Free Master Key System Designer
Plan a complete master key system for your building or business in minutes. This free tool from Defense Locksmith (Buffalo, NY) designs a real, locksmith-grade keying plan — who can open what, the exact key cuts, the pin chart for every cylinder, and a printable PDF cut-sheet set you can hand to a locksmith.
What it does
- Designs the hierarchy — a top master that opens everything, optional group sub-masters (one per floor, department or shift), and an individual key for every door.
- Recommends the right setup — answer a few questions and it suggests the brand (Schlage, Kwikset or Yale), keyway, pin count and structure, and explains why.
- Calculates every key cut — using real lock specs (cut depths, MACS and two-step progression) so the keys are reliable, varied and never “flat.”
- Guarantees no key crossover — every plan is checked so no key opens a door it isn’t meant to.
- Generates a PDF — system summary, key schedule, master pinning chart and a pinning ticket for each door.
Who it’s for
Landlords and apartment buildings, offices and businesses, hotels and motels, restaurants, schools, medical offices and self-storage facilities — anyone who needs one key to rule them all while every tenant or employee gets a key to just their own door.
How to use it
- Start — tell it what the building is and how many units, or pick a ready-made template.
- Size & structure — choose how many admin levels and groups, and name the levels (e.g. “Simon the CEO,” “Floor Master,” “Apartment 101”).
- Lock & keyway — confirm the recommended brand and keyway (or pick another).
- Review & generate — get the full keying chart and download the PDF.
Brands & security
Supports Schlage, Kwikset and Yale, with standard, restricted and high-security keyways for proper key control. Two-step progression keeps every master pin reliable, and the plan is always verified interchange-free.
This free planner builds systems up to 100 keys. For larger systems, restricted/patented key control, or to have your system cut and pinned, call Defense Locksmith at (716) 803-2934 — we’ll design and install it with you. For authorized locksmithing use; always bench-verify the first cylinder before pinning a full system.