What is a Master Key System and Does Your Chicago Apartment Building Need One?

Security and convenience are top priorities for apartment building owners and managers, especially in a bustling city like Chicago. One effective way to enhance both is by implementing a master key system. But what exactly is a master key system, and how can it benefit your apartment building?

This article will explain the basics of master key systems and help you determine if your Chicago apartment building could benefit from this smart security solution.

Understanding the Master Key System

A master key system is a type of lock and key arrangement that allows different levels of access within a building. In this system, individual tenants have keys that only open their specific apartments, while building managers, maintenance staff, or security personnel have a master key that opens multiple or all doors within the building.

This hierarchical access control means that while residents maintain privacy and security, authorized personnel can enter units when necessary without carrying a large number of keys or disturbing tenants unnecessarily.

How Does a Master Key System Work?

Master key systems are designed using pin tumbler locks with different combinations of pins that correspond to specific keys. Each tenant’s key operates only their lock, while the master key is cut to operate all locks in the system.

Some buildings may also use sub-master keys that grant access to certain floors or sections, providing even more control over who can enter which areas. This flexibility makes master key systems ideal for multi-unit properties like apartment buildings.

Benefits of a Master Key System for Apartment Buildings

Improved Security

By limiting access to authorized keys, master key systems reduce the risk of unauthorized entry. Tenants do not need to worry about others having copies of their keys, and building staff can respond quickly in emergencies or maintenance situations.

Convenience for Management and Staff

Carrying a single master key instead of multiple keys simplifies daily operations for property managers and maintenance teams. It allows quick access to units for repairs, inspections, or emergencies, saving time and avoiding the hassle of tracking down individual keys.

Enhanced Tenant Satisfaction

Residents appreciate knowing their homes are secure and that building staff can respond efficiently when needed. A master key system helps maintain tenant trust and satisfaction by balancing privacy with necessary access.

Cost-Effective Security Solution

While installing a master key system requires an initial investment, it can save money in the long run by reducing the need for lock replacements or rekeying when keys are lost or stolen. It also minimizes the risk and cost associated with unauthorized access.

Is Your Chicago Apartment Building a Good Candidate?

Master key systems are especially beneficial for buildings with multiple units, frequent staff access needs, or complex layouts. If your building has more than a handful of apartments, employs maintenance or security personnel, or experiences regular tenant turnover, a master key system can streamline operations and enhance security.

Buildings without a master key system may face challenges such as lost keys, unauthorized copies, or delays in emergency access. Implementing a master key system can address these issues proactively.

Choosing the Right Locksmith Partner

Installing or upgrading a master key system requires expertise to ensure proper design, security, and functionality. Working with a professional locksmith company experienced in commercial and residential systems is essential.

The Professional Locksmith in Chicago offers comprehensive master key system services, from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. Their licensed technicians understand the unique needs of apartment buildings and provide personalized solutions that fit your property’s requirements.

A master key system is a practical and efficient way to improve security and convenience in Chicago apartment buildings. By providing controlled access to tenants and authorized personnel, it enhances safety, simplifies management, and supports tenant satisfaction.

If you manage or own an apartment building in Chicago, consider whether a master key system could benefit your property. Consulting with a trusted locksmith can help you make the right decision and implement a system tailored to your needs.

Investing in a master key system is a smart step toward better building security and smoother operations for everyone involved.

Why You Should Consider Adding a Latch Guard to Your Lock

You’ve probably used the old credit card trick before to get into a door or used other tricks to open a door in which you can actually see the lock. These types of doors are lacking a latch guard and this extra little feature is what protects a door from getting broken into using the oldest tricks in the book. This inexpensive addition to a door could mean the difference between a break-in and a close call. Take a look at why you need to add a latch guard to your lock.

What is a latch guard?

A latch guard is intended to protect your latch from someone trying to pry it open. These are pieces of metal that go over your door’s latch to block it from being accessed while locked. When a person comes up to the door and wants to try to access, they can skip over the knobs and lever and go straight to your latch to try to break in.

The door latch is a spring-loaded piece reaching from the door to the door jamb. A burglar will want to try to release the latch from the jamb of the door by prying it open with any tool they may have. A latch guard over the latch will require the burglar to attempt to pry it open further from the latch which will typically leave them locked out, but also standing around long enough to potentially get a good look at them on security footage.

Why you need one

If you’ve ever worried about someone trying to use a credit card to open your door, it’s because you don’t have a latch guard to give you that extra security. Sometimes locks aren’t properly installed or they simply get worn down and more likely to get bypassed. When you can see the actual latch, that means you are at risk of lock tampering. A latch guard takes that possibility out of the equation now that you can’t see the lock and nothing can access the lock in the event that it’s vulnerable and able to be easily bypassed. This could be a major security risk for your office that has doors that open out.

When a latch guard is applied, a burglar that is trying to move the frame of the door to pop the latch out of the frame can no longer do so. They would normally try to do so with a break bar or a long, narrow object inserted into the exposed crack at the latch, but a guard prevents any access for something to be inserted and forcing the latch to pop out.

It’s the best way to prevent a break-in to your business after hours when you are carrying sensitive data or money that you wouldn’t want accessed by a burglar. In fact if you were to get broken into, it’s possible that the intruder could cut into the wall and gain access to a business next door causing even more damage.

