Master Key Systems
Master key system design and installation for offices, apartment buildings, and commercial properties — one master key, controlled access per door.
How we do it
A master key system lets one key open every door while each individual key opens only its own — so management holds a master, staff open only their areas, and key control stays with you. B&B Locksmith designs, installs, and maintains master key systems for office buildings, apartment complexes, retail, and multi-tenant properties across the Bay Area. We can rekey your existing locks into a new hierarchy without replacing hardware, build the system on restricted keyways so keys can't be copied at a hardware store, and key common doors so one key runs the whole building. For property managers we document the keying schedule and provide a written quote before any work begins.
What's on the truck
Common questions
How does a master key system work?
A master key system is built so that one master key opens every door in the system, while each door also has its own change key that opens only that door. B&B Locksmith designs the hierarchy — for example, a building master for management, sub-masters for floors or departments, and individual keys per office or unit — so everyone holds exactly the access they should and no more.
Can you rekey all my locks to one key?
Yes — keying multiple locks to a single key is one of the most common requests we handle. If your locks share compatible keyways, B&B Locksmith can rekey them so one key opens the front door, back door, suite, and common areas. Where you also want individual control, we build a full master key system instead, so one master covers everything while each door keeps its own key.
Can you set up a master key system for an office building?
Yes. Office buildings are a core use case: management gets a master, each tenant or department gets keys to their own space, and shared doors (entrances, utility rooms) are keyed into the plan. B&B Locksmith can usually rekey your existing hardware into the new system rather than replacing it, and we document the full keying schedule for your records.
What is a restricted keyway, and do I need one?
A restricted keyway uses patented key blanks that can't be cut at an ordinary hardware store — copies can only be made by an authorized locksmith with your authorization. For master key systems where key control matters (offices, multi-unit buildings, anywhere unauthorized copies are a risk), restricted keyways are strongly worth it. B&B Locksmith will walk you through whether it fits your property and budget.
Often paired with this
Commercial Service
Complete commercial locksmith solutions including master key systems, high-security locks, and building access management.
Residential Service
Home security solutions from lock installation and rekeying to smart lock setup and emergency lockout assistance.
Rekeying
Lock rekeying for homes, businesses, and rentals across the Bay Area — every old key stops working, your hardware stays.