Nearest Locksmith
MLA Master Locksmiths are Vetted Inspected Qualified
UK's Largest Trade Association For Locksmiths
Home > ADVICE AND TIPS (FAQS) > Keyed Alike Locks – A Simple Guide (Pros & Cons)
Are you thinking of having your locks keyed alike? We will cover the benefits of keying alike and what door locks can and cannot be keyed alike.
Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.
Want to know if keying alike is a good idea or not? Next up will cover the pros and cons.
The main advantages for having multiple door locks with one key (keying alike) are:
This is why most businesses, offices and residential homes will use Keyed alike locks as it means having one key for two locks, or even one key for five locks.
Some are concerned keying alike your door locks may reduce the security of your property but this is simply not the case.
The most popular request for locks to be keyed alike are euro lock cylinders commonly found on your front and back door in your home.
Locks that can be changed and keyed alike are:
One Key to fit all locks
If you don’t know what type of lock you have fitted see our door lock guide here which covers the pros and cons of each lock.
You are not able to key alike a Euro Cylinder lock with a lever operated (mortice) lock.
As long every lock in your home is the same type then yes. If your locks are different, they will have to be changed in order to use the same keys for all of them.
Padlocks can be keyed alike, in some instances padlocks can also be keyed alike to other locks so you could use your padlock key to open the front door lock.
Padlocks can be purchased Keyed Alike – Image by Mul-T-Lock
It depends on the type of padlocks you have. Some locks are designed to be keyed alike whilst other are not.
You can either:
Keyed Alike padlocks are usually bought together when you need them, so the price will be included in the cost of the locks.
The price of having existing padlocks keyed alike may be more expensive than just purchasing already keyed alike padlock.
We recommend speaking to an MLA locksmith in your area for exact pricing.
This is a very common question, the answer is euro lock cylinders ( euro cylinder/oval cylinder/rim cylinder ) can only be keyed alike if they are same brand and key profile.
If you have just moved in a new home, changing your locks to keyed alike could be a smart thing to do.
The best time to have your locks keyed alike could be as follows:
The cost all depends on the locks you have, if you cannot key alike your current locks then new locks may be required.
The best thing to do is to speak to your local MLA Licensed locksmith for them to check what can be done and what the price will be.
For Advice on Keying Alike
Contact MLA Approved Locksmith Near You
Are Locksmiths Open & Working During Coronavirus?
Should You Change Locks On New House After Moving? – Experts Tips For All Homeowners
uPVC Door Handles – What is the Best & Most Secure?
How Much are Locksmith Call Out Charges & Fees?
uPVC Door Security – 5 Quick Tips to Secure your uPVC Door
What are BS3621 Locks? + How to tell you have British Standard Locks
Locksmith Scams – How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith (6 Red Flags & Warning Signs)
Key Cabinet Guide – How to Choose the Right One
Keyed Alike Locks – A Simple Guide (Pros & Cons)
Are locksmiths licensed in the UK? – Regulations & trading as a locksmith
Key Cutting Guide – Questions and Answers
Are Locksmiths Police Approved or Registered?
Choosing a Locksmith: How to find a good locksmith (6 Tips)
Door Lock Types – A Simple Guide for your Home (with Pictures)
Key Cutting Price List for 2024 in UK + Estimated Times
Our Locksmiths are criminal record checked.How we check our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths are Regularly Inspected.How we inspect our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths have passed the MLA Qualification.Read about MLA Qualification
Use My current Location
Join the UK's largest locksmith association, all levels of membership available for those new to locksmithing to trading locksmiths.
Members login
MLA Member ID
Password