Locker Master Keys & Override Keys | Total Locker Service

Master keys are an important part of many commercial locker installations, but the term locker master key covers a much wider range of products than many people realise.

At Total Locker Service, we supply conventional locker master keys, replacement keys for mastered locker systems, mechanical combination lock override keys, coin-lock master keys, electronic lock override keys and management access solutions for digital and RFID locker locks.

The correct key or management credential depends on the locker manufacturer, lock manufacturer, lock model and the type of locking system fitted.

This is important because a normal replacement locker key and a master key are not equivalent security products. A normal replacement key may open one locker. A master or override key may provide authorised access to dozens or hundreds of lockers.

For this reason, Total Locker Service does not make security-sensitive master and override keys available as unrestricted online purchases. Certain master and override keys can be supplied to approved organisations and facility managers once the relevant lock and installation have been identified.

Need a locker master key or override key?

If you need a master key, override key or cannot identify the existing locker lock, start with our locker lock, key and replacement part identification form.

The form is designed to help us establish exactly what is fitted before recommending a replacement key, lock or management-access product.

• Tell us the locker manufacturer if known.
• Tell us the lock manufacturer and model if visible.
• Provide any key number, lock number or other markings.
• Tell us whether the lock is keyed, mechanical combination, coin-operated, digital or RFID.
• Upload photographs of the lock face, existing key and locker.
• Where safely accessible, include a photograph of the rear lock mechanism and cam.
• Give details of the organisation and where the lockers are installed.

The form does not automatically place an order. It gives us the information needed to identify the correct product and, where appropriate, establish the correct route for supplying a security-sensitive master or override key.

What is a locker master key?

A conventional locker master-key system provides two levels of access.

The first is the individual user key. Each locker can have its own key, allowing the person allocated that locker to open their compartment without being able to open neighbouring lockers.

The second is the master key. This is an authorised management key designed to operate a compatible group of locks within a particular master-key suite.

For example, locker 101 can have one key, locker 102 a different key and locker 103 another. The individual users cannot normally open each other’s lockers, but an authorised master key can operate all three locks if they form part of the same compatible master suite.

This type of arrangement remains popular in schools, workplaces, industrial premises, hospitals and staff changing rooms because it combines individual user access with controlled management access.

For a more detailed explanation of how master-key systems work in larger installations, see our guide to locker master-key systems, override keys and controlled access.

What master keys does Total Locker Service sell?

The Total Locker Service range includes several different types of master and management access.

• Master keys for compatible conventional locker cam locks.
• Replacement user keys for master-keyed locker installations.
• Master and override keys for mechanical combination locks.
• Management keys for compatible Probe combination locks.
• Master keys for coin-operated locker locks.
• Master and service keys for selected Ojmar systems.
• Master-key support for compatible ASSA locker locks.
• Steel override keys for selected electronic combination locks.
• Master codes and technician access for digital locker locks.
• RFID master cards and management credentials for compatible electronic systems.
• Replacement locks where an existing master-key system is obsolete or cannot be supported.

You can compare our main lock types through the Total Locker Service locker locks range.

Master keys for standard locker cam locks

Traditional key-operated cam locks remain one of the most common forms of locker locking system in the UK.

They are straightforward, economical and familiar to users. A key turns the cylinder, which moves a cam behind the locker door and releases the door from the frame.

Where a locker installation is designed as a master-keyed system, each locker can retain its own individual key while authorised staff hold a master key capable of opening the compatible locks in that suite.

Total Locker Service supplies replacement keyed cam locks and supports master-key configurations across compatible locker ranges.

Our Probe replacement cam locks, for example, can be used to replace damaged or missing Probe locker locks, with master-key requirements taken into account where the existing installation is compatible.

Master access can also be considered when specifying new lockers, rather than being added only after a key-management problem develops.

Keyed to differ, keyed alike and master keyed

These three terms describe different arrangements and should not be confused.

Keyed to differ means each locker has its own individual key.

Keyed alike means several locks are intentionally operated by the same everyday key.

Master keyed normally means individual lockers retain their separate user keys while a higher-level master key can operate the compatible locks within the master suite.

Our guide to locker locking systems, keys, combinations and smart access explains the wider choice of locker lock types available.

Why use a master key on an ordinary locker?

The main reason is operational control.

Consider a secondary school with 600 lockers.

During the life of the installation, keys will be lost. Pupils will leave belongings in lockers. Keys will fail to be returned at the end of term. Lockers may need to be inspected, maintained or reallocated.

