IC Cylinder rekey and master key
- Murray Avenue Locksmith
- Mar 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
When securing commercial buildings, schools, medical facilities, or any large business properties, IC cylinders offer flexible, efficient, and secure solutions. Currently searching for an option to upgrade your old lock system, this solution increases the key control and simplifies the access for staff. IC cylinder rekeying and master key systems provide unmatched benefits. This blog will cover the services, how they work, and how to choose the right locksmith for the job.
What is Rekeying an IC Cylinder?
Rekeying an IC cylinder involves changing the internal pins within the core so it works with a new key. The most significant difference with the traditional locks is that IC cylinders are designed to be quick and easily swapped out by using a special control key, making the rekeying a far more convenient and cost-effective solution.
This service is commonly used when:
When keys are lost or stolen
Employees leave or often change the role and responsibilities.
The property owner wants to restrict access to the premises without having to replace the entire lock hardware.
Instead of replacing the entire door lock mechanism, a professional locksmith like Murray Ave Locksmith simply removes the old core and inserts a new one. All this is possible without needing to uninstall the lock from the door.
What is a Master Key System?
A master key system is a structured keying system that allows different levels of access across facilities. With this system, individual keys can open the specific locks; hence, the master key can open multiple locks without hierarchy. The master key system lock setups are ideal for commercial buildings, schools, apartment complexes, and anywhere that layered access control is required.
Advantages of having a master key system
A janitor may have a master key for accessing all the utility closets.
An office worker may have the key to the particular assigned office.
The property managers can have a grand master key that can open every lock in the building.
How Does a Master Key Work?
A master key system allows multiple levels of access by using a special pin configuration inside the lock. In the central functional area of this system is the pin tumbler mechanism, where pins of different lengths are aligned and shear a line to allow the lock to turn.
In the standard lock system, only one key will lift the pins to the correct height. However, in the master key system, an extra pin called a master wafer is added to each pin stack. This action creates two shear lines and enables two different keys and a user key, along with the master key, to open the same lock.
The setup with multiple door locks with one master key forms a hierarchy like
Changes keys (CK) for opening an individual lock.
A master key opens all the locks in its group.
GrandMaster Key can also open multiple master-keyed individual groups.
Master key systems provide efficient access control in large buildings by minimizing the number of keys that are needed and allowing tailored access to individual staff members. In the event of a master key loss, rekeying multiple locks becomes essential.
When paired with the IC cylinders, the system is becoming more flexible and cores can be rekeyed and replaced fast without removing the entire lock.
Benefits of having IC Cylinder Rekey & Master Key Services
Rekeying IC cylinders allows property owners to immediately disable lost, stolen, or unreturned keys, all of which helps maintain tight control over who is going to access the property.
Instead of replacing the entire lockset, rekeying involves changing the core or adjusting the pin configuration, saving significant hardware and labor costs.
IC cylinders are designed to be quickly swapped by using a control key. This feature makes it easy to change locks in minutes without removing the lock body from the door.
MasterKey systems grow with organizations, streamline key management, and improve operational efficiency.
Property owners can establish multi-tiered access, including individual, department, and building-wide keys, tailored to fit your organization's structure and security requirements.
How To Choose the Right Locksmith?
Selecting a locksmith for IC cylinder rekeying and master key setup is crucial to your facility's security. Here are the essential facts that every property owner should understand when choosing a locksmith who meets their specific needs.
Ensure the locksmith is properly licensed and insured in the area.
Interchangeable core systems are different and not every locksmith is familiar with them.
Choose the locksmith service that is available 24x7 hours and also offers emergency service or can provide a quick turnaround, especially when security is at risk.
A trustworthy locksmith service will help you to design the master key system that fits the specific requirements and future growth.
In Conclusion:
IC cylinder rekeying and master key services provide a smart, secure, and scalable solution for managing a large office building or a multiunit apartment complex. These systems are not only going to protect your property but also going to streamline the operations and reduce long-term costs.

The IC cylinder rekey service by Locksmith Murrieta company is a game-changer. It’s impressive how quickly they rekeyed our entire office space, ensuring both efficiency and enhanced security. The master key system has simplified access for authorized personnel without compromising safety.