Keyed alike means several locks open with the same key. Instead of a different key for your front door, back door and patio door, one key opens them all. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make when you change your locks, and it doesn’t make your home any less secure.
The short answer
Keyed alike means several locks open with the same key. One key opens your front door, back door, patio door and more, instead of a different key for each.
It's just as secure as a normal lock. You replace the cylinder on each door with a keyed alike set, choosing the right size for each door. Our Avocet ABS keyed alike cylinders are TS007 3-star anti-snap and come with 3 keys between all the locks.
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What Does Keyed Alike Mean?
“Keyed alike” is the locksmith’s term for a set of locks that all work with one key. Think of a car key that opens the doors and the boot: one key, several locks.
Most homes have a different key for every door, because each lock was bought separately. When you replace your locks with a keyed alike set, you get:
- One key for every door. No more hunting through a bunch of keys in the dark or the rain.
- Fewer keys to copy and hand out. One key each for the family, a cleaner or a neighbour, instead of a set each.
- Quicker in an emergency. Any door can be opened with the key in your hand.
Want the practical steps? See our guide on how to get the same key for all your doors.
How Does Keyed Alike Work?
Inside every euro cylinder is a row of tiny pins. The cuts on a key push each pin to exactly the right height, which lets the lock turn. A different key pushes the pins to the wrong heights, so the lock won’t turn.
For a keyed alike set, the pins inside every cylinder are set up to match the same key pattern. That’s why keyed alike locks are made to order: we set up each cylinder for your set before it’s sent out.
Keyed Alike vs Keyed to Differ vs Built to Code
| Term | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Keyed alike | All the locks in your set open with one key | Changing the locks on two or more doors |
| Keyed to differ | Each lock has its own different key. This is how locks are normally sold | A single door, or doors that need separate keys |
| Built to code | A new lock or key made to match a key you already have | Adding a door to locks you already own, or getting spare keys |
| Master keyed | Each lock has its own key, plus one master key opens them all | Landlords, offices and buildings with several users |
Is Keyed Alike Less Secure?
No. A keyed alike lock is exactly the same lock as the keyed to differ version, with the same security rating. Our Avocet ABS keyed alike cylinders are TS007 3-star anti-snap, anti-pick and anti-drill, just like the standard ABS. The only difference is which key opens them.
The one thing to think about: if you lose a key, it opens every door in the set, not just one. Keep your spare keys somewhere safe, and if a key is ever lost or stolen, replace the set.
One key for all your doors
Avocet ABS keyed alike, TS007 3-star anti-snap. Choose a size for each door, all on one key. £54.99.
Which Doors Can Be Keyed Alike?
Any door with a euro cylinder lock, which includes most uPVC, composite and aluminium doors: front, back, side and patio doors. You can mix and match within one keyed alike set:
- Different sizes on each door. Every door can have its own size and still use the same key.
- Key both sides or thumb turn. Choose a thumb turn cylinder for doors you want to lock from inside without a key.
Want to include another type of lock, like a garage door? Email us or call and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
Want a thumb turn on some doors?
Mix thumb turn and key both sides cylinders in the same keyed alike set. £64.99.
How to Order Keyed Alike Locks
- Measure each door. Every door can be a different size, so measure each cylinder separately. Our guide on how to measure a euro cylinder takes a couple of minutes.
- Choose the type for each door: key on both sides, or a thumb turn on the inside.
- Add each lock to your basket from our keyed alike range, in its size. You need at least two locks, and everything in the order is keyed to the same key.
- Add extra keys if you need them. Every keyed alike order comes with 3 keys between all the locks, however many you order. You can add extra keys to the same order.
Because each set is made to order, delivery can take up to 7 working days, and keyed alike locks can’t be returned unless they’re faulty. Double-check your sizes before you order. Not sure? Email a photo of each lock to info@homesecureshop.co.uk or call us on 0151 521 8089, and we’ll check them for you.
Ready to order?
See every keyed alike euro and thumb turn cylinder, plus extra keys.
How Much Does Keyed Alike Cost?
A keyed alike Avocet ABS euro cylinder costs about £10 more than the standard version, because it’s set up to order. At the time of writing, our keyed alike ABS euro cylinders start at £54.99 each, thumb turn versions at £64.99, and extra keys at £9.99.
For example, a front and back door keyed alike costs about £110 for two 3-star locks and three keys that open both.
Can I Key Alike My Existing Locks?
Usually not. Keyed alike locks are supplied as a set, so you replace the cylinders on each door. The good news is that a euro cylinder takes about 10 minutes to change with a screwdriver, and it’s a good time to upgrade to 3-star anti-snap locks.
If you already have Avocet ABS locks, you may not need to replace them. Using the code on your ABS key card, we can make new cylinders built to your existing code, so a new door works with the key you already have.
Lost a Key or Need More?
Keep your ABS key card safe: it has the code needed to cut more keys. If you need more keys later, order ABS keys built to code and send us the code from your card.
