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Restricted Keyway Systems
High-security restricted keyway systems for Austin businesses. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, Schlage Primus patented keys prevent unauthorized duplication. Expert installation.
Restricted
NO UNAUTHORIZED
COPIES
COPIES
The Copy-Proof Guarantee
Standard keys can be copied at any hardware store in minutes. Restricted keyways use patented blanks that are legally protected and physically controlled. No ID? No authorization card? No copy.
US Patent Protected
Factory Tracked Blanks
ID Verification Required
Complete Control Over Your Keys
Standard keys are a security liability. Anyone can copy them at a kiosk, bypassing your security policies. Restricted Keyways eliminate this risk by using patented locks that CANNOT be duplicated without your explicit, written authorization.
South Austin Locksmith is an authorized dealer for Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY, and Schlage Primus.
The Problem with Standard Keys
Anyone Can Copy Them
Unrestricted Duplication Risk
Hardware stores and automated kiosks do NOT check authorization. If an employee lends their key to a friend for 5 minutes, your entire security system could be compromised forever.
The Solution: Restricted Key Control
Patent Protected
Key blanks are legally protected property. No other manufacturer can make them.
SecureSignature Required
We verify your ID and signature against the authorized list before cutting any key.
SecureControlled Distribution
Key blanks are tracked from the factory to the dealer. They are never sold to the public.
SecureHow It Works
Chain of Custody
- Factory to Dealer: Medeco/Mul-T-Lock ships blanks ONLY to authorized dealers.
- Dealer to Owner: We cut keys ONLY for the registered system owner.
- Owner to Employee: You issue keys with confidence, knowing they cannot be copied.
Implementation Options
Retrofit (Cost-Effective)
- Best For: Upgrading existing Schlage or Yale hardware.
- Method: We replace just the cylinder core with a high-security restricted core.
- Cost: Significantly lower than replacing all hardware.
New System Design
- Best For: New construction or complete security overhauls.
- Method: Fresh installation of Grade 1 hardware with integrated restricted keyways.
Installation Process
1
System Design
We determine how many keys you need and who is authorized to request copies.
2
Cylinder Installation
We remove old cylinders and install new, patented restricted cores.
3
Authorization Setup
We create your signature card and register your system with the manufacturer.
4
Key Handover
You receive your initial set of keys and the sole authority to request more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get these keys cut at Home Depot?
No. Hardware stores physically do not have the blanks, and their machines cannot cut the patented angles required for high-security keys.
What if I lose my Master Key?
With standard keys, you'd have to rekey the whole building. With restricted keys, you only replace the specific affected cylinder, because you know no illicit copies exist.
Is it expensive?
The initial hardware cost is higher ($80-$150/cylinder), but it saves thousands in potential rekeying costs over the life of the system.
Get Control of Your Building
Don’t let unauthorized copies compromise your business. Call (512) 777-0915 to set up a secure, restricted keyway system today.
What's Included
Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, Schlage Primus
Patent-protected key blanks
Authorized dealer credentials required
Signature-controlled key duplication
Restricted key blank distribution
High-security pin tumbler or sidebar
Drill-resistant cylinders
Pick-resistant mechanisms
Benefits
- Prevent unauthorized key copying
- Control who can duplicate keys
- Require authorization card for duplication
- Higher security than standard keyways
- Protect master key systems from copying
- Ideal for multi-tenant buildings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a restricted keyway and how does it work?
A restricted keyway is a patented lock cylinder design where key blanks can only be purchased by authorized dealers who must verify customer credentials before duplicating keys. Unlike standard keyways (Schlage C, Kwikset) where anyone can buy blanks at hardware stores, restricted keyways require: (1) Patent protection preventing unauthorized blank manufacturing. (2) Dealer authorization - locksmiths must be approved by manufacturer. (3) Duplication control - requires authorization card, signature, or credentials. (4) Blank purchase tracking - manufacturer knows which dealers ordered blanks. (5) End-user registration - property owner is registered as authorized key holder. This creates a chain of custody making unauthorized duplication extremely difficult.
What are the best restricted keyway brands?
Top restricted keyway systems ranked by security and control: **Medeco:** Industry standard for high security. Rotating pin tumblers resist picking. 20+ year patent history. Excellent dealer network. Authorization card required. **Mul-T-Lock:** Israeli high-security brand. Telescoping pin technology. Very pick-resistant. Interactive keyway. Strong patent protection. **ASSA ABLOY:** Swedish manufacturer. Extremely restricted blanks. Limited dealer network (harder to find locksmiths). Very high security. **Schlage Primus:** Dual locking mechanism (pins + sidebar). Works with existing Schlage hardware. Good for Schlage retrofits. **BEST IC Cores:** Interchangeable core system. Excellent for large facilities. Rekey by swapping cores, not pinning cylinders. **Choosing:** Medeco if you want broadest dealer network. Mul-T-Lock for highest pick resistance. ASSA for tightest key control. Schlage Primus for Schlage hardware compatibility.