Without a master key, each incident may require the spare key to be found, a replacement key to be ordered, the lock to be changed or, in some circumstances, the old lock to be drilled out.

A properly controlled master key gives authorised staff another option.

The same issue occurs in workplaces. Employees leave, departments change, locker allocations move and keys disappear. A master-key system can make those changes substantially easier to manage.

Replacement keys for master-keyed locker systems

Being part of a master-keyed installation does not mean every lost key requires a new master key.

Each locker may still have an individual user key, and many of these can be replaced from the key number or lock code.

Total Locker Service supplies replacement locker keys cut to code for many commonly installed locker and lock manufacturers.

These include keys for a range of systems from manufacturers such as Probe, Helmsman, Lowe & Fletcher, Ojmar, ASSA, Pure, Link, Garran and QMP.

This produces a useful distinction:

• If the user has lost the key to one locker, this is normally a replacement user-key enquiry.
• If somebody requires a key capable of opening multiple lockers, this is normally a master-key enquiry.
• If the normal lock is operated by a code or electronic credential and management needs another way to open it, this is normally an override or management-access enquiry.

The three should not automatically be treated in the same way.

Master and override keys for mechanical combination locker locks

Mechanical combination locks remove the need to issue an everyday key to each locker user.

The user normally enters a three-digit or four-digit combination to open the locker.

There is no battery and there may be no electronic component at all.

However, moving to a combination lock does not remove the need for management access.

Eventually somebody will forget their combination. A locker will be left locked after a user leaves. Facilities staff may need emergency access or may need to recover or reset a code.

This is why many mechanical combination locker locks incorporate a master-key or override system.

Total Locker Service supplies a selection of mechanical combination locker locks with different management-access arrangements.

N4DCL mechanical combination lock master key

The N4DCL four-digit mechanical combination lock is a good example.

The everyday user opens the locker using a four-digit combination. No operating key is required for normal use.

An authorised master key can nevertheless be used to open the lock when management access is required.

An important advantage of this type of arrangement is that management access does not necessarily require the user’s existing combination to be changed.

This can be useful when authorised staff need temporary access to a locker but there is no reason to alter the user’s normal code.

KitLock KL10 master key and code retrieval

The KitLock KL10 is another mechanical combination system where management access is retained despite the absence of an everyday user key.

Where a user forgets the four-digit combination, an authorised master key can provide a route to emergency access and code retrieval.

This type of lock demonstrates why describing combination locks simply as “keyless” can be misleading.

They may be keyless for the ordinary user, but a physical management key can remain an important part of the system.

Probe mechanical combination override keys

Probe lockers are widely installed across schools, offices, factories, warehouses and commercial changing facilities.

Selected Probe mechanical combination locks use a four-digit code for normal operation while retaining a separate management override facility.

This arrangement gives users the convenience of a combination rather than an individual key while still allowing authorised personnel to deal with forgotten codes, abandoned lockers or other legitimate access requirements.

Again, the master or override key is a management credential and should be controlled accordingly.

Master keys for coin-operated locker locks

Coin-operated locker locks are particularly common in leisure facilities.

• Swimming pools
• Leisure centres
• Gyms
• Sports centres
• Spas
• Visitor changing areas
• Public changing facilities

From the customer’s perspective the system is simple. A coin or token is inserted and the locker is used temporarily.

From the facility manager’s perspective, however, authorised access is still essential.

A customer can lose a key, leave a locker occupied after closing or fail to release the mechanism correctly.

Total Locker Service supplies a range of replacement coin-operated locker locks, including compatible systems with master-key facilities.

1600-series coin-lock master key

The 1600-series retrofit coin-operated locker lock provides a useful example.

It is designed to replace many existing coin locks and includes emergency opening by master key.

This provides normal self-service access for users while retaining an authorised management-access method for the operator.

Ojmar locker master keys

Ojmar locks are extensively used in leisure and changing-room environments.

Depending on the exact system fitted, compatible Ojmar installations may use individual operating keys, master keys and service or cylinder-removal keys.

These different keys perform different jobs.

A user key is intended to operate one lock.

A master key provides wider management access across a compatible suite.

A cylinder-removal or service key may instead be intended for maintaining or replacing the lock cylinder.

They should not be assumed to be interchangeable simply because they relate to the same manufacturer’s locker locks.

ASSA locker master keys

Total Locker Service also supports compatible ASSA locker-lock installations, including selected coin-operated locker systems with management master-key facilities.

Older locker installations require particular care because product ranges and key systems can change over time.

