- Texas License #B19847
- Family Owned Since 2010
- Texas Markets 36
- Response · Central TX approx 14 min
- Dispatch 24 / 7
- Google Rating 4.9 / 5
WHAT WE DESIGN AND INSTALL
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Multi-Tier Hierarchies
Single-level master, sub-master, grand master, and great-grand master configurations matched to your org structure.
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Key Control Documentation
Written key schedule, issuance logs, restricted keyway purchase records, and lost-key response procedures.
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System Expansion
New doors added to the existing hierarchy without rekeying the facility, when the system was designed with reserved combinations.
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Restricted Keyways
Medeco, ASSA ABLOY, and Schlage Everest systems. Key blanks controlled at the distributor level, not available at hardware stores.
HOW MASTER KEY SYSTEM DESIGN WORKS
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Facility Walkthrough
We map every door, zone, and access level in your building. Who needs access to what, and who should never access certain areas, determines the tier count before any hardware decision is made.
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Key Schedule Created
We produce a written key schedule: every lock in the system, which key combinations open it, and the full master key hierarchy. This document is the blueprint for pinning and the foundation of your key control program.
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Pin Configuration Designed
Master pins are sized to create secondary shear lines in each chamber. We select pin combinations that satisfy the hierarchy requirements while minimizing key crossings and preserving pick resistance.
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Hardware Installed and Keyed
Cylinders are pinned to the key schedule, installed or rekeyed in place, and tested at every level of the hierarchy before we leave. Change keys, sub-masters, and master keys are all verified on site.
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Key Issuance and Handoff
All keys are cut, serialized, and logged in the issuance record. You receive the complete key schedule, key control procedures, and expansion instructions for adding doors later.
THE MECHANICS BEHIND THE HIERARCHY
Master Pins, Build-Up, and the Second Shear Line
Every pin tumbler lock has a row of pin chambers. Each chamber holds two pins: a key pin at the bottom and a driver pin above it, pushed down by a spring. When the correct key is inserted, it lifts each stack so the gap between the key pin and driver pin lands exactly at the shear line, allowing the cylinder to rotate. Standard locks have one shear line. That is all a change key needs.
A master key system adds a third piece to one or more chambers: a master pin, also called a build-up pin. The master pin is a short wafer inserted between the key pin and the driver pin. Now each chamber has two gaps that can align with the shear line: one at the top of the key pin (for the change key) and one at the top of the master pin (for the master key). Insert the change key and the key-pin gap aligns. Insert the master key and the master-pin gap aligns. Either way, the cylinder rotates.
Sub-master and grand master tiers each add another build-up pin per chamber, creating a third or fourth shear line. The more tiers you add, the more picking surfaces exist in each chamber. A reputable system designer balances hierarchy depth against this risk by choosing quality restricted-keyway cylinders - Schlage Commercial Everest, Sargent Signature, or our proprietary GMS MX keyway - and limiting tiers to what the facility actually needs. Austin office buildings typically use three tiers: change key, department sub-master, and building master. A campus with multiple buildings may add a fourth.
- Master pins create secondary shear lines without altering the lock housing
- Change keys open one lock only; master keys open all locks at their tier level
- Key crossings occur when pin math is wrong; proper key schedule design prevents them
- Restricted keyways limit blank availability, which tightens key control at every tier
5
Maximum practical hierarchy tiers for most commercial facilities
36
Texas markets served, from Austin to San Marcos to Georgetown
Since 2010
Texas-licensed family commercial locksmith
Texas DPS License #B19847 · Bonded · Insured
SINGLE-LEVEL MASTER, GRAND MASTER, OR GREAT-GRAND MASTER?
| Factor | Single-Level Master | Grand Master (3 Tiers) | Great-Grand Master (4+ Tiers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key levels | Change key + master | Change key, sub-master, master | Change key, sub-master, master, grand master |
| Typical key count | 2-3 per door | 3-4 per door | 4-5 per door |
| Typical door count | 5-25 doors | 25-150 doors | 150+ doors or multi-building |
| Security level | Good | Good with quality cylinders | Requires restricted keyways |
| Audit trail capability | Basic issuance log | Zone-level issuance log | Full zone and building log |
| Typical cost range | $800 to $2,500 | $2,500 to $8,000 | $8,000 and up |
Customers, on the work
Texas reviews.
Five-star work, in the customers' own words. No edits, no filters.
