The situation

Imagine a family moving into a new detached home in North Oakville. They have a housekeeper, a nanny, and grandparents who visit often, and they want to control how many keys exist. The builder-grade locks can be copied at any hardware kiosk.

The recommendation

The technician checks whether the existing handle sets accept replacement cylinders. The front entry handle set and the deadbolts on the side and garage doors do, so there is no need to replace the hardware. High-security cylinders with a restricted keyway are fitted, and the family receives a registration card. Copies can now only be cut by the authorized dealer on the owners' instruction.

