Whatever the case, you can either remove this column or choose to ignore it. You may not use a Register # at your shop or you may call it something else. The “Register #” column is for the reference number that you typically assign to an entire master key system. You could also list angles, such as for Medeco, or even polarity, such as for MIWA. Even-odd parity isn’t the only parity pattern to you though. This means to fully generate a parity pattern for a key section using even-odd parity you need only 2 to 4 pages, depending on the blank type. Assuming even-odd parity only, a 5 pin blank has 32 possible parity patterns (2^5), a 6 pin blank has 64 (2^6). There are 16 rows available for master key system entries. This column is for the TMK bittings only. If they wish to sort by manufacturer and key section, they can ignore the first two columns. If a locksmith wants the all of their systems on a single page, they can ignore the top labels. Once you go beyond that, however, it could become difficult to navigate or keep in order, especially if you’re handwriting the entries.īy giving a locksmith the option of listing, and thereby sorting, a TMK Register by a particular manufacturer and key section, the locksmith can choose how he/she wishes to organize their systems. If you only have a handful of systems, one list may be all you need. Why the redundancy? The TMK Register example in Fundamentals of Master Keying groups all master key systems together in one list. These labels are also present in the first two columns. The following columns are available for master key system information within this TMK Register:Īt the top of the TMK Register, there are labels for Manufacturer and Key Section. This TMK Register is available in Excel and PDF formats and is now available in our Pinning and Decoding Worksheets page under the newly constructed “Master Keying” tab. Jerome’s example of a TMK Register is a good one and serves as the foundation of one I built. Constructing and Using A “New” TMK Register This legend helps provide special information as it relates to individual master key systems. This legend contains information unique to each system listed, such as use neuter bows, use original blanks only, or special authorization requirements. Jerome also included a “Legend” at the bottom of his example. It includes columns for the following information: Jerome gives an example of a TMK Register in Fundamentals of Master Keying.

By doing this, the locksmith can rest assured that incidental master keys won’t exist between their systems. Locksmiths query the TMK Register when building future master key systems to make sure they aren’t replicating a bitting/parity pattern across a particular key section. It also tracks proprietary information such as file and register/registry numbers. A TMK Register tracks information such as key sections and parity patterns used across the master key systems a locksmith services. How do you eliminate the possibility? Jerome’s solution was a ‘TMK Register’. No matter how remote the possibility may be, why not take the necessary steps to eliminate it out right? Remember, it’s not likelihood, it’s liability that matters. In other words, a change key for Acme Warehouse might operate a door or multiple doors at Widget Industries down the street if the locksmith building both master key systems weren’t careful. a key cut to an unplanned shear line created when the cylinder is combinated to the top master key and a change key the collective description of the parities of a group of bitting positions in a two step progression, typically expressed in an even/odd sequence, e.g. If that were the case, or even if the keys parity patterns were the same, incidental master keys could be present between your systems. It’s not so much that you may actually re-use a TMK bitting, although that certainly is a possibility, but that a lower level key’s bitting might mirror it, or vice versa. In Fundamentals of Master Keying, Jerome Andrews brings up the following point:Īs you write a new TMK, how do you know that you haven’t already used it for some other job, perhaps very close to the one your (sic) doing now? How do you know that you are picking a new number, and not just remembering one from a system you worked on recently? Potential TMK Problems the highest level master key in a master key system Wall Plates, Buttons, Enclosures, and Accessories.Power Supplies, Extenders, and Transformers.

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