What Are Keyed Alike Locks? - Pros and Cons

Keyed alike locks are a set of locks designed to open with the same single key. This reduces key clutter and makes access simpler across homes, businesses, and work sites. Most lock types can be keyed alike, but losing the key compromises every lock in the system. For larger premises that require different access levels, a master key system can be used alongside or instead of keyed alike locks.

 

What Does “Keyed Alike” Mean?

“Keyed alike” means multiple locks have been configured to work with the same key.
Example: Your front door, back door and garage door all open with one key.

This is the opposite of keyed different, where each lock uses its own unique key.

 

Where Keyed Alike Locks are Commonly Used

• Homes: Front and back doors, garages, gates and outbuildings.
• Schools: Classrooms, lockers, storage rooms and utility cupboards.
• Businesses: Offices, meeting rooms, storage areas and cabinets.
• Construction/trade sites: Toolboxes, gates, containers and trailers.

 

 

Pros of Keyed Alike Locks

1. Convenience

• One key for multiple doors – Ideal for simplifying access across a home or business.
• Easy management – Helpful for families, landlords, and work sites with multiple locks or padlocks.

 

2. Cost Savings

• Reduced key-cutting costs – You only need one set of keys, making duplication and replacement cheaper.
• Efficient when moving home – Rekeying multiple doors at once can be more affordable than replacing unique keys for each door.

 

3. Higher Security with Restricted Keys

When keyed alike locks use a restricted key system, you get:

• Anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill protection.
• Keys that cannot be duplicated without proof of ownership.
• Clear control over who has which keys and how many are in circulation.

If a key is lost or an employee leaves, the locks can be updated to maintain security.

 

Cons of Keyed Alike Locks

1. Security Risk if a Key Is Lost

• A lost or stolen key compromises all types of locks in the set.
• Some insurance policies may not accept claims without evidence of forced entry, which a stolen key does not leave.
• Everyone using the key has the same access level, which is unsuitable for restricted or high-security areas.

 

2. Higher Cost if You Need to Change Locks

• If a key is stolen or copied, every lock in the keyed alike system often needs replacing.
• Some insurance policies cover stolen keys, but rarely cover lost keys, meaning you may pay for replacements yourself.

 

Which Locks Can Be Keyed Alike?

There are several different type of lock that are completable with a “keyed alike” system:

• Euro cylinders – Multiple cylinders can be configured to work with the same key.
• Mortice locks – Mortice locks can be set to be “keyed alike.”
• Sashlocks/Deadlocks – Deadlocks and sash locks, with a standard key tumbler lock, are often rekeyable.
• Night latches – level 3/5-night latches can be part of a “keyed alike” system.
• BS3621 locks – Insurance approved and high security locks can be part of the system.
• Furniture locks – cupboard, cabinet, cam and some rim cylinder locks, can all be available in a “keyed alike” function.
• Padlocks – both heavy-duty and standard locks are available in “keyed alike” sets.

 

Which Locks Cannot Be Keyed Alike?

A Euro Cylinder lock with a lever-operated lock is the only locking mechanism that cannot be made keyed alike.

A lever lock is a type of lock that uses levers to open the door in which it is installed. Lever locks have several levers. When you insert a key into a lever lock and turn it, the individual levers are moved into the optimal alignment.

 

Can My Whole House Be Keyed Alike?

Yes, but all locks must be compatible. If existing locks are different types or brands, a locksmith may need to replace them with matching, compatible locks before they can be keyed alike.

. A professional locksmith will either rekey your current locks—if suitable—or replace them with new ones that can all operate on a single key. Keytek Locksmiths can assess your home’s current lock setup and provide a tailored keyed-alike solution, ensuring convenience and improved security across your property.

 

 

Keyed Alike Padlocks

Can Padlocks be Keyed Alike?

Yes, many padlocks are available in keyed alkie sets so you can have multiple padlocks opened by the same key.

 

Can Existing Padlocks be Keyed Alike?

Existing padlocks can only be keyed alike if:

1. If the lock itself is already rekeyable
2. If the padlock is the same brand, key profile, or compatible, with a locksmith’s rekeying system.

 

Are Keyed Alike padlocks More Expensive?

Typically, no, but there might be extra costs. This can be because of rekeying services but you can also save money from having less keys and cheaper duplication and easier management.

 

When Should You Key Your Locks Alike?

It is a good idea to “key alike” your locks when you move home, lose your keys or want/need to upgrade security.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Have Locks Keyed Alike?

A new euro cylinder typically starts from £35+, but this doesn’t include labour or VAT. Keying alike often requires ordered components and two visits (one for measuring and ordering, one for installation).

 

To get an accurate quote:

Call us and our locksmiths can advise on compatibility and pricing.

 

 

Master Key Suites

A Master Key suite provides a structured access hierarchy. Different users receive different levels of access, while a Master Key Holder can open every lock in the system.

Ideal for:

• Large buildings
• Multi-site businesses
• Schools and healthcare facilities
• Buildings with restricted or sensitive areas

 

Benefits of Master Key Suites

1. Access Hierarchy

• Change keys – for individual doors
• Sub-master keys – department or floor access
• Master key – whole building
• Grand master key – entire site or multi-building access

Helps streamline access while improving security and emergency responsiveness.

 

2. Better Access Control

• Restricted keyways prevent unauthorised duplication.
• If one key is compromised, only that door requires rekeying—not the entire building.
• Systems are scalable as new rooms or buildings are added.

 

3. Easier Auditing

• Keys are tracked with serial numbers and access logs.
• Some systems integrate with electronic access control for digital entry records.

Negatives of Master Key Suites

• A lost master key compromises the entire system.
• Restoring security typically requires rekeying all locks, which is costly and time-consuming.

 

How Does a Master Suite Work?

• Grand Master Key: Opens every lock across multiple buildings.
• Master Key: Opens most locks within a single building.
• Sub Master Key: Opens a group of related areas (e.g., a department).
• Change Key: Opens only one specific door or room.