[Explained] Do All Door Knobs Have The Same Key?
The primary reason to get a doorknob installed is to ensure security and safety. However, if the doorknob lock can be opened by another key, it defeats the whole purpose of having the lock installed in the first place. However, it’s a common misconception that seems to be perpetuated by movies and TV shows.
Therefore, if you are wondering do all door knobs have the same key, the quick answer is no. Not all door knobs have the same key and they cannot be opened with some magical master key as well. However, there is more to it. To learn more about when and why two door knobs might have the same key, and how can you decrease the odds of that happening, so that you can keep your home more secure.
How Do Door Knob Locks Work?
To understand why door knobs aren’t exactly the same, yet how they might share the same key sometimes, you need to first understand how they work in general.
When you insert the correct key into the lock and turn it, something incredible takes place. The key has been carefully crafted to have notches, or grooves, at specific points along its length. These grooves align with the key pins inside the cylinder.
As you turn the key, the grooves on the key push the key pins and driver pins to the correct heights. When all the pins are at their proper positions, the cylinder can rotate freely. This, in turn, allows the spindle to retract or extend the latch or bolt, unlocking or locking the door.
If you insert the wrong key or an incorrect pattern of notches doesn’t match up with the pins, the pins will remain misaligned, preventing the cylinder from turning. Your door stays locked.
Why Don’t They All Have the Same Key?
Now that we understand how these locks work, let’s tackle the big question: do all door knobs have the same key? The short answer is no, and here’s why.
It’s all about security. Door locks come in various flavors, and each one has its unique key or key system. The most common lock type is the pin tumbler lock. These locks have a bunch of pins that need to line up just perfectly for the key to turn and unlock the door. If every door used the same key, it’d be a piece of cake for would-be burglars to stroll right in.
Why Sometimes Keys Might Match?
Imagine you live in a sprawling apartment complex. The property manager needs access to every unit, but you, as a tenant, still want your own privacy. That’s where master key systems come into play.
In this setup, each tenant has a unique key that opens only their apartment door. However, the property manager holds a master key that can unlock any apartment door in the building. But that’s not all. There are some other reasons as well.
By Design
Sometimes, it is done by design, and not by accident. In the case of larger commercial buildings, offices, etc. where keeping track of different keys for hundreds or thousands of locks is not practical, nor preferable, contractors install door knobs with the same keys.
Cost Effectiveness
When it comes to manufacturing locks, it is not very cheap to design each lock with unique grooves and pins. Also, theoretically, it is impossible to manufacture millions of unique locks and keys with the same build profile. Therefore, manufacturers use a bunch of sets of standard keys for door knobs. And therefore, they will match inevitably. However, it’s not very common that you will get two sets of door knobs with the same key sold side by side.
Tips for Avoiding Duplicate Door Knob Keys
Alright, you’re probably wondering how to avoid the dreaded “someone else having the same key” scenario. Here are some pro tips for buying door knobs without losing sleep over key twins:
Check for Rekeyable Locks
Look for locks that can be easily rekeyed. This means you can change the lock’s combination yourself or by hiring a locksmith whenever you want, ensuring no one else has the same key.
Upgrade to High-Security Locks
Consider investing in high-security locks. They come with complex mechanisms that are tough to pick or duplicate. Also, with high-security locks, the chance of someone having the same key is very slim, since they use a much wider variety of cylinders and pins, as well as keys.
Do Your Research
Before buying a lock or door knob, read reviews and check if they are known for their security features. Cheap locks might save you a few bucks, but they might not provide the security you need.
More Door Knob Questions and Answers
Can someone easily duplicate my door key?
It depends on the type of lock. High-security locks are more challenging to duplicate, while standard locks might be easier to copy.
Do all front door keys look the same?
Nope! Front door keys can have different shapes and grooves, even if they’re for the same type of lock.
Can I make my door knob match my mailbox key?
Possibly. Some locksmiths can key multiple locks alike, so you only need one key for different locks around your home.
Why do some locks have more pins than others?
The number of pins in a lock can vary based on its intended level of security. High-security locks may have more pins, making them harder to pick.
To Conclude
There you have it. Now you know why door knobs might have the same keys sometimes. However, it’s a distant possibility and won’t likely happen with you. Still, to be on the safe side, don’t buy cheap door knobs as they have a greater possibility of having the same keys. Instead, invest in a high-quality one, because you can put a price on safety and security.