Can restricted keyway keys be copied?
Yes, but only through controlled authorization process: **Authorized Duplication Process:** (1) Key holder presents original key + authorization card to authorized dealer. (2) Dealer verifies card signature matches property owner registration. (3) Dealer contacts manufacturer to verify authorization (for some systems). (4) Dealer orders blanks from manufacturer (tracked shipment). (5) Dealer cuts keys and updates duplication log. (6) Property owner receives record of who got duplicates when. **Unauthorized Copying Prevention:** Blanks not sold to general public - can't buy at hardware stores. Patent prosecution against counterfeiters. Dealer authorization revocation for violations. Restricted blank distribution - even locksmiths can't order without credentials. **Reality Check:** Determined adversaries with resources CAN defeat restricted keyways (3D printing, blank smuggling, lock picking). They're designed to stop casual unauthorized copying by employees, not sophisticated attacks.
How much do restricted keyway systems cost compared to standard locks?
Restricted keyway systems cost 2-4x standard locks but prevent expensive rekeying: **Initial Costs:** **Standard Schlage/Kwikset:** Cylinder: $15-40. Keys: $2-5 each. No control over copying. **Medeco/Mul-T-Lock Restricted:** Cylinder: $80-150. Keys: $12-25 each. Authorization card: $50-100. **Cost Example - 20 Lock Office:** Standard System: $800-1,200 (locks + keys). Restricted System: $2,400-4,000 (locks + keys + cards). Premium: $1,600-2,800 more upfront. **But Consider:** Lost master key rekeying: Standard: $600-1,200 (must rekey everything). Restricted: $50-200 (just replace master key - nobody can copy it). Former employee key concerns: Standard: $600-1,200 (rekey if you're worried they copied). Restricted: $0 (they couldn't copy, so no rekey needed). **ROI:** Restricted keyway pays for itself after 1-2 rekeying avoidances. For master key systems, restricted is almost always cost-effective.
Should I convert my existing locks to restricted keyways?
Consider conversion if you experience these issues: **Strong Candidates for Conversion:** (1) Master key system - lost masters are catastrophically expensive to rekey. Restricted keyways protect masters from copying. (2) High employee turnover - concerned former employees copied keys. Avoid constant rekeying paranoia. (3) Multi-tenant buildings - landlords need control over tenant key duplication. Prevents tenants from copying suite keys. (4) Prior security breaches - someone had unauthorized access via copied keys. (5) Construction/renovation - prevent contractors from copying temporary keys for later access. (6) Regulatory requirements - some industries require documented key control. **Weak Candidates:** Small business with stable long-term employees. Very low security requirements. Budget constraints (can't afford 2-3x premium). Extremely remote location with limited locksmith access. **Conversion Process:** We rekey existing cylinders to restricted keyway (if compatible hardware). OR replace cylinders entirely with high-security models. Issue new keys on restricted blanks. Provide authorization cards. Cost: $80-150 per lock for cylinder replacement + $50-100 for authorization system.
What happens when I need keys cut for a restricted keyway?
You follow a controlled authorization process: **For Initial Setup:** We provide authorization card when installing system. Card has signature card or unique serial number. We register you as authorized key holder with manufacturer (some systems). We provide 5-10 keys initially. We explain duplication process. **When You Need More Keys:** (1) Contact us (or any authorized dealer for that brand). (2) Present your authorization card with matching signature OR provide serial number. (3) We verify authorization (check signature, call manufacturer if required). (4) We order key blanks from manufacturer (2-5 day delivery typically). (5) We cut keys to your cylinder bitting specification. (6) We document duplication (who, how many, date) in your system records. (7) You receive keys + updated duplication log. **Turnaround Time:** Emergency: We may stock blanks for common systems - same day. Standard: 3-7 days for blank delivery + cutting. **Cost Per Key:** Medeco: $12-18. Mul-T-Lock: $15-25. ASSA: $18-30. BEST IC: $8-15. This is why we cut 5-10 keys initially - avoid delays when you suddenly need more.
Pricing
Starting at
$650
Average cost
$2200
Price range
$650 - $ 10000
Prices vary based on keyway brand (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA), number of locks, cylinder grade, and master key complexity. Single high-security cylinder retrofits start at $80-150. Small office conversions (10-15 locks) typically $1,500-2,500. Large facility installations (50+ locks) range $5,000-$10,000+. Includes cylinders, keys, installation, and authorization cards.
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