Types of latch guards

Latch guards are typically just a sheet of metal to cover the latch on the door, typically installed on exterior doors of commercial buildings to prevent break-ins to a business at night. While there is typically a one-size-fits-all solution, you can get a custom-made, full-length astragal to run the entire length of your door. These are great if you need even better protection because they will fit your door like a glove.

If security is a high priority for your business, be sure to get a latch guard installed to those exterior doors by a professional locksmith today.

3 Types of Door Lock Repairs

When you have a lock that needs to be repaired, it's not doing the job you want it to do. Your locks need to be reliable and they need to guard your home or business. If you have a lock that's not working, it's time to call a professional locksmith and get it repaired.

There are many types of lock repairs that you might need. You might notice one of the many issues and not know why it's happening. Let's look at some of the types of door lock repairs you might need.

Door Won't Latch Properly

This is a pretty big issue. If your door lock won't latch properly, you need to get it fixed immediately. Usually, this means the strike plate and the latch are not in alignment.

It might be as simple as tightening the hinge screws or adjusting the strike plate. However, the repairs could be rather minor or could include adjusting the entire door.

If your door lock isn't latching properly, you need to call a residential locksmith. It's important to make sure your door latches properly. Even if you think you can fix it yourself, you might be leaving your door vulnerable if the job isn't done correctly.

Door Lock is Frozen

sometimes, an exterior lock will freeze during the winter. Interior locks can also freeze up due to dirt and wear and tear. While you might need a replacement lock, you can start with a few simple fixes first.

Try putting a little graphite in the keyhole. Then, operate the lock a few times to get the graphite into the mechanism. Sometimes, this is all it takes.

Lock de-icers can help if the lock is frozen, too. This can help with gummy, dirty deposits or during cold weather.

If neither of these options help, you may have to disassemble the lock. When you get to this point, hiring a professional is the right choice. They can assess the situation and make the right recommendation for your frozen lock.

Broken Key in a Lock

A very common repair you will likely need a locksmith for is a broken key in the lock. When this happens, it can be very difficult to remove the broken key yourself. It may also require tools you don't own. If you try to do this yourself and you don't do it right, you could cause quite a bit of damage to the lock.

When you break a key in your door lock, you should call an emergency locksmith. This type of locksmith will show up quickly to help you get the broken key out of the lock and give you access to your home or car again.

Whenever you're dealing with a door lock repair, a professional locksmith is best. You don't want to cause more damage to the lock. With the right help, you won't have anything to worry about. Locksmiths have the right tools and they are highly trained to deal with all types of door lock repairs and issues.

How to Fix Jammed and Stuck Locks

Sometimes you end up with a jammed lock or a stuck lock that means you can’t get into a room, your house, or your car properly. You can’t have a door misaligned from the deadbolt or loose setscrews without ending up with a door jam. 

These are things you can fix if you have a little bit of knowledge, the right supplies, and the ability to determine what the problem is. Below we will show you what’s needed to fix your jammed and stuck locks, or what your locksmith could do if you want the professional job done for your home. 

Determining the jam or stuck lock

To determine if you have a jam or stuck lock, you’ll want to look at a number of things first. The first sign may be that your knob will turn but the door won’t open. Another may be that the door lock is stuck in an unlocked position, but you’ll want to check to see if another key will work in case your key has been damaged. Perhaps the doorknob lock button is stuck or maybe your deadbolt is stuck in a locked position. 

Examine the situation to make sure you know what needs to be fixed and how to handle it. for a stuck button, try turning the handle while pushing and holding the lock button, and then jiggle the handle to see if it helps. If the door lock is stuck in an unlocked condition, try to see if the door will lock when it is ajar in case of an alignment issue. 

Get some supplies

Next, you’ll want to get some supplies to check for different issues. You may need to use powdered graphite or TD-40 as a lubricant to help with jammed locks. Get a key-extractor tool and screwdrivers or a multi-magnetic hand tool with a screwdriver set. You may want to use kerosene for any rust removal. 

Addressing various issues 

Once you’ve tried to unlock the door with a different key in the event that you have the wrong key or a damaged key, you may have a temperature issue. Try to warm up the house if the home has gotten too cold. If it’s a hot location, you may have excess oil or dust, which you can check your key for stickiness or accumulation. 

Next, try a key extractor to fix a lock that has a broken key jammed inside. You may need to spray some of that lubricant in the keyhole to make for a smoother removal. A sticky lock happens when a door gets older, so the dry lubricant of the powdered graphite can help to smoothen the jam. 

Avoid a WD-40 since it will attract dirt, unlike the TD-40 or graphite. If you’re dealing with rust that is causing the jam, soak your lock in kerosene for a day to remove the rust. Feel free to lubricate the spring mechanism with some Teflon lubricant which will help if it’s becoming faulty and the deadbolt isn’t retracting completely. 

Lastly, you may need to use a screwdriver or the multi-magnetic hand tool to fix your jammed lock. This can help you to tighten screws and bolts in the event that something has come loose. Try tightening the hinges if your door is loose on its hinges because it may be causing your latch to sit too low on the striker plate. 

Is there a gap between the door and the doorframe? You’ll also want to tighten the set screw because you could have a loose setscrew making the door not opening despite the knob turning. 

You don’t have to address a jammed lock or stuck lock on your own. The professionals at Chicago Emergency Locksmith can handle a jam like this in no time and carry the proper tools and skillset for situations like yours.