Restore Control Over Who Can Access Your Property
When keys are lost, copied, unreturned, or passed between employees and tenants, it becomes difficult to know who can still enter a business or managed property.
Handee Lock & Key provides commercial rekeying, master-key planning, key-control improvements, and related lock-system service throughout Southeast Georgia.
We help business owners, property managers, landlords, contractors, churches, offices, retailers, warehouses, and other organizations organize access without automatically replacing every lock.
As a locally owned, family-operated locksmith business with more than five years of hands-on experience, we evaluate the existing locks, keyways, user groups, and access needs before recommending a solution.
- Call 912-527-8700
Commercial Rekeying
Rekeying changes the internal configuration of a compatible lock so the existing key no longer operates it. A new key is then created for the revised lock configuration.
This can be a practical option when the locks remain serviceable but access needs to change.
Businesses commonly request rekeying after:
- An employee leaves
- A tenant moves out
- A contractor does not return a key
- A key is lost or stolen
- Management changes
- A property is purchased or leased
- A business moves into a previously occupied space
- Too many untracked key copies are in circulation
- A former vendor or service provider had access
- Existing keys are poorly organized
- Several compatible locks should operate with one key
Rekeying does not repair every worn or damaged lock. We evaluate the condition and compatibility of the hardware before determining whether rekeying, component replacement, or another solution is appropriate.
Rekeying After Employee Changes
Employee turnover is one of the most common reasons businesses lose control of their keys.
Even when a departing employee returns a key, there may be no way to know whether a copy was made. Rekeying can prevent the previous key from continuing to operate the affected locks.
Depending on the business, the rekeying plan may include:
- Exterior entrances
- Offices
- Storage areas
- Inventory rooms
- Maintenance spaces
- Manager offices
- File or records rooms
- Utility areas
- Gates or compatible padlocks
- Other restricted areas
Not every lock must always be changed. We can help identify which doors were accessible to the former employee and develop a targeted plan based on actual risk and operating needs.
Tenant and Property Turnover Rekeying
Property managers, landlords, apartment communities, and commercial leasing companies may need locks rekeyed between occupants.
Turnover rekeying can help address:
- Unreturned tenant keys
- Unknown copies made during occupancy
- Management-access changes
- Maintenance personnel changes
- New commercial tenants
- Office-suite turnover
- Rental-home turnover
- Common-area key concerns
- Storage or utility-room access
For properties with repeated turnover, an organized key system may reduce confusion and make future changes easier to manage.
We can evaluate whether standard rekeying, a master-key arrangement, or an interchangeable-core system better fits the property.
Keying Multiple Locks Alike
A business owner or manager may carry several keys even when the locks are compatible and serve the same access purpose.
In many cases, compatible locks can be keyed alike so one key operates multiple doors.
This may be useful for:
- Several exterior entrances
- A business with separate front and rear doors
- Multiple offices used by the same manager
- Storage and utility areas
- Small commercial properties
- Rental homes managed by one owner
- Compatible padlocks and door locks
- Work areas that should share the same access level
Keying locks alike can improve convenience, but it should be balanced against security and access-control needs. Giving one key access to too many areas may create unnecessary exposure if that key is lost.
We help determine where shared keys make sense and where separate keying should remain.
Master-Key Systems
A master-key system allows different keys to provide different levels of access within the same property.
For example:
- An employee key may open one assigned door.
- A department key may open several related areas.
- A maintenance key may open service spaces.
- A manager key may open several departments.
- A property-management key may open multiple units or common areas.
- A higher-level master key may provide broader authorized access.
The purpose of a master-key system is not simply to create one key that opens everything. A properly planned system should provide the required access while limiting each user to the areas they need.
Planning a Master-Key Hierarchy
Master-key systems should be planned before locks are reconfigured.
Important considerations include:
- Number of doors
- Number of employees or users
- Departments or tenant groups
- Management structure
- Exterior versus interior access
- Restricted rooms
- Maintenance access
- Emergency-management needs
- Existing lock brands and keyways
- Future doors or property expansion
- How replacement and duplicate keys will be authorized
- Whether the existing system has been expanded or altered previously
A simple business may need only two access levels. A larger property may require several groups and carefully defined management access.
Handee Lock & Key can help develop a practical system based on the property’s actual organization rather than applying a generic keying plan.
Grand Master and Multi-Level Systems
Some larger commercial or managed properties may require several levels of access.
A multi-level system may include:
- Change keys for individual doors or groups
- Sub-master keys for departments or buildings
- Master keys for managers or property staff
- A higher-level grand master for broader authorized access
Increasing the number of levels also increases system complexity. Poorly planned expansion can create unwanted key overlap, limit future combinations, or make the system difficult to manage.
We recommend using only the number of access levels the property actually needs.