If the exact ASSA, Ojmar or other coin-lock system cannot be identified, use our locker lock and key identification form rather than ordering by appearance alone.

Override keys for electronic combination locker locks

Electronic locker locks change the user experience again.

Instead of inserting a conventional key, the user normally enters a PIN on a keypad or presents another electronic credential.

Depending on the system, the locker may operate in private mode, where the same person uses the locker repeatedly, or public mode, where different users select a temporary locker and code.

Electronic operation solves many key-management problems, but it introduces other management requirements.

• Users forget PIN numbers.
• Batteries become depleted.
• Staff leave without clearing lockers.
• Electronic components can fail.
• Lockers may need to be reassigned.
• Facilities staff still require controlled emergency access.

Different manufacturers provide that access in different ways.

Depending on the model, the management system may use a physical steel override key, master code, sub-master code, technician code, programming credential, external battery tool or RFID management card.

This is why there is no universal “electronic locker override key”.

Our article on electronic locker override keys explains this subject in more detail.

You can also compare available products through our electronic combination locker locks section.

Lowe & Fletcher electronic locker override keys

The Lowe & Fletcher 3780 and 3781 electronic combination locks provide a good example of a digital locking system that retains a physical management override.

The Lowe & Fletcher 3780 and 3781 electronic combination locks use electronic codes for normal operation while also providing a steel override-key facility.

The system offers several management levels, which can include:

• user code;
• sub-master code;
• master code;
• technician functions;
• and physical override access.

The 3780 is intended principally for dry-area applications, while the 3781 provides a wet-area option.

This type of design demonstrates that electronic access and physical override do not have to be alternatives.

A locker can use electronic access for normal operation while retaining a controlled mechanical route for authorised management access.

Sometimes the master key is actually a master code

Not every electronic locker lock uses a physical master key.

Products such as the KitLock KL1000 electronic combination lock use electronic management functions rather than relying exclusively on a conventional metal master key.

This creates an important identification issue.

A customer may contact us asking for an “override key”, when the correct product or solution is actually:

• a master code;
• a technician code;
• a physical override key;
• a battery-override tool;
• a programming credential;
• or an RFID management card.

The correct answer depends on the exact lock model.

This is another reason we encourage customers to identify the lock before attempting to order management-access components.

RFID locker master cards and management access

RFID locker systems move still further away from the traditional idea of a key.

The user’s credential may be:

• an RFID card;
• an RFID key fob;
• a wristband;
• a tag;
• or another compatible RFID credential.

Management access can then be provided through a master card, technician card, programmed credential or other manufacturer-specific management method.

Some electronic systems additionally retain a physical override key.

The management credential therefore performs much the same organisational role as a conventional master key even though it may not look like a key.

You can view compatible products through our RFID locker lock range.

Locker key fobs and key identification

A good locker-key system is not only about the lock and key. Identification also matters.

Total Locker Service manufactures engraved locker key fobs which can be supplied with numbers and split rings for conventional locker keys.

A clearly numbered key fob can make a significant difference when dozens or hundreds of keys have to be issued, returned or audited.

Instead of inspecting small numbers stamped into individual metal keys, staff can identify the relevant locker immediately from a larger engraved number.

Different colours can also be used to distinguish buildings, departments, changing rooms, floors or locker banks.

Our guide to locker number plates and key fobs explains how these simple identification products can improve locker administration.

Should a master key have an obvious key fob?

Master keys require slightly different thinking.

A user key may benefit from a large fob clearly displaying the locker number.

A master key should still be identifiable to authorised staff, but putting a large label on it saying MASTER KEY – OPENS ALL LOCKERS can create an unnecessary security risk if the key is misplaced.

An internal reference code linked to a controlled key register may be more appropriate.

This allows facilities staff to identify the key without unnecessarily advertising its capabilities to somebody who finds it.

Why we do not sell restricted master keys directly from the website

Total Locker Service sells many ordinary replacement locker keys directly online.

If a customer has the correct individual key number and simply needs another key for their locker, the process can often be straightforward.

Master keys and security-sensitive override keys are different.

We deliberately do not make certain master and override keys available as unrestricted general-user website purchases because of the access those keys can provide.

Consider a key capable of opening an entire school changing-room locker installation.

Or an override key for a bank of employee lockers.

Or a coin-lock master key for a leisure centre.

Or the physical override key for electronic locks installed throughout a workplace.

These are not simply ordinary replacement parts.

They provide a higher level of access than the normal user credential.

Making every master-key reference available through an anonymous online checkout might make purchasing easier, but it would undermine the security principle behind controlling master access.

