Restricted Keyway Systems

High-Security Restricted Keyway Systems in Austin

Standard commercial locks use unrestricted keyways - key blanks available at any hardware store, and anyone can duplicate your keys without authorization. This creates serious security vulnerabilities for businesses, especially those with master key systems, high employee turnover, or multi-tenant properties where controlling key duplication is critical.

Restricted keyway systems solve this problem through patent-protected lock designs where key blanks can only be purchased by authorized dealers who must verify credentials before duplicating keys. This gives you complete control over who can make copies of your keys, protecting your master key system and preventing former employees from retaining access via copied keys.

South Austin Locksmith is an authorized dealer for major restricted keyway brands including Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY, and Schlage Primus. We design and install high-security restricted keyway systems for Austin commercial properties, providing the key control and duplication accountability that serious businesses require.

Understanding Restricted Keyways

Standard Keyway Vulnerabilities

Most commercial locks use unrestricted keyways with critical security weaknesses:

Unrestricted Blank Availability:

• Key blanks sold at hardware stores, online, locksmith suppliers
• Anyone can purchase blanks without credentials
• No record of who bought blanks or why
• Blank availability makes unauthorized duplication trivial

No Duplication Control:

• Hardware stores will duplicate any key brought to them
• No verification of authorization
• “DO NOT DUPLICATE” stamps are ignored (not legally enforceable)
• Former employees can easily make copies before returning keys

Master Key System Vulnerability:

• If someone copies a master key, entire system is compromised
• Rekeying can cost thousands of dollars
• No way to know if masters were copied
• Security breach can remain undetected for years

Common Unrestricted Keyways:

• Schlage C (most common commercial)
• Kwikset (residential but sometimes used commercially)
• Weiser
• Yale 8
• Corbin Russwin
• Sargent

How Restricted Keyways Work

Restricted keyway systems create control through multiple mechanisms:

Patent Protection:

• Lock manufacturer holds utility patents on keyway design
• Patents prevent others from manufacturing blanks
• Patent violations subject to legal prosecution
• Patents typically last 20 years from filing

Blank Distribution Control:

• Manufacturer sells blanks only to authorized dealers
• Dealers must meet credentialing requirements
• Blank shipments are tracked and recorded
• Dealers sign agreements prohibiting unauthorized duplication

End-User Registration:

• Property owner registers as authorized key holder
• Signature card or authorization code created
• All future duplications require matching authorization
• Duplication log maintained showing who got keys when

Dealer Authorization Requirements:

• Locksmiths must apply for dealer status
• Background checks and business verification
• Minimum purchase agreements
• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Duplication Verification:

• Authorization card presented for duplications
• Signature verification or code confirmation
• Some systems require manufacturer verification call
• Dealer liable for unauthorized duplications

Major Restricted Keyway Brands

Medeco High Security

Industry standard for commercial restricted keyways:

Technology:

• Rotating pin tumbler design
• Pins must rotate to correct angle AND reach correct height
• Sidebar mechanism requires proper rotation
• Very pick-resistant due to two-dimensional cuts

Security Features:

• UL 437 listed (pick and drill resistant)
• Hardened steel inserts resist drilling
• Mushroom pins resist manipulation
• Rotating pins defeat standard picking techniques

Key Control:

• Authorization card required for duplication
• Signature verification by authorized dealers
• Duplication log maintained
• Blanks available only through registered dealers

Applications:

• Master key systems (excellent control)
• Government facilities (approved for federal use)
• Medical offices (DEA compliance)
• High-security commercial properties

Cost:

• Cylinders: $90-150 each
• Keys: $12-18 each
• Authorization cards: $50-100

Mul-T-Lock High Security

Israeli high-security brand with excellent pick resistance:

Technology:

• Telescoping pin technology
• Multiple pins within each chamber
• Interactive keyway design
• Extremely complex pin arrangement

Security Features:

• Exceeds UL 437 standards
• Hardened steel ball bearings resist drilling
• Complex pin arrangement defeats picking
• Attack-resistant cylinder design

Key Control:

• Very restricted blank distribution
• Authorization code system
• Duplication requires manufacturer verification for some models
• Tightest key control of major brands

Applications:

• Maximum security requirements
• Facilities requiring highest pick resistance
• Government sensitive compartmented areas
• Jewelry stores, pharmacies, data centers

Cost:

• Cylinders: $110-180 each
• Keys: $15-25 each
• Authorization system: $75-150

ASSA ABLOY Restricted

Swedish high-security manufacturer:

Technology:

• Precision pin tumbler or sidebar designs
• Extremely tight tolerances
• Multiple security pin types
• Restricted keyway profiles

Security Features:

• Very limited blank distribution
• Excellent pick and drill resistance
• Hardened materials throughout
• Attack-resistant construction

Key Control:

• Extremely restricted dealer network
• Blanks very difficult to obtain
• Strong authorization process
• Best key control but limited service availability

Applications:

• Maximum key control requirements
• Facilities where service availability not critical
• Organizations wanting tightest possible control
• European security standard compliance

