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Master Keying

I am beginning to look into learning Master Keying. The Foley Belsaw course was very thin in this particular area, and I have yet to get a client that needs it. So what I am doing this coming year is to pick a few skills that I don't feel 100% comfortable with, and doing the research on it. I have gotten the following recommendations as for books to begin with:

"Master Keying By the Numbers" by Billy Edwards "Manual Of Master Keying - Book 1" by Gerry Finch "Manual Of Master Keying - Book 2" by Gerry Finch

Is there something a little more basic that I should start with? What would be a good order to use these books? Do I need them all or will they overlap? Anyone else have more/other/better suggestions on learning to do MK systems?

I understand there are programs for creating systems, but I don't look at having a tool that does it for me is as important as having the skills and knowledge/understanding of how/why the whole thing works. Especially since I don't currently have a MK client need, I can take the time and just learn how to do it.

-- A

Reply to
Absinthe
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read the books, learn the good and bad points of a MK system, and what IS involved... the software is REALLY useful, on a bigger system...but if you are doing 5 locks, and 1 MK, then thats a 'hand and pencil job'

--Shiva--

Reply to
--Shiva--

Bradley , If you read and understand "Master Keying By the Numbers" by Billy Edwards ( a regular here) you will know more about MK than 90% of all locksmiths Great book covers almost everything.. You can also question him on any fine points you may have. There is a good primer in American School of locksmithing course ( ? I think, I know it is not the FB book) which will give you the basics.

The best info I have ever gotten on MK was from a Medeco Certification Class, The instructor ( I can't remember his name) took a complex subject and made it simple to understand.

I can't speak for the other books ,although G. Finch is well respected,

Don

Reply to
no spam

Absinthe, After you learn masterkeying and feel comfortable doing it, consider a computer program to do it for you. Everyone should know how to do it without the use of a program, because should the computer crash, you won't be out in the cold.

Please visit

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and read about Ultimate Master 2000. You can download the demo software, play with the program, see what the reports look like. It might even help you to understand masterkeying a little better.

Harvey

Reply to
Harvey Arkawy

Hi Bradly,

From what I've seen, the BBE books are basic enough for a person with your skills.

You've the right idea about the software. It's a good tool if you are doing a big job but first you need to understand it so you can trouble shoot or expand MK systems that you may inherit. I seem to recall that there are two major progression schemes used to create MK systems, but I don't remember their names.

Simple MK systems are really not rocket science IF you have no need to expand it AND no need to fit into an existing scheme. A mom and pop grocery store using a handfull of Yale locks (not IC) can be pinned up off the top of your head if there is only one master and no sub-masters to worry about.

You have a great resource in the regulars on this newsgroup too.

Daniel

Reply to
dbs__usenet

Depending are where you are, there are classes available. I've taught classes in the San Francisco CA area.

Jerry

Reply to
Jerry

There are classes available. I've taught MasterKeying in the San Francisco CA area.

Jerry

Reply to
Jerry
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Standard, page type masterkeying and Rotating Constant (also known as Hold and Vary)

Harvey

Reply to
Harvey Arkawy

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