If you manage a business or an apartment building, you probably worry about unauthorized key copies. Standard keys can be taken to any hardware store and copied in minutes. This creates a massive security hole for your property. Our team at Security Solutions believes that a restricted key systems Calgary plan is the best way to regain control. These systems ensure that nobody can make a copy of your key without your written permission. We provide these high-security solutions to help you protect your assets and your people.
A restricted key system uses a unique “keyway” that is owned by the locksmith. This means the blank keys are not available to the public or at common retail shops. We track every key we issue in a secure database. If an employee tries to copy a key at a local kiosk, they will be turned away because the machine simply won’t have the right blank. This “patent protection” is the foundation of modern commercial security. We want to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly how many keys exist for your building.
The Mechanical Magic of High-Security Locks
Restricted keys are not just about the legal protection; they are also built better than standard keys. They often feature side pins, sliders, or even moving elements inside the key itself. This makes the locks virtually impossible to “pick” or “bump” open. When we install these cylinders in Canmore, we are providing a physical barrier that stops even the most skilled intruders. The metal used in these keys is also much stronger, so they won’t snap off in the lock after years of use.
Furthermore, these systems allow for “master-keying.” This means we can create a system where one key opens every door in the building, but other keys only open specific rooms. For example, a manager can have a “Grand Master Key,” while a cleaning crew has a key that only opens the main entrance and the supply closet. This hierarchy keeps your building organized and secure. We design these complex systems for businesses in Okotoks to make daily operations smoother.
Who Benefits Most from a Restricted System?
We recommend restricted keys for any organization that has a high turnover of staff or volunteers. Schools, churches, and retail stores often struggle to get keys back when someone leaves. With a standard system, you would have to rekey the entire building every time a key goes missing. With a restricted system, you know that the former employee couldn’t have made a secret copy. You can simply wait to get the key back or retire that specific key number in your records.
Property managers in De-Winton also find these systems essential. It prevents tenants from giving copies of their apartment keys to friends or contractors without the landlord’s knowledge. By maintaining a strict “key control” policy, you increase the overall safety of the entire building. We believe that restricted keys are an investment that pays for itself by reducing the need for emergency rekeying services.
The Authorization Process for New Keys
The most important part of a restricted system is the “Authorized Signatory” list. When you set up a system with Security Solutions, you tell us exactly who has the power to order more keys. We verify the identity of the person every time an order is placed. If someone who is not on the list calls us, we will not cut the key. This ensures that even a senior employee cannot get a copy of the master key without your approval.
We maintain these records with extreme care for our clients in Heritage Pointe. We can even provide “signature cards” or digital authorization forms to make the process easy for you. If you need a new key, you just Contact Us and we can have it ready for you in a short time. This level of control is something a standard hardware store key can never provide.
Upgrading Your Current Locks to a Restricted System
You do not necessarily have to replace all your doors to get this level of security. In many cases, we can simply replace the “cylinders” inside your existing locks. This is a cost-effective way to upgrade your security without a major construction project. We use high-quality brands that are known for their durability and pick-resistance. We can perform this upgrade for your office in Calgary or any of the surrounding towns.
Transitioning to a new system is a great time to audit your security. We can help you walk through your building and decide which doors truly need to be locked and who needs access to them. We believe that security is most effective when it is simple and well-planned. Our professional technicians handle the installation quickly and ensure that every new key turns smoothly. We want to make your building a fortress against unauthorized entry.
FAQ
Can I get a restricted key made at a hardware store?
No. Standard hardware stores do not have the legal right or the specialized equipment to cut restricted keys. Only the locksmith who owns that specific keyway can provide copies. This is what makes the system so secure.
What happens if I lose my restricted master key?
If you lose a master key, we recommend rekeying the system. Because it is a restricted system, you can be sure that nobody found the key and made a copy, but the physical key still exists somewhere. We can help you weigh the risks and decide on the best plan.
Are restricted keys more expensive?
The initial cost of the keys and cylinders is higher than standard hardware. However, you save money over time because you won’t have to rekey your building as often. The added security and control also prevent the high costs of a break-in.
Can I have a restricted system on my house?
Yes! While they are most common for businesses, many homeowners choose restricted systems for their front doors. It is a great way to ensure that contractors or house cleaners don’t make copies of your house keys.
How long does it take to get a new restricted key?
Since we have to verify your authorization and cut the key on a special machine, it takes a little longer than a one-minute kiosk copy. Usually, we can have your keys ready within 24 to 48 hours of your request.
Can a restricted key be “bumped” open?
High-security restricted cylinders are specifically designed to resist “bumping” and “picking.” They have complex internal mechanisms that require the actual physical key to move the pins. They are much safer than the locks you find at a big-box store.