Cost:

• Cylinders: $120-200 each
• Keys: $18-30 each
• Limited local dealer availability in some areas

Schlage Primus

High-security option from major commercial lock manufacturer:

Technology:

• Dual locking mechanism (pin tumbler + sidebar)
• Pins must be correct height + sidebar must engage
• Primus cylinders work in standard Schlage hardware
• Excellent retrofit option

Security Features:

• UL 437 listed
• Drill-resistant hardened inserts
• Pick-resistant sidebar mechanism
• Works with existing Schlage infrastructure

Key Control:

• Signature card authorization
• Blanks restricted to authorized dealers
• Good control but broader dealer network than Medeco/Mul-T-Lock
• Balance between control and service availability

Applications:

• Schlage hardware retrofits (use existing locks)
• Organizations already standardized on Schlage
• Balance between security and convenience
• Medium to high security requirements

Cost:

• Cylinders: $85-140 each
• Keys: $10-20 each
• Retrofit-friendly (use existing Schlage locks)

BEST Interchangeable Core (IC)

Different approach - removable cores instead of fixed cylinders:

Technology:

• Small removable core inserts into lock hardware
• Control key removes core in seconds
• Rekey by swapping cores, not pinning cylinders
• Faster rekeying for large facilities

Key Control:

• Cores and blanks restricted to authorized dealers
• Control key provides instant rekeying capability
• Excellent for facilities needing frequent rekeying
• Strong key control through dealer authorization

Applications:

• Large facilities with many locks
• Organizations needing rapid rekeying (schools, hospitals)
• Properties requiring frequent access changes
• Facilities management operations

Cost:

• IC cores: $40-80 each
• Keys: $8-15 each
• Hardware compatible with IC cores: $50-150
• Control key: $20-40

When to Specify Restricted Keyways

Master Key Systems

Critical Need:

• Lost master key compromises entire system
• Rekeying all locks costs thousands
• Unauthorized master key copies create massive security breach
• Investment in master system demands protected keys

How Restricted Keyways Help:

• Masters can’t be copied at hardware stores
• Former employees can’t duplicate masters before leaving
• Duplication tracked and documented
• Authorization required for all master key copies

ROI Calculation: Master key system rekey: $2,000-5,000 Restricted keyway premium: $1,500-3,000 Pays for itself after preventing ONE master key loss/copying incident

High Employee Turnover

The Problem:

• Employees may copy change keys before returning them
• Former employees potentially retain access
• Constant anxiety about who has keys
• Expensive rekeying after terminations

How Restricted Keyways Help:

• Employees can’t copy keys without authorization
• Keys returned upon termination can’t be duplicated afterward
• Elimination of post-termination rekeying paranoia
• Documentation of all key duplications

Cost Avoidance: Rekey 5 locks per termination: $200-400 4 terminations/year: $800-1,600/year Restricted keyway premium pays for itself in 2-3 years

Multi-Tenant Properties

Landlord Challenges:

• Tenants may copy keys for friends/family
• Former tenants may retain access via copied keys
• Subletting concerns (unauthorized occupants with copied keys)
• Security between tenants (one tenant accessing another’s space)

How Restricted Keyways Help:

• Only landlord/property manager can authorize duplications
• Tenant cannot copy suite keys at hardware store
• Clean slate when tenant leaves (keys can’t have been copied)
• Control over who has building access

Lease Integration:

• Specify restricted keyway system in lease
• Prohibit unauthorized key duplication
• Charge tenants for unauthorized copies if discovered
• Enforceable key return requirements

Construction and Renovation

Security Concerns:

• Contractors have temporary access during construction
• Construction master keys should expire after completion
• Contractors may copy keys for later unauthorized access
• Multiple subcontractors with temporary access

Construction Keying with Restricted Keyways:

1. Install restricted keyway cylinders
2. Create construction master key (opens all locks during construction)
3. Issue to general contractor on restricted keyway
4. Complete construction, collect all construction keys
5. Rekey cylinders to permanent bitting
6. Construction master no longer works
7. Contractors can’t copy construction masters (restricted blanks)

Cost: Construction keying: $15-30 per lock Permanent rekey after completion: $40-60 per lock TOTAL: $55-90 per lock for complete security

Regulatory Compliance

Industries with Key Control Requirements:

Medical/Pharmaceutical:

• DEA regulations for controlled substance storage
• HIPAA requirements for medical records security
• Documented key control for medication rooms
• Audit trail of who can access controlled areas

Government Contractors:

• NIST security standards
• Documented key management
• Restricted access to sensitive information
• Audit compliance requirements

Financial Services:

• FDIC security requirements
• Documented access control to cash handling
• Key management protocols
• Regulatory examination compliance

Education:

• State security requirements for certain areas
• Documented access to student records
• FERPA compliance documentation
• Safety and security protocols

Restricted Keyway Implementation

New Construction

Design Phase:

• Specify restricted keyway system in lock schedule
• Select appropriate brand (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, etc.)
• Design master key hierarchy using restricted blanks
• Plan key control procedures

