Restricted Keys Gold Coast

Prevent key copying

An SPL restricted keys system will prevent unauthorised key copying giving you your peace of mind. You will always know who has a copy of your keys.

A restricted key system utilises patent protected keys and lock barrels to restrict access to your building or complex and stop unauthorised duplication. The special patented keys are only available to approved agents, i.e. you won’t find them at the local hardware or key cutting shop and details about who is authorised to have them duplicated are recorded by SPL.

SPL will not cut a duplicate key without a letter or order signed by one of the signatories for your system. This gives you complete peace of mind, knowing how many keys are in circulation at any one time.

SPL Master Key Systems

Not to be confused with keyed alike systems, where all locks are keyed under the one key, a master key system is a term used to describe how we manage and control keys, and limit access through individual doors.

A master key system is a group of locks and keys which are constructed in such a way as to allow authorised keys past the lock whilst restricting unauthorised keys.
The system is built around a master key that will give access to all of the locks in the system, this then allows the main key holder to access all areas when required. This type of system is particularly useful to landlords, hoteliers, schools, office complexes and other large or small premises.

This simply means that if you are a landlord, only one key is needed to access all your properties rather than fumbling around with large bunches of keys whilst assuring each tenant holds his own unique key to his or her lock. Or a worker may need access through the front gate and to their office door and as such, a key can be given to them which only allows that access. However the master key will allow the manager access to every lock in the building.

SPL Restricted Master Keys Systems

As the name implies these systems restrict the availability and distribution of key blanks and barrels. There are many providers of restricted key products through locksmith channels and they all have a registered or restricted design pattern on a key or barrel. The restricted system provider supplies to the locksmith the system under an agreement that is both legally and ethically binding. This ensures the integrity of the restricted product.

The biggest advantage of this system is the locksmith controls the system. Whenever the client needs additional keys they must order the keys with a signed request. The client nominates a responsible person within their organization to be the designated signatory and a sample of that person’s signature is kept on file to verify each order. In addition, all restricted keys are individually stamped with system number, rank and sequential generation, which can be used to track keys and design of the system.

High security restricted master key systems

Unfortunately the freedom of expression that has come with the Worldwide Web also has a downside and the security industry has not been excluded, there is now an abundance of websites only too willing to share for fame or fee ways to breach many security systems. The first to suffer has been the humble “in line pin cylinder” which is the basis of approximately 98% of all locks in Australia. The solution is to install one of the high security locking systems now available such as Abloy Protec which is used extensively by private, commercial and government end users who demand the ultimate in high security master key systems.

Restricted key systems have been the industry standard worldwide for many years and is a very cost effective way to ensure security over locks and keys.

Contact SPL today for expert advice on how to secure your home or business.

What is a Restricted or Security Key?

A restricted key is a key that can only be cut by an authorized Locksmith with authority from an authorized person who manages the key system.

How does the restriction work?

Restricted keys are designed by a manufacturer who registers or patents the design of the key to prevent copying. The manufacturer then sets terms to the Locksmithing industry on how the keys are able to be used.

This comes in 3 levels:

Level 1 is factory restricted so only the Manufacturer is able to acquire.
Level 2 is Locksmith restricted, where only approved Locksmiths can acquire specific profiles of the key design.
Level 3 is open broach where any Locksmith can acquire the profile of the keys.

How does the profile work?

When the manufacturer designs a key, they make a number of different profiles which is the shape and patterns of the grooves of the key that enter the lock cylinder.

Can I transfer my system to another Locksmith?

It is possible to have a restricted system transferred between Locksmiths. However, this requires the receiving Locksmith to have or be able to have the profile of key that the system is on.

For example, if the system is on an open broach, then it can be transferred to any Locksmith who has the profile. However, if the system is on an exclusive profile, then the system cannot be transferred as the manufacturer has made an agreement to only allow that Locksmith to have that profile of key. In this example, if a transfer was needed, then it is possible to contact the factory and arrange for the system to be factory controlled.

What happens when the patent/registered design expires?

When the patent or design registration expires, the legal protection against copying the keys expires as well. The majority of Australian Locksmiths are members of a security group, like the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia and New Zealand or the Locksmith Guild of Australia where the bylaws of membership continue to protect the security of keys after the patents or registrations expire. It is still recommended that by the time of the expiry, an upgrade should be considered.

How do Signatories work?

A signatory is a person who is authorized to make requests and place orders regarding to the restricted system. A signatory can be anyone, from owners, managers, caretakers, body corporates, to company representatives. When the system is set up a Registration Form is supplied and once returned completed, the persons listed on the registration are added as the authorities to manage the system. Only persons on the authority list are able to order extra keys or works for the system.

How much do restricted keys cost? & why does management charge more?

Our company charges a set price for restricted keys. Once sold to the customer, they are the property of the purchaser allowing them to do with them what they choose including reselling them at an increased price.

Why can’t the Locksmith tell me much about the system?

As it is a restricted system, most information relating to the system is also restricted to the authorized persons for security reasons. This means there are limits to what a Locksmith can disclose to persons not listed on the authority list. This applies to all persons even if they are from the body corporate, management or an owner. The persons on the signatory list are the persons in control of the system, therefore it is their choice as to what a Locksmith can and cannot disclose to persons not on the list and about what works can be undertaken without their written authority.

Why do I need permission to change a lock or get keys?

In most circumstances, the system has been set up for an entire premise or building. This means the authorities on the system are responsible for the security and maintenance of the key system for the location and must be aware of any changes. For the Locksmith, the signatories are the people in charge of the system. The Locksmith must abide their directions and respect their patron.

What if I have different keys for the same building? Why can I order some keys but not others?

Restricted systems can be set up in a number of ways, including limiting the authority of the signatories. This can be in the form of requiring multiple signatories to authorise keys or only allowing for certain signatories to be able to order certain keys but not others. It could also be that there are multiple systems established in the location that are controlled by different persons. An example of this would be a high rise where the body corporate and management have separate systems for the units they manage, though they are in the same building and work together. If the signatories for management are not signatories for the body corporate’s system, the Locksmith cannot provide much in the way of information to the managers about the body corporate’s system as they are not authorised, and vice versa for the body corporate on the management system.

Why as an owner can I not get keys?

This would be due to the listed signatories. In the case of a unit in a complex or a high rise, most systems are controlled by either building management or the body corporate as they are responsible for the maintenance of the security and the doors of the building. In the case of a business owner this would be the way the system was set up.

How can the signatories be changed?

The signatories on a system can be changed by submitting a Signatory Registration Form to the Locksmith requesting changes to be made. The registration form contains the instructions on the form for the manner of how the form needs to be completed. An example of the conditions to change the registration would be to have a current signatory authorise the changes, for regardless of if they have left the company/premises some time ago, unless they are removed from the signatory list, they are still listed as an authority on the system. Another example would be to submit a legal form of evidence to prove ownership/management rights of the location with the registration form to request changes.