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I had “Pros On Call” change the locks on my home that I recently purchased. It was easy to get a hold of them, they made an appointment quickly and did a great job for a fair price. I had them come out about two weeks later and put a deadbolt lock on my front door as well and again - easy to get a hold of, they had to order an aged bronze deadbolt lock 🔐 but once it arrived they came out quickly, did a great job, were neat and it was a fair price. I highly recommend “Pros On Call” for all of your Locksmith needs! 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ for sure!!
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This guy come and help me at the last moment and be very professional and fair price
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Josh was amazing! I called him when I was locked out of my car, and he arrived within 20 minutes. He was professional, fast, and had my car unlocked in no time. The whole process was stress free, and his pricing was fair. I really appreciate how quickly he came to help. Highly recommend Josh if you ever need a reliable locksmith!
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Josh was awesome, he came to the rescue and I didn’t have to wait longer than 30 minutes in total. He also was incredibly kind and understanding of my situation. Dropped off my kids, and somehow my key fab went missing! Also gave me a discount!!
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It sucks they charge an inconvenience fee of 49.00. Which I wish you would have mentioned this on our intial call. Transparency would have been to say hey we charge an inconvenience fee. Never once was this mentioned. When we spoke with the representative all she said was the locksmith will call you with a price. Never once did she say we take your payment info so we can charge you an inconvenience fee. If that was mentioned then this would have been handled differently. She made it seem like we need a card on file to help. Then they attempted to debit my card twice for two separate transactions for 49.00. I understand you run a business. But transparency is key. I specifically asked her what I would be charged for never once did she mention this. Lesson learned. Update***she reached out in regards to my Google review. Although I attempted to resolve per phone call. Shameless.
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Great service Ermi took less than 2 minutes. Thank you so much!
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Excellent service and high quality items! Roland was able to get me this key fob AND program it for a great price. Rechargeable fob is a lot more convenient than having to replace the battery every time it dies. Thank you !
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I have been a customer of pros on call for like over 2 years about and have had to call on them about 6 times. I had used several other locksmith in the prior 15 years but once Roland , one of many these pros came over I never use sny other locksmith service. I am very happy with this company I usually asks for Roland because I know him best and I have developed a kinda professional friendship with him but you can't lose no matter who it is that helps you. All top notch pros. I have called days and night. I am elderley snd lost my keys and I had some stolen. I would tell anyone that ask to call this company. You won't find any better. Here are a few keys Roland msde for me. I have 3 cars an a home. I have to locate my home keys do I didn't have the opputunity to take a picture of them but these here are greal examples.
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Super great experience! Roland was very fast at getting to where I was. Overall he did an amazing job! Plus super affordable prices, you can't beat that! 10/10
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Locksmith Roland provided exceptional service at a affordable price point, and I highly recommend both the individual and the company. 💯
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I had Zach come out to the property that I purchased out in Luling, Texas. It’s about 10 acres, and it has a garage with a corroded lock. Out of all the companies I have called, which is roughly 5 to 6. He was able to take my call, head out the next day, and take care of the corroded lock I need fixed on my property. He was extremely professional and helped me by giving me instructions on how to operate the lock as well! I’m in the military and not able to be in the area, so he was very understanding and professional. Highly recommend!
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Josh was amazing!!! Got us back up and running with two new key fobs in less than 30 mins. He definitely knows his business and has the experience. Got a great deal and I will definitely be calling him the next time we are in need of assistance again. Thank you, Josh!
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Josh was a really good technician fast and prompt.... If this ever happens again (hopefully it doesn't )I'll be calling him.
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Zach got to me asap and even called to make sure we were communicating the right location of my truck! Within 10 minutes it was open and running! He’s the man! Thank you so much for the quick turnaround!
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Their response time was great. Orlando did a great job. No replacement parts were needed and repairs took an hour. I was badly disappointed at the high bill, even with a military discount. Maybe that is why I couldn’t get an approximate estimate before Orlando came. Bottom line : good work, too expensive
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Very helpful and super friendly. They were able to unlock my door in minutes at an affordable price! Even offered spare key services!
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Miguel was very professional and efficient in his work he was very easy to work with and quick in doing his job
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The locksmith was quick and very efficient, got me back on the road on no time!
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He was very fast, was able to make me a key and a spare when I was stranded
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Pricing for this service is custom-quoted
Specialty work like this depends on parts, building type, and scope. Call for a precise price or send the details and we will quote within the hour.
Licensed #B19847. Free phone quotes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a change key and a master key?
