- 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 RESTRICTED KEYWAY MEANS
A Cylinder With a Keyway Profile Only We Control
A restricted keyway is a lock cylinder with a keyway profile that only one authorized dealer holds the cutting equipment to reproduce. Pros On Call is the authorized dealer for GMS MX and MX Alpha restricted keys across Texas. The blanks for these keys are not sold to hardware stores, not available at key kiosks, and not in any other locksmith's inventory. When someone tries to copy a GMS MX key at Home Depot or a competitor shop, the machine rejects the blank. There is nothing to copy it onto.
This is mechanical key control, not a warning. The restriction is built into the physical profile of the key and the cylinder it turns.
THE IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
"Do Not Duplicate" Stamps Are Not Restricted Keys
A key stamped "Do Not Duplicate" is a request, not a restriction. Any hardware store or kiosk can copy it. The stamp has no legal weight and no mechanical enforcement. Most stores will copy it without hesitation.
A restricted keyway is different. The blank does not exist outside the authorized dealer network. The restriction is physical, not advisory.
WHY IT MATTERS
Key Control That Actually Holds
Standard locks give you a physical barrier. Restricted keyway gives you a distribution barrier on top of that. The lock is harder to defeat because you control not just who has a key today, but who can ever get one.
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Tenant Turnover
Property managers cannot know how many copies a departing tenant made. With restricted keyway, unauthorized copies are impossible. Rekeying after each turnover is still good practice, but you are not starting from zero on key control.
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Master Key Integrity
Master key systems require trust that no unauthorized copies exist at any level of the hierarchy. Restricted keyway enforces that trust mechanically. A key that cannot be copied cannot dilute the master schedule.
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After Burglary
After a break-in, you do not know if keys were taken. With standard locks, you rekey and hope. With restricted keyway, any key taken during the burglary becomes worthless to anyone who tries to copy it. Rekeying still happens, but the exposure window is closed at both ends.
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Audit Trail
Every key issued is logged. When you need to know who has access to a particular door, we have the authorization records. That documentation matters in insurance claims, legal disputes, and compliance audits.
HOW THE RESTRICTED KEYWAY SYSTEM WORKS
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Site Survey
We assess each door: existing hardware, cylinder type, master key requirements, and number of authorized users. This determines the scope and the key hierarchy design.
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Install Restricted Cylinders
GMS MX cylinders replace your existing cylinders. The lock body and door hardware stay. We key all cylinders to the agreed master schedule and deliver keys with signed authorization cards.
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Issue Keys with Authorization Records
Every key issued is logged with the recipient's ID and signature. We hold the authorization records. You hold the keys. Future copies require the account holder's authorization and ID verification from us.
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Ongoing Key Control
When someone leaves, we do not issue copies to them. When you need copies, we verify authorization and cut them. The key profile never appears in any other shop's inventory.
KEY CONTROL COMPARISON
| System | Who Can Copy | Drill Resistance | Pick Resistance | Master Key Flexibility | After-Hours Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Cylinder | Any hardware store or kiosk | Low - standard pin tumbler | Low - basic 5-pin design | Good - standard hierarchies | Same day, any locksmith |
| High-Security Non-Restricted | Any locksmith with the blank | High - hardened steel inserts | High - sidebars and false gates | Good - restricted to brand-certified locksmiths | Next business day typically |
| Pros On Call Restricted Keyway | Only Pros On Call, with account holder authorization | High - GMS MX-grade hardened cylinder | High - restricted keyway + sidebar security | Full master key hierarchy available | Same day via our 24/7 service |
WHO USES RESTRICTED KEYWAY
Five Situations Where Key Control Is Not Optional
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Property Managers
Multi-unit residential and commercial buildings with regular tenant turnover. Restricted keyway closes the unauthorized-copy problem that standard rekeying cannot fully solve.
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Medical and Dental Offices
Drug storage rooms, records areas, and lab spaces with regulatory compliance requirements. Restricted keyway provides the audit trail that HIPAA-adjacent security reviews look for.
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Law Firms
Client file rooms, safe rooms, and partner areas where custody chain documentation matters. Knowing exactly who has access and when they got it is part of professional responsibility.
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Data Closets and Server Rooms
IT infrastructure areas with SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS physical access requirements. Restricted keyway plus an access log satisfies most physical security controls for these environments.
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High-End Residential
Vacation homes, secondary properties, and primary residences where the owner wants to know that contractors, housekeepers, or guests cannot make unauthorized key copies between visits.
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.
RESTRICTED KEYWAY QUESTIONS
What does a restricted keyway system cost?
Installation cost depends on the number of doors, whether you need a master key hierarchy, and the existing hardware on each door. A single-door installation with one master key and three copies typically runs $200 to $450 for parts and labor. A multi-door system with a tiered master key hierarchy for a property manager or medical office starts around $600 and scales with the number of cylinders and key levels. We provide a written quote after a site survey. There is no charge for the survey.
Who keeps the master key for the restricted keyway system?
You do. We hold the cutting profile and the authorization records. You hold the physical master key. If the master key is lost, we do not issue a duplicate to anyone without the authorization signature from the account holder on file. That separation is the point of the system: the cutting profile never leaves our hands, but the keys themselves belong to you.
Can I add restricted keyway to my existing locks without replacing everything?
In most cases, yes. The restricted keyway change is at the cylinder level. We remove the existing cylinder from each lock and install a GMS MX cylinder in its place. The lock body, door hardware, and frame all stay. For mortise locks, cylindrical deadbolts, and most commercial knob/lever sets, the cylinder swap is straightforward. We verify compatibility before quoting.
What if I lose all my keys?
Contact us. We verify your identity and authorization on file, then issue replacements. We do not issue keys based on a phone call alone -- physical ID verification and a matching signature on the authorization record are required. That process is slower than walking to a hardware store, but that friction is exactly what the system is designed to create. An unauthorized person who finds your lost key cannot use it to order copies.
Can I transfer the authorization to a new property manager?
Yes. Authorization transfers are handled in writing, with the current account holder signing off and the new account holder providing verifying ID. We update our records and issue new authorization cards to the new manager. All keys already in circulation remain valid -- the only thing that changes is who can authorize future copies.
Do you handle automotive restricted keyways?
Our restricted keyway program covers commercial and residential door hardware using GMS MX and MX Alpha blanks. Automotive restricted keyway systems are a different category -- controlled by the vehicle manufacturer and OEM dealers. We do handle automotive key replacement and programming for most makes and models, but that is a separate service from the door-hardware restricted keyway program.
HIGH-SECURITY KEYWAY SYSTEMS
High-security keyway systems we install and service
- 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) 601-6005Ready to Close the Unauthorized Key Problem?
Texas-licensed locksmiths, License #B19847. We survey your site, install the system, and manage your key authorization records. Call for a no-charge site assessment.
Call Now: (888) 601-6005Licensed & Insured · License #B19847 · Average 30-min arrival
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