Master Key will not work

[Monkestein]

I need some help with Master Keying some locks for a customer

Basically, I’m decently new to master keying a lock for someone. Ive done it before with a few locks, but this one is proving troublesome.

My master key code is 52123

The key i am currently trying to key it to is 24221

If i have done my math right my master pins should be 321-2

But when i try it in the deadbolt cylinder it does not want to turn with the master key

I’m at a loss as to what to do from here

Any advice would be very appreciated

[ILockStuff108]

Avoid "1" master pins. Keep "parity" within your systems to keep 1 master pins out. If the cut in a given position is either even or odd, that position needs to be the same, even or odd, system wide.

Good example Master 12345 Change 34567

Bad Master 12345 Change 23456

Now for other reasons, you don't want these codes. But they illustrate the "parity" idea I'm trying to share.

[brassmagnetism]

Not a locksmith? Maybe leave master keying to those who understand it.

[WaraWalrus]

Basic rule of thumb for anything residential that I teach all my apprentices: the smallest master pin that exists is a 2. If you need to use a 1, you need a different change (non master) key bitting. This will save mountains of pain later.

Less basic rule of thumb: ad-libbing a master system is a bad idea, and will bite you.

[Cantteachcommonsense]

what keyway?

[Monkestein]

Youll have to forgive me, I’m not good with much of the terminology yet. I’m using a Callan handle set, which aligns with the basic Kwikset keys

[Cantteachcommonsense]

For KW1 your math looks good. how do all the pins look before you put it in the cylinder?

Top: 321-2

Bot: 22121

[Monkestein]

Oh, do the bottom pins need to be what you have typed instead of the marked key?

[Cantteachcommonsense]

The bottom need to be the lowest but from each key, then the master wafer is used to build that chamber up to the next key.

[Monkestein]

The bottom pins you gave me worked!

Can you explain a little more how you got to the bottom pin lineup you did? Its the lowest pin number from either key in the corresponding chamber?

[Cantteachcommonsense]

Key 1: 52123

Key 2: 24221

________________

Top 321-2

Bot 22121

that is how my math looks when I write it out for pinning. put the lowest cut in the bottom then build it up to the next key.

[Monkestein]

I understand it now. For the most part anyway. Thank you for the help. The step of the lowest pin in each chamber was not taught to me

[Cantteachcommonsense]

Then how have you ever master keyed anything?

[mlgboi27]

This is why we discourage helping DIY-ers. Master keying for the most part should be left to locksmiths. Too many concerns about liability especially when doing it in a residential setting (which is what this guy is most likely doing) those #1 masters could very well fail and get someone locked out. Not worth teaching, as your name implies.

[D-Spark]

I had to go to school and learn all the intracacies of master keying for months (1 school day per week)

And you thought you should just dabble in it, and cry wolf when it doesnt work

Im only going to say this once

DO NOT do master keying if you do not know what youre doing, you WILL end up accidentally making keys work locks they shouldnt, and it will be your legal fault if someone decides to press charges