Key Control
A master-key system is only as effective as the way its keys are managed.
Key-control practices may include:
- Assigning keys to specific individuals
- Recording key numbers
- Documenting which doors each key operates
- Requiring signatures when keys are issued
- Recovering keys during employee or tenant turnover
- Limiting who may authorize duplicates
- Storing unused keys securely
- Periodically reviewing who has access
- Rekeying when important keys are unaccounted for
- Avoiding labels that identify the property address or protected area
Handee Lock & Key can help organize the mechanical key system, but the customer should maintain internal records and authorization procedures after the keys are issued.
Restricted and Controlled Key Systems
Standard keys can often be copied at many locations. For businesses that need greater control over duplication, a restricted or controlled key system may be appropriate.
Depending on the system, these keyways may provide:
- More control over who can request duplicate keys
- Keys that are less commonly available
- Defined authorization procedures
- Better documentation of issued keys
- Additional resistance to casual or unauthorized duplication
- A structured approach for future expansion
The exact restrictions and protections vary by manufacturer and key system. No mechanical key system should be described as impossible to copy or completely immune from compromise.
We can discuss available options based on the property, desired level of control, budget, hardware compatibility, and future needs.
Interchangeable-Core Systems
Some commercial properties use interchangeable-core locks, which allow an authorized core to be removed and replaced without changing the complete lock.
These systems can be useful for:
- Property managers
- Educational or institutional facilities
- Multi-building properties
- Offices with frequent personnel changes
- Businesses needing faster rekeying
- Facilities with standardized hardware
- Properties with established BEST-style or compatible core systems
Handee Lock & Key services many interchangeable-core applications, including small-format interchangeable cores commonly associated with BEST and compatible systems.
Available service may include:
- Rekeying cores
- Replacing cores
- Creating or modifying keying arrangements
- Control-key service
- Master-key planning
- Identifying existing keyways
- Evaluating whether current cores fit the intended system
Interchangeable cores must match the lock format, keyway, and keying system. Similar-looking cores are not automatically compatible.
Schlage, SARGENT, Falcon and BEST Systems
Handee Lock & Key works with many commercial lock and key products, including systems from:
- Schlage
- SARGENT
- Falcon
- BEST
Available work may involve:
- Rekeying compatible cylinders
- Master-key planning
- Standard commercial key systems
- Interchangeable cores
- Replacement cylinders
- Key duplication
- Key-control improvements
- Evaluating existing keyways and hardware
The specific service depends on the product, keyway, system ownership, existing keying records, hardware condition, and parts availability.
Photos of the key, lock face, cylinder, core, and manufacturer markings can help identify the system before an appointment.
Existing Master-Key System Changes
Businesses sometimes need to add doors, change employee access, or rekey part of an existing master-key system.
Modifying an established system requires more information than rekeying an individual lock.
Helpful information may include:
- Existing keying records
- Key-stamping information
- Current master and change keys
- Door schedules
- Previous locksmith records
- Number of existing doors
- Planned additions
- Which users should gain or lose access
- Whether any keys are missing
Without accurate records, it may not be possible to confirm how the current system was designed or whether unused key combinations remain available.
In some cases, continuing the existing system is practical. In others, reorganizing or rebuilding part of the system may provide better long-term control.
We explain the limitations before changing an existing hierarchy.
Lost Master Keys
A lost individual key may affect one door or one access group. A lost master key may affect many doors.
When a master or high-level key is missing, consider:
- Which doors it operates
- Whether the key can be identified with the property
- Who may have found or retained it
- Whether the loss was accidental or suspicious
- Whether lower-level keys can remain unchanged
- How quickly the affected doors need to be addressed
- Whether the system should be partially or completely rekeyed
The correct response depends on the key’s access level and the customer’s risk assessment.
Handee Lock & Key can help identify the affected portion of the mechanical key system and explain rekeying options.
New Businesses and Commercial Properties
A business moving into a new or previously occupied property may not know who still has keys.
Before operations begin, it may be appropriate to:
- Rekey exterior entrances
- Review office and storage-room access
- Identify locks that do not match the intended system
- Reduce unnecessary keys
- Establish management access
- Plan employee key levels
- Replace worn or incompatible cylinders
- Create a master-key system
- Begin a written key-issuance record
Addressing key control before keys are widely distributed is usually easier than reorganizing the system after months or years of uncontrolled duplication.
Businesses and Properties We Serve
Handee Lock & Key provides rekeying and master-key service for many types of commercial and managed properties, including:
- Offices
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Service businesses
- Professional practices
- Apartment communities
- Rental properties
- Property-management offices
- Storage facilities
- Churches
- Nonprofit organizations
- Contractor facilities
- Industrial and commercial properties
- Multi-unit buildings
- Small business campuses
The recommended system depends on the property layout, existing hardware, number of users, and level of access control required.
