Choose the padlock keying option the best fits your padlock needs and security application. Use the drop down list on the product page labeled "Keying Options" to choose your keying option.
KD - Keyed Differently
- Padlocks that are keyed differently (KD) each have a key with a unique key code. Each padlock will only open with its own key.
- The number of pins in the padlock cylinder determines the total number of different key cut patterns or "key differs" available for a specific padlock model:
- 3-pin cylinder: 40 to 100 key differs
- 4-pin cylinder: 400 to 1200 key differs
- 5-pin cylinder: 10,000 to 14,000 key differs
- 6-pin cylinder: 40,000 to 90,000 key differs
- KD padlocks include 2 keys unless specified.
KA - Keyed Alike
- Padlocks that are keyed alike (KA) are keyed identical to each other. All keys have the same key code which means that all keys will open all padlocks in that KA group.
- KA padlocks can be ordered in any quantity and can be ordered in a single KA group or multiple KA groups.
- KA padlocks include 2 keys per padlock unless specified.
- Most padlock models are available keyed alike.
- KA padlocks are not considered master keyed. This is a common misconception. See Master Keyed below.
- There are multiple options for ordering keyed alike padlocks:
- Keyed Alike - Stock Key Code: These are KA padlocks that we have in stock in our warehouse. Choose this option if you want KA padlocks, but you do not need to match a specific key code. This choice offers the quickest delivery.
- Keyed Alike - My Key Code: Choose this option if you want to order KA padlocks to a specific key code. This is used by customers that already own KA padlocks and want additional padlocks that match their existing key code. Most orders for “my key code” padlocks ship directly from the manufacturer.
- Keyed Alike - Factory Assigned: Some padlock models are available keyed alike, but we do not stock them in our warehouse. The key code will be randomly assigned by the manufacturer and shipped directly to the customer
MK - Master Key
- A master key (MK) is a unique key that will open all padlocks in a group of padlocks.
- A group of padlocks that open with a master key is called a master key system. A master key system can be made up of padlocks that are all keyed differently or keyed alike in multiple groups.
- Master keying is used in situations such as a high school where the padlocks need to be keyed differently from each other, but there also needs to be quick access by a supervisor.
- Padlocks that have the master key function must be ordered as master keyed padlocks.
- MK padlocks include 2 keys per individual padlock unless specified.
- Master keys are sold separately.
- Master keying is not the same as keyed alike. This is a common misconception. See keyed alike above.
- Master keyed padlocks are built to order.
- Request a Quote for Master Keyed Padlocks
Definitions:
Cylinder: The padlock cylinder is the part of the padlock where the key is inserted. The key positions the pins inside the cylinder allowing the cylinder to rotate opening the padlock.
Pins: The pins are small brass rods of varying lengths located in sequence inside the padlock cylinder. There can be from 3 to 6 pins inside the cylinder. The pins must be positioned correctly for the padlock to open.
Key code: The digits stamped on a key is called the key code. It can contain numbers and letters. The key code indicates the length and pattern of the pins inside the padlock cylinder. The key code determines whether padlocks are keyed alike or keyed differently from each other.