Installation:

• Install restricted keyway cylinders in all locks
• Pin cylinders per master key schedule
• Cut initial key sets on restricted blanks
• Provide authorization cards

Documentation:

• Register property owner as authorized key holder
• Create duplication authorization procedures
• Train staff on key control protocols
• Establish key issuance and return procedures

Retrofit/Conversion

Assessment:

• Evaluate existing hardware compatibility
• Determine if cylinders can be rekeyed or must be replaced
• Calculate costs (cylinder replacement vs. complete lock replacement)
• Plan phased conversion if budget requires

Conversion Process:

1. Replace existing cylinders with restricted keyway cylinders
2. Maintain existing master key hierarchy (if present)
3. Issue new keys on restricted blanks
4. Collect and destroy old keys
5. Provide authorization cards
6. Update all lock documentation

Cost:

• Cylinder replacement: $80-150 per lock
• Keys (5-10 per lock): $60-180
• Authorization system: $50-100
• Installation labor: $30-60 per lock

Key Control Program Integration

Policies and Procedures:

Key Issuance:

• Who authorizes key issuance
• What documentation is required
• Key holder signs key receipt acknowledgment
• Specify prohibited uses (can’t copy, lend, leave unsecured)

Key Duplication:

• Who can authorize duplications
• Authorization card custody and usage
• Duplication documentation requirements
• Periodic audit of key duplication logs

Key Return:

• Keys collected upon termination or role change
• Exit interviews include key inventory
• Penalties for unreturned keys
• Locks changed if keys not returned

Lost Key Procedures:

• Immediate reporting required
• Risk assessment (was master lost? high security area?)
• Rekeying decision process
• Cost recovery from responsible party

Maintenance and Administration

Ordering Additional Keys

Process:

1. Determine how many keys needed and for which locks
2. Contact authorized dealer (us or any dealer for that brand)
3. Provide authorization card or serial number
4. Dealer verifies authorization
5. Dealer orders blanks from manufacturer (2-5 day delivery)
6. Dealer cuts keys per your bitting specifications
7. You receive keys and updated duplication log

Turnaround Time:

• Emergency: Same day IF dealer stocks blanks (not always available)
• Standard: 5-10 business days (blank ordering + cutting)
• Bulk orders (50+ keys): 2-3 weeks

Cost Per Duplication:

• Medeco: $12-18 per key
• Mul-T-Lock: $15-25 per key
• ASSA: $18-30 per key
• Schlage Primus: $10-20 per key
• BEST IC: $8-15 per key

Authorization Card Management

Card Security:

• Store authorization cards securely (locked file cabinet or safe)
• Limit who knows card location
• Never leave with keys (someone could use card + key to get copies)
• Make copy of card for backup (secure separately)

Lost or Stolen Cards:

• Contact manufacturer immediately
• Request card cancellation and reissuance
• May require complete system reregistration
• Temporary duplication restrictions until resolved

Changing Authorized Signatories:

• Notify dealer and manufacturer
• Submit new signature cards
• Update authorization database
• Transition period with both old and new valid

Long-Term Considerations

Patent Expiration:

• Utility patents last 20 years
• After expiration, blanks may become available to general public
• Systems designed in 2000 may lose restriction by 2020
• Plan for transition to newer patented systems

Manufacturer Changes:

• Company acquisitions can affect authorization systems
• Dealer network changes
• Blank availability disruption
• Stay current on manufacturer status

System Expansion:

• Add new locks using same restricted keyway
• Maintain consistent authorization procedures
• Update documentation as system grows
• Periodic audit of all locks and key holders

Pricing

Restricted keyway system pricing:

Small Office Retrofit (10-15 locks):

• Medeco conversion: $1,500-2,500
• Includes: Cylinder replacement, 5-10 keys per lock, authorization cards
• Mul-T-Lock: $1,800-3,000

Medium Business (30-50 locks):

• Medeco system: $3,500-6,000
• Master key system with restricted keyway: $4,500-8,000

Large Facility (100+ locks):

• Medeco: $8,000-15,000
• BEST IC core system: $6,000-12,000 (faster rekeying)

Per Lock Costs:

• Cylinder replacement: $80-150
• Keys (initial set of 5): $60-90
• Installation labor: $30-60
• Authorization card: $50-100 (one-time for facility)

Ongoing Costs:

• Key duplication: $12-30 per key
• Authorization card replacement: $50-100
• Lost key rekeying: Same as standard (40-80/lock) but less frequent need

All pricing includes cylinder supply, installation, key cutting, authorization system setup, and documentation.

Restricted Keyway Systems - Call Now

Protect your Austin business with restricted keyway systems that prevent unauthorized key duplication. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, and Schlage Primus high-security systems provide complete key control for master key systems and commercial properties.

Call (512) 777-0915 for free restricted keyway consultation. Our authorized dealers serve all of Greater Austin with expert design, installation, and ongoing key control support.

Call now: (512) 777-0915 or request free consultation online for restricted keyway system design and installation.