Skeleton Key: What Are They and How Are They Used?

Have you heard of a skeleton key? Did you wonder what they are? If you did, you’re like most of our customers and I’m sure you want to know how they work as well. Is this something you should be worried about?

Skeleton keys are typically keys that can open all the doors in the home or office. It means anyone with a skeleton key can gain access to all the rooms in your home and office.

The skeleton key is hollow in a way that the same key can fit into several locks and open them. Manufacturers of keys remove the edges of the skeleton key. Therefore, it easily serves as a master key.

It explains why the key is called a skeleton key. This is because it only has the essential elements of a key which is necessary to open a lock. However, a skeleton key cannot open all doors, even though it can serve as a master key. The reason is skeleton keys are not all the same. They can only open all the locks of a particular set.

 

How a Skeleton Key Works

A skeleton key is easy to create. It is also easy to use. The key is made in such a way that it does not resonate with the pins in the locks. Rather, it disrupts the pins in it.

The energy from the key pushes against the pin to unlock the doors with the lock. The temporal push on the pin gives the intruder enough time to unlock the door and gain access to your property.

How to Protect Your Home From Someone With a Skeleton Key

If you are concerned about unauthorized access to your home or office, then you need to know if your new home or office building has a skeleton key. You wouldn’t want anybody having access to your privacy and properties without your knowledge. That would be creepy.

When moving into a new home or office complex, you can’t tell for certain if someone else has a skeleton key to the building. However, you can protect yourself and your properties by changing your locks.

It’s so easy nowadays for anyone to make a skeleton key and gain access to your apartment. But not to worry! There is a way around it. Here is how to prevent a skeleton key access to your home and office.

Use Mechanical Keypad Locks

A mechanical keypad lock is an ideal option if you don’t want the risk associated with using a skeleton key. With a mechanical keypad lock, you don’t need a key. Rather, it has a numerical keypad that you would punch in codes before you can gain access to the building.

The keypad to a mechanical keypad lock is like a manual calculator. When you put in the correct code, the door will open up. This keeps out intruders from having access to your home or office. Anyone without the correct code cannot enter your home or office.

The configuration of some keypad locks is in a way that if you enter the wrong code repeatedly, it locks off for some minutes. You would have to wait for the time to elapse before you can make another attempt to input the code. This can also delay an intruder who would want to have unauthorized access to the building.

To install a keypad lock, you don’t need to change your door. You can use it with your standard door and have it installed on it. These kinds of locks are usually mechanical and could also be battery-powered. This means that you don’t need a power source to make it work.

While it offers you better protection, it also eradicates the need to carry keys about. It is even more efficient for commercial buildings that have several users going in and out.

With the codes, each staff member can easily access the building. Also, when an employee leaves, the code can easily be changed and updated. This way, you don’t have to change the locks and change keys each time.

Use Keyless Locks or Smart Locks

Although a keyed lock is a popular way of securing your home, it is not the most effective way. We agree that the keyed lock is inexpensive and easy to install and replace. However, it does not offer the most effective protection, especially when any Dick, Tom, and Harry can make a skeleton key nowadays and open your doors.

While a lot of homeowners would prefer a skeleton key for convenience and get to use one key for all the locks. However, this is a perilous thing to do. The security of your family members and properties outweighs the need for convenience.

A better and safer alternative is using a keyless or smart lock. A keyless lock would have no place for a skeleton key. Rather, it would need the input of each person before it will allow the person access to your home or office complex.

For a keyless lock, the access system would have to be configured to recognize you before you can gain entrance. Some systems require access cards. However, there are the advanced ones that use biometrics such as fingerprint, facial recognition, and are more accurate.

The beauty of a keyless lock is that the owner of the property can easily place restrictions and deny a particular person the continued access to the building. If you no longer want a member of your family or an old staff member to have access to the building anymore, you can easily change that.

Hire a Locksmith to Skeleton-Proof Your Home or Business Place

While a skeleton key can offer you convenience and access, it is not an ideal option when you need to secure your space. You need a professional locksmith that will provide you with safer ways to protect your home and office.

Alcatraz Locksmith is your one-stop company that offers a variety of locksmith services to commercial and residential clients in Phoenix, Arizona. We strive to provide exceptional and reliable service at affordable rates.

Whether you need a mechanical keypad lock or a smart lock, we are at your service to give you maximum protection for your home and office. Contact us now.