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Should I key alike my locks?

Gwen Thelen • Apr 20, 2021

Key alike; the advantages and disadvantages

What does key alike mean? 
First of all, let's define what "key alike" means.  To key alike your locks means that you only need one key to unlock all the doors. For instance, your front and back door might have the same key, or your office building may have one key for all doors. 

Advantages to keying alike. 
  • Saves you a ton of time. You won't have to lug around a heavy ring full of keys everywhere you go and riffle through them all trying to find the right one! And what if you forget which key it was that unlocked this particular door? More time.  
  • Saves you money in that you won't have to buy as many keys as you have locks.  One key can go to 6 locks, for example.
  • Convenience. You only have to carry around one key. But if you lose it, you may have to call Locksmith Westminster Co to help you out. 
  • If you happen to lose your key, you would only have to have one replaced.  More convenience! 
Disadvantages to keying alike. 
  • Though controversial, some locksmiths do not recommend keying alike for the exterior of your home in that it is believed to be less secure. This is not the same for interior doors such as in an office building.
Can I key alike the locks I have? 

It is possible to key alike your current locks, as long as they are all the same. If they are different, you will have to change the locks that are different to make keying alike possible for you. Following is a short list of locks that can be keyed alike: 

  • Euro Cylinder locks ( including Thumbturn + Double Euro )
  • Mortice locks
  • Sashlocks 
  • Deadlocks
  • Night Latches 
  • BS3621 approved locks 
  • Furniture locks
  • House Locks such as Bathroom & Bedroom locks
  • Padlocks
A lock that cannot be keyed alike is a Euro Cylinder Lock with a lever operated (mortice lock). So, if you'd like to have keyed alike locks, you'll have to replace this with one that can be keyed alike. 

One way you can check to see if your locks can be keyed alike is to check to see if your key actually goes into the lock. Then that lock can be keyed alike. It isn't necessary for the key to actually unlock the door to be compatible, it simply needs to slide into the lock itself.  If it doesn't slide into the lock then you'll need to replace the lock you have with one that is compatible.  

If you'd like your locks keyed alike, give Locksmith Westminster CO a call to discuss your specific needs.  




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