Keyway brand comparison — what we install most
Schlage Primus (most common Fort Collins commercial): sidebar element on top of standard 6-pin cylinder creates a restricted keyway that hardware stores cannot duplicate. 10-year+ track record, holds up to bump-key and pick attacks, $85-$140 per cylinder installed. Right for most Fort Collins offices, retail, light industrial. Medeco M3 (medical / legal / financial / pharmacy): elevating-pin design plus restricted keyway, each key duplicate requires written authorization, $140-$220 per cylinder. Right for any environment where unauthorized key duplication is a compliance issue. Best Access IC core (schools, universities, large facilities): interchangeable core design — swap the core in 30 seconds without removing the lock. $110-$170 per cylinder initially, but rekey labor drops 70% over the building's lifetime. CSU campus housing uses Best for exactly this reason.
Designing a multi-tier master key system — our process
(1) Site walkthrough or blueprint review. We list every door, its user group, and exception requirements (ADA, fire-rated, after-hours-only). (2) Group doors into access categories. Most Fort Collins offices end up with 3-5 access groups: Public (front door, conference room, public restroom), Staff (back office, break room, supply closet), Management (HR, finance, server room), Owner (every door + safe). Each group becomes a 'change key' tier. (3) Design the master hierarchy. Master key sits at the top — opens every door. Below the master: sub-masters for departments or floors. Below those: individual change keys. A 20-door office might have 1 Master, 3 Sub-masters, 5 Change keys. (4) Pick keyway brand based on security and budget profile. (5) Order hardware (2-5 business day lead time for restricted keyways). (6) Install over 1-2 business days. (7) Hand off labeled keys, printed master schedule, encrypted records archived 7 years.
Retrofit vs new-build master key systems
Retrofit (existing building): We replace your existing cylinders with new master-keyed cylinders. Costs $400-$1,800 for typical 10-30 door offices. Takes 1-2 business days on-site. Recommended when you're changing tenants, after a security incident, or when current keys have proliferated beyond control. New-build (construction): We design the master system from the blueprint and order matched cylinders for the builder to install during finish-out. Costs $300-$1,200 depending on door count. We coordinate with general contractor on hardware schedule. Recommended for any new Fort Collins commercial build over 5 doors. ROI math for a 20-door office: WITHOUT a proper master system, expect $4,000-$7,000 over 10 years on ad-hoc rekeys and lock replacement triggered by every employee turnover. WITH a Schlage Primus master system, $1,800 upfront then $200-$400 per turnover for surgical rekeys. Break-even at 8-12 employee turnovers.
Common Master Key Systems Scenarios
Real situations we handle multiple times per week from our Fort Collins base.
- ✓10-30 door office Schlage Primus master key design + install
- ✓Medical practice Medeco M3 restricted keyway upgrade (HIPAA compliance)
- ✓Multi-tenant Fort Collins building grand master + sub-master hierarchy
- ✓Apartment complex Best Access IC core retrofit (faster rekeys for turnover)
- ✓Retail location master system after manager change
- ✓Restaurant kitchen / office / exterior 3-tier hierarchy
- ✓Warehouse / industrial high-security master with restricted keyway
- ✓School / university summer break IC core swap
- ✓New-build commercial coordination with general contractor
- ✓Existing master system audit and re-pinning after lost master key
- ✓Adding doors to existing master system (legacy property expansion)
- ✓Master key system documentation for new property owner (acquisition)
Master Key Systems Pricing — Flat-Rate, No Surcharges
The price quoted on the phone is the price you pay. Quote before any work begins, always.
Our 5-Step Master Key Systems Process
Schedule free walkthrough
Owner Omer or our commercial lead schedules an on-site assessment. We walk every door, ask about user groups, discuss the right hierarchy. No charge for consultation.
Written design + quote within 48 hours
Master schedule diagram, recommended hardware brand, lead time, itemized pricing. You approve before any hardware is ordered.
Hardware order (2-5 day lead time)
Restricted keyway cylinders ship in 2-5 business days. We schedule installation around your business hours to minimize disruption.
On-site installation (1-2 days typical)
We replace every existing cylinder with the new master-keyed cylinder, hand-pin each one to the design, and label every key with its tier code. We work after-hours or in phases as needed.
Handoff + records archived
Labeled keys, printed master schedule, COI, and digital records archived for 7 years. Future rekeys, adds, and audits use the same records.
Why Fort Collins Calls 970 Locksmith for Master Key Systems
- ✓3 keyway brand expertise — Schlage Primus, Medeco M3, Best Access IC. Each picked based on your specific security and operational profile, not brand bias.
- ✓7-year encrypted record retention — every pin combination archived. Future rekeys are surgical, not full-building.
- ✓Free on-site consultation — walkthrough, design discussion, hardware recommendation. No commitment.
- ✓After-hours / phased install available for businesses that can't disrupt daytime operations.
- ✓Net-30 billing for property management portfolios and commercial contracts.
- ✓COI on signing — Certificate of Insurance with property manager listed as Additional Insured.