master key
A master key is:
- In locking technology, a specially made key that is able to open all or at least several locking cylinders within a locking system .
- In computer science, a code sequence with which one is technically able to decrypt texts that are addressed to someone whose private key is not available to you.
Locking technology
For a master key, there are also the terms master key or passepartout (from French passer 'through' and partout 'everywhere').
General keys are typically made available to caretakers , the property management of a residential complex or security personnel, and sometimes also to emergency services.
Special cases and delimitation
A skeleton key , which is used to open most tumble locks , fulfills this task in that a defined part of the beard is ground short. Such keys are to be distinguished from a lockpick , which may also fulfill this function, but was not developed for it by the designer, but by outsiders, possibly criminals .
At most, the borderline case of a master key is a standard key in this sense , as it is for example for shelters and disabled toilets ( Euro key ).
function
The closure of a lock cylinder results from the depth of the incisions in the key shaft. If two locks are identical except for one of the five or six incisions in the key, the core pin for this incision is divided with a plate, whereby the two keys create a separation plane between the stator and rotor and close the cylinder.