Mobile Commercial Service Across Southeast Georgia
Handee Lock & Key provides mobile business rekeying and master-key service throughout Southeast Georgia.
Our primary markets include:
- Pooler
- Richmond Hill
- Hinesville
We also serve commercial customers in and around:
- Statesboro
- Sylvania
- Port Wentworth
- Rincon
Service in other nearby communities depends on technician location, the scope of work, hardware and key-system requirements, and the current schedule.
Larger projects may require an initial evaluation before final keying and scheduling decisions are made.
Why Choose Handee Lock & Key?
Commercial rekeying is not only about making a different key work. It should address how the property is used, who needs access, and how future key changes will be managed.
Handee Lock & Key offers:
- A locally owned, family-operated business
- More than five years of hands-on locksmith experience
- Mobile service at the business or managed property
- Commercial rekeying
- Master-key planning
- Key-control recommendations
- Interchangeable-core experience
- Service involving Schlage, SARGENT, Falcon, and BEST systems
- Practical system design based on actual access needs
- Clear explanations of system limits and future considerations
- Service for businesses, property managers, landlords, and organizations
Our goal is to help customers regain control of their mechanical key systems while providing the peace of mind you deserve.
What to Have Ready When Requesting Service
Please provide:
- Property address
- Business or property type
- Number of affected doors
- Number of employees, tenants, or user groups
- Reason for rekeying
- Whether keys are lost, stolen, or unreturned
- Whether a master-key system already exists
- Lock or cylinder manufacturer, if known
- Existing keying records, if available
- Desired access levels
- Future expansion plans
- Desired completion schedule
- On-site contact and authorization information
Helpful photos may include:
- Front and back of the lock
- Key and key head
- Cylinder or interchangeable core
- Manufacturer markings
- Door edge and latch
- Existing key stamps or identification marks
Do not send photographs that expose confidential key-bitting information unless requested through an appropriate method.
Proof of authority to change the property’s locks or key system may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rekey a business without replacing every lock?
In many cases, yes. Compatible locks in serviceable condition can often be rekeyed so the existing keys no longer work. We evaluate the locks before confirming the best option.
When should a business be rekeyed?
Common reasons include employee turnover, lost or stolen keys, tenant changes, a new lease or property purchase, unreturned contractor keys, and uncertainty about who has copies.
Can several business doors use the same key?
Often, yes, when the locks and keyways are compatible. We can evaluate whether keying them alike fits the property’s security and access needs.
What is a master-key system?
A master-key system allows different keys to provide different access levels. An individual key may open one door, while a manager or master key may open several authorized areas.
Does a master key have to open every door?
No. The system should be designed around actual access needs. A master key may cover one department, building, group of units, or another defined area.
Can you add a new door to an existing master-key system?
Possibly. We need to identify the existing keyway, hierarchy, available records, and remaining system capacity before confirming that the door can be added properly.
What happens if a master key is lost?
The affected doors and access groups should be evaluated. Depending on the key’s level and the risk involved, part or all of the system may need to be rekeyed.
Do you work with interchangeable cores?
Yes. We service many interchangeable-core systems, including small-format cores used in BEST and compatible commercial applications.
Do you work with Schlage, SARGENT, Falcon and BEST locks?
Yes. We work with many Schlage, SARGENT, Falcon, and BEST commercial lock and key products. Service depends on the specific system, keyway, hardware condition, and parts availability.
Can you stop employees from copying keys?
A restricted or controlled key system can provide more control over authorized duplication, but no key system should be described as completely impossible to copy. We can explain the available options and their limitations.
Do you maintain records of who receives each key?
We can provide identifying information for the keys we create, but the business should maintain its own employee, tenant, and key-issuance records.
Can you rekey rental and managed properties?
Yes. We provide rekeying, management keying, master-key planning, and interchangeable-core service for many rental, apartment, commercial, and managed properties.
Do you install electronic access-control systems?
This page concerns mechanical locks, keys, cylinders, interchangeable cores, and master-key systems. Electronic access-control services should be confirmed separately based on the requested system and current scope.
Request Business Rekeying or Master-Key Service
Contact Handee Lock & Key when your business or managed property needs:
- Rekeying after an employee or tenant change
- Lost or unreturned keys addressed
- Several compatible locks keyed alike
- A new master-key system
- Changes to an existing master-key system
- Better control over key duplication
- Interchangeable-core service
- Schlage, SARGENT, Falcon, or BEST key-system assistance
- A plan for organizing employee, management, or maintenance access
Please provide the property address, number of doors, reason for the requested change, and existing key-system information when you call.
Handee Lock & Key
Providing the Peace of Mind You Deserve
Closing calls to action:
- Call 912-527-8700