Our approach is therefore to identify the lock and installation first and, where necessary, establish that the request is coming from an appropriate organisation or facilities contact.

If you need this type of key, use the Total Locker Service locker lock and key identification form.

This additional step is intentional. It is part of treating a master key as a security credential rather than as an unrestricted spare part.

What information should you send when requesting a master key?

The more accurately the existing system can be identified, the easier it is to determine the correct master or override product.

• Locker manufacturer
• Lock manufacturer
• Exact lock model if known
• Key number or code
• Numbers stamped on existing keys
• Photograph of the lock face
• Photograph of an existing user key
• Photograph of the rear mechanism where safely accessible
• Approximate age of the installation
• Number of lockers
• Whether the lockers are keyed, mechanical combination, coin-operated, electronic or RFID
• Whether an existing master key is still available
• The organisation or facility where the lockers are installed

Do not dismantle a locker simply to obtain photographs if the mechanism cannot be safely accessed.

Clear photographs of the front of the lock, key and any visible markings are often enough to start identification.

Managing locker master keys securely

Once a master key has been supplied, its security depends heavily on how the organisation manages it.

A sensible master-key procedure should identify:

• who is authorised to hold the key;
• where it is stored;
• what locker banks or suites it operates;
• when it has been issued;
• when it has been returned;
• whether duplicate master keys exist;
• and what should happen if one is lost.

Our detailed guide to locker key management systems covers issuing, tracking and auditing keys in more detail.

A master key kept securely and issued only when needed is a useful management tool.

A master key left in an unlocked drawer, passed between members of staff without a record or duplicated unnecessarily becomes a weakness in the system.

What should you do if a locker master key is lost?

A lost master key should be treated differently from a lost individual locker key.

The first question should be:

Which locks could the missing master key open?

The answer determines the potential exposure.

A master key covering ten lockers in one controlled room presents a different situation from a site master capable of opening hundreds of lockers.

The site should consider:

• where the key was lost;
• whether it identifies the organisation;
• how many lockers it operates;
• what is normally stored in those lockers;
• whether unauthorised copying is plausible;
• and whether affected locks can be reconfigured or need replacement.

This is one reason maintaining a proper master-key register is worthwhile.

If nobody knows which locks a lost master key operates, the uncertainty itself becomes part of the security problem.

Specify master-key access when buying new lockers

Master-key requirements are normally easier to accommodate when they are considered before the lockers are ordered.

If you are purchasing a new locker installation from Total Locker Service, tell us whether management override access is required.

The lock can then be selected alongside the way the lockers will actually be used.

• Are lockers permanently allocated?
• Will different users use the same locker each day?
• Do you want to issue physical keys?
• Would mechanical combinations reduce administration?
• Is the installation in a wet or dry environment?
• Is coin operation required?
• Would digital or RFID access be more appropriate?
• Who needs management access?

You can view our principal commercial locker ranges through Total Locker Service lockers.

Which locker locking system is best?

There is no single lock type that is best for every locker installation.

A conventional keyed cam lock with master access remains an excellent choice for permanently assigned school or workplace lockers.

It is straightforward, economical, does not require batteries and replacement user keys can often be cut from the existing key code.

A mechanical combination lock may be better where issuing and recovering large quantities of individual keys creates excessive administration.

A coin lock may suit a leisure facility where lockers are used temporarily by different customers.

Electronic keypad and RFID systems may suit environments where changing users, flexible locker allocation or different management-access levels are required.

The correct decision should be based on how the lockers will actually operate rather than choosing the product with the greatest number of features.

A master key is not just another spare key

A locker master key may be physically small and relatively inexpensive compared with the lockers it controls, but its importance should not be measured by the cost of the piece of metal.

A master key represents authority within the locker system.

So does a mechanical override key.

So does an electronic master code.

So does an RFID management credential.

Each provides a capability that the ordinary locker user does not have.

That is why Total Locker Service supports a broad range of master and override systems but does not treat security-sensitive management keys as unrestricted website purchases.

If you simply need another ordinary locker key and know the correct key number, visit our replacement locker keys page.

If you need a master key, mechanical override key, electronic override key or cannot identify what is fitted, use our locker lock, key and replacement part identification form.

For our complete range of lockers, locks, keys, replacement parts and locker accessories, visit Total Locker Service.

For further practical guides covering locker locks, replacement keys, access control, maintenance, specification and locker management, visit the Total Locker Service Blog.

Master keys make locker installations easier to manage. Controlling who can obtain and use those master keys is part of keeping the locker system secure.