Keyed Alike Locks

Aged Brass 2½" 5 Lever BS Dead Lock KA, from our current range.

What are keyed alike locks?

Keyed alike locks are a set of two or more locks manufactured or cut to work with the same key, so a single key opens every lock in the set, even though each lock is a separate, fully independent unit. This is different from a master key system, where one key opens everything but individual keys still open only their own lock; with keyed alike locks, every lock and every key in the set are identical.

Products in a keyed alike range are usually marked "KA" in their description, and need to be ordered together as a set, or specified to a supplier as keyed alike, to guarantee they will share a key.

Where keyed alike locks are used

• Properties with several external doors – front, back and side doors can all be opened with one key
• Outbuildings and sheds – padlocks and door locks around a property can be specified to share a single key
• Holiday homes and second properties – simplifies key management for owners and cleaners

Choosing keyed alike locks

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Order as a set – keyed alike locks need to be manufactured together; buying separate standard locks will not guarantee a shared key
• Number of keys supplied – check how many keys come with the set and whether spares can be cut later
• Lock types – deadlocks, sashlocks and euro cylinders can generally all be specified keyed alike within their own ranges

Related products

Browse keyed alike locks via search, or see the related Deadlocks and Mortice Locks guides.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between keyed alike and master keyed?

With keyed alike locks, every lock and key in the set are identical, so any key opens any lock. A master key system uses individual keys for each lock, plus one master key that opens all of them, keeping individual access separate.

Can I get my existing locks keyed alike?

This is possible in some cases through a locksmith re-pinning existing cylinders, but the more straightforward route is ordering new locks together as a keyed alike set.

Do keyed alike sets cost more than standard locks?

Pricing is broadly similar to standard locks of the same type, since it is a manufacturing specification rather than a different product.

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