When purchasing padlocks in bulk, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to choose keyed different or keyed alike. All padlocks require the use of a key to open. They don’t have a combination dial. Rather, padlocks have a slot in which you can insert a key to open them. While some padlocks are keyed different, though, others are keyed alike.
What Are Keyed Different Padlocks?
Keyed different padlocks are those that require a unique key to open. All padlocks in a given set can be classified as either keyed different or keyed alike. When keyed different, you won’t be able to use the same key to open them. Rather, each padlock in the set will have its own key. Each keyed different padlock will have its own key. You can only open a keyed different padlock using this key.
What Are Keyed Alike Padlocks?
Keyed alike padlocks are those that require the same key to open. They essentially feature the same type of locking mechanism within the body. The body of a padlock contains the locking mechanism, which is designed to open in response to a particular key design. Keyed alike padlocks don’t have a unique locking mechanism. Instead, they feature a shared locking mechanism that uses the same key design.
Choosing Between Keyed Different and Keyed Alike Padlocks
When choosing between keyed different and keyed alike padlocks, consider how you intend to use them. If you’re planning to distribute them among your business’s employees, you may want to choose keyed different padlocks with a master key.
Keyed different padlocks will prevent employees from opening each others’ locks. Employees will still be open their own keyed different padlocks, but they won’t be able to open employees’ locks. A master key, however, will allow you to open the locks if employees lose their key. A master key is simply a universal key that works for all locks. You can choose keyed different padlocks with a master key.
Keyed alike padlocks are convenient. If you need to secure several pieces of equipment with a padlock, you may want to choose keyed alike. With keyed alike padlocks, you can use the same key to open and access all of the equipment.
In Conclusion
Padlocks in a given set are either keyed different or keyed alike. Keyed different padlocks require a unique key to open. Keyed alike padlocks, on the other hand, require the same key to open.