Some information for new homeowners...?

Question

Yesterday I did a job on a brand new home, just a simple lock change. When I pulled the lock apart, I pointed out to the home owner the builder still had his master key in there. In fact, there was still at least 20 different keys that fit the lock. This can be scary.

When you purchase your home, please make the call to a locksmith and get the locks changed. It would cost less then $100, and give you a ton of relief. Yes, I am a locksmith, but this is just a public service announcement.

The lock is Kwikset, and this is not a question. This is just information for homeowners to use.

Answer 1

This is a very good point since it is difficult to tell from the outside if a lock is part of a master keyed system. There is information available to the general public (so of course the bad guys know too) about the vulnerability and techniques to hack a master keyed lock system. This builder might be liable for losses the homeowner suffers by not re-keying the house when he turns over possession to the new owner.

Answer 2

I don't know what the question is specifically, but I do know if the lock is a Quickset for example most all quick set keys of the same model lock will enter the tumbler but only one specific key will unlock the door. Maybe I am not getting your point. I still do not get the point I cant see where a builder would risk his reputation and liscense.