cylinders meet required standards.
Keyed Alike: FAQs
Can I have my existing locks keyed alike?
Yes. A locksmith like KBO Lock & Safe can re-key many types of existing cylinders so they match one key. If cylinders are old, damaged or of a non-standard type, replacement cylinders that can be keyed alike may be recommended.
Will keyed alike affect the security of my locks?
Keyed alike, in itself, does not reduce the mechanical security of a lock if high-quality cylinders are used. The main risk is key loss. To mitigate that risk, use cylinders with modern security features such as anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-pick, and consider restricted key profiles if you want to control duplication.
Can I add more locks to an existing keyed-alike system later?
Yes. Additional cylinders can usually be ordered or re-keyed to match the existing key, provided you can supply a sample key or key code. Keep records of key codes and which profile was used to make future additions straightforward.
Are there legal or insurance implications?
Some insurers require specific types of locks for dwellings or flats. Always check your policy and local regulations if relevant. KBO Lock & Safe can advise on compliance and recommend cylinders that meet insurance requirements.
What is the difference between keyed alike and master keying?
Keyed alike means one key opens a set of locks. Master keying introduces multiple levels of keys: individual keys for some locks, and master keys that open larger groups. Master key systems are more complex and usually used for larger premises.
Keyed Alike Installation from KBO Lock & Safe
If you are considering keyed alike locks for your home or business, KBO Lock & Safe provides a full installation service. Our typical process involves:
- Site assessment: We assess your property, existing locks and security needs. This helps us recommend whether keyed alike is appropriate and which cylinder standards to use.
- Recommendation: We suggest the best cylinder types, security grades and keying options, including anti-snap and insurance-compliant cylinders where needed.
- Supply: We can supply new cylinders keyed alike or re-key existing cylinders on site, where feasible.
- Installation or re-key: Our qualified locksmiths will install cylinders or re-pin existing ones. We test every lock and provide the new keys on the spot.
- Aftercare and records: We provide a set of keys and keep keying records where the customer requests them. We also offer advice on spare keys, restricted keying and future additions.
If you would like a free site visit or a quotation, contact KBO Lock & Safe and one of our locksmiths will arrange a convenient appointment. We will assess your doors and recommend the most suitable cylinders, taking into account security, insurance requirements, and long-term convenience.
