operating key disables master?

[jjd1911]

Hey Guys,
New here, I found the site through kokomolock's youtube channel. thanks kokomolock!
I have been interested in locks for many years now and have spent a far amount of time playing with them picking them rekeying them etc.

when I got my first apartment many years ago the builder had a master key and on the day of possession when i was given my new keys i was told that the first time i used my key it would disable use of the buildings master key. I gave that no thought until last night and for the life of me i cant figure out how that would work. I did google it but was unable to find anything related (my search string could have been way off)

if anyone can shed some light on this for me that would be great!

Thanks!

Jeff

[xeo]

This is done using stainless steel ball bearings that are inserted into the pinstack to produce the master key shearline. When the normal key is used (your key) the ball bearing drops into a slot in the plug and stays there forever or until the lock is disassembled.

[chris]

I believe they are called "PK Balls" for "Construction Keying". Good pics Xeo.

[Dopug]

Well you learn something everyday, thanks for an interesting question and answer

[jjd1911]

Thanks a lot! That makes sense now. Also thanks for the visual aid!
I think I will have to find a lock that has the ability to do this to play with. Any suggestions?

This is done using stainless steel ball bearings that are inserted into the pinstack to produce the master key shearline. When the normal key is used (your key) the ball bearing drops into a slot in the plug and stays there forever or until the lock is disassembled.

[mister sour]

Great pic Xeo. I have a couple of kik locks with the same craters in the plug. I always wondered what they were about.

[the lockpickkid]

I have rekeyed a number of locks in a subdivision in Idaho. They all had Pk balls in them. These ones were not stainless steal, or didn't look shiny, they were a dull color. All were Kwikset knockoffs, Defiant brand I believe. When you take the plug out they fall out on your pinning mat. Kinda cool.

[james504]

great pics XEO and welcome jjd1911

[nhoj_yelbom]

thats bad ass