Keys provide access easily, but they can become a security threat if they get lost, stolen, copied or even not returned, commercial lock rekey and key duplication help businesses, office blocks, restaurants, stores, apartments, warehousing spaces, schools, and other commercial property have reliable access but restricted to particular people.

A locksmith will help in duplication of keys and modification of existing locks to be able to use newly made keys and organize commercial property to be able to use master keys or restricted keys.

Duplicate Keys Must Be Accurate

A duplicated key has to be cut accurately. Poor cutting may cause friction or wear of the lock.

An expert locksmith uses correct key blanks and correctly calibrated tools. He/she can even examine the key you want to duplicate.

Where the key is very much worn out, duplication of the key would be a problem because of its shape. Sometimes, the best thing is to duplicate the key according to the lock specifications and key codes.

Commercial businesses need to keep extra spare keys in a safe place and having too many duplicates of commercial property keys is risky and it becomes hard to know who has access.

Standard Keys and Restricted Keys

Regular commercial keys can easily be duplicated. This may be convenient, but it means a tenant or an employee, a contractor or any other vendor can duplicate it without the permission.

Restricted key systems allow the business owner to gain more control. Duplicates are usually made via an approved locksmith and may require verification from the account holder of the key.

Restricted keys are most useful for commercial businesses which have:

• Valuable inventory

• Confidential records

• Frequent employee turnover

• Many tenants

• Restricted work areas

• Master key systems 

Sometimes, upgrading the cylinder is enough for the upgrade of commercial locks.

What Does Commercial Lock Rekey Mean?

The process of lock rekey modifies the internal parts of a lock to operate using a different key, the main lock hardware remains in its place but all previous keys are rendered obsolete.

A locksmith opens up or accesses the lock cylinder and changes its internal parts and makes new keys for authorized individuals.

Rekeying is less costly than replacing locks, provided the current lock hardware is in perfect condition and still provides adequate security.

When Should a Business Rekey?

A commercial business should consider rekeying after:

• Changing to a new commercial property

• Misplacing a key

• Having a stolen key

• Termination of employment of a staff member

• Exit of a tenant

• Property sale/ transfer of ownership

• Change of property management

• Unauthorized access

• Failure to recover a contractor’s key 

After a break-in, the whole door needs to be checked. Rekeying might do for undamaged locks, but hardware may require replacement where there is damage.

Businesses with high employee turnover may consider rekeying as part of the routine security measures.

Master Key and One Key Options

Similar locks from the same manufucture can be rekeyed to function using only one key, which helps the owner/managing agent to have few keys.

In the case where there are several levels of access to the business property, the master key option should be considered. Staff members will have keys that access certain areas only whereas the managing agents have wide access.

The system should be carefully done such that staff members do not inadvertently get access to restricted rooms.

Commercial Key Control Record

Commercial businesses need to keep records of all keys that are issued. The following details can be useful:

• Identification key number

• Name of the employee/contractor

• Access level

• Issue date

• Returned date

• History of replacement 

Keys should not be marked with the name of the business or address of the property. The marking of the key will direct the finder to the property.

All master keys and restricted keys, including any spare keys your business might have should be kept in a secure cabinet.

Enhance Access Security

Professional commercial rekeying and key duplication will prevent old keys from functioning, eliminate lock replacements and facilitate easy management of access.

A commercial locksmith will assess the security of your property and suggest having one master key or few restricted keys.