A change key opens one specific lock in the system and nothing else. A master key opens every lock within its designated level of the hierarchy. The distinction comes down to how the internal pin chambers are configured: a change key lifts each pin stack to the shear line using the standard key pins only. A master key uses an additional set of master pins, which are shorter wafer-shaped pins inserted between the key pin and the driver pin, creating a second shear line in each chamber. When the master key is inserted, it lifts each stack to this secondary shear line, allowing the cylinder to rotate even though the pin heights do not match the change key.
Does adding a master key make a lock easier to pick?
Yes, marginally. Each master pin inserted into a chamber adds a second shear line. More shear lines mean more stopping points during a picking attack, which modestly reduces pick resistance compared to a standard single-function lock. The practical exposure is low in commercial settings using quality cylinders from Medeco, ASSA ABLOY, or Schlage. Restricted keyway systems narrow this gap further by limiting who can possess the key blanks needed for impressioning attacks. We discuss this trade-off during system design and recommend the appropriate security grade for your facility's risk profile.
How many hierarchy levels can a master key system have?
Practically three to four for most commercial facilities: change keys, sub-master keys, master keys, and a grand master. Large campuses sometimes add a great-grand master as a fifth tier. Each additional tier multiplies the number of master pins required per cylinder, which compounds the security trade-off noted above. We recommend using the fewest tiers that meet your actual access-control workflow. Over-engineering the hierarchy is a common mistake that increases cost and reduces security without operational benefit.
What happens when an employee loses a master key?
A lost master key is a security incident, not just a lost key situation. The correct response depends on the key's tier. A lost change key requires only that lock to be rekeyed. A lost sub-master key requires every lock within that zone to be rekeyed. A lost building master key may require a full system rekey. We build lost-key response procedures into the key control documentation we provide with every system. Restricted keyway systems reduce the risk that a copied key will surface, since blanks are controlled and not available at hardware stores.
Can you expand an existing master key system without rekeying the entire facility?
Yes, if the system was designed with expansion in mind from the start. A properly documented key schedule reserves pin combinations for future locks. Adding a new door means ordering a cylinder pinned to the reserved change-key combination. If the original system was installed without a documented key schedule, we assess whether enough pin combinations remain in the keyway to support expansion without creating key crossings, which occur when one key accidentally operates a lock it should not.
What is a restricted keyway and why does it matter for key control?
A restricted keyway uses a patented key blank profile that hardware stores and standard key-cutting machines cannot duplicate. Only authorized dealers with documented purchase records can cut keys on that blank. This creates an enforceable chain of custody: every key cut is logged, and unauthorized copies cannot be made at a big-box store. For facilities with high employee turnover or contractor access, restricted keyways are the foundation of a defensible key control program. We work with Medeco, ASSA ABLOY Cliq, and Schlage Everest restricted systems.
How much does a commercial master key system cost?
System cost depends on three factors: number of doors, number of hierarchy tiers, and hardware grade. A two-level master system covering 10 to 25 doors typically runs $800 to $2,500, including design, cylinders, and keys. A three-level sub-master system for a 25-to-100-door property runs $2,500 to $8,000. Grand master configurations for 100-plus doors start at $8,000 and scale with scope. Restricted keyway upgrades add $20 to $45 per cylinder. We provide a written system design proposal and itemized quote after a facility walkthrough. No work begins without your approval.
Do you serve commercial properties in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and other Austin suburbs?
Yes. We design and install commercial master key systems at office buildings, apartment complexes, schools, and healthcare facilities across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and 36 Texas markets. Initial consultation for large system designs is typically scheduled rather than dispatched on-call. Call us to discuss your facility and we confirm timing and coverage.
Need keys that cannot be copied without your authorization? Pros On Call installs a proprietary restricted keyway system using GMS MX blanks available only through us. Learn about Restricted Keyway
HIGH-SECURITY KEYWAY SYSTEMS
High-security keyway systems we work with
- We install + service Medeco
- Authorized GMS MX installer
- We install + service Mul-T-Lock
All brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners. Pros On Call is an independent locksmith and security service provider. Brand references indicate products we install and service and do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or authorized dealer status unless explicitly stated.
Request commercial locksmith service
Master key systems, panic hardware, electric strikes, high-security locks, and rekeys. We scope it and follow up.
(888) 601-6005Need a Master Key System for Your Austin Property?
Texas-licensed commercial locksmith, License #B19847. System design, installation, key control documentation, and expansion planning. Call to schedule your facility walkthrough.
Call Now: (888) 601-6005Licensed & Insured · License #B19847 · Average 30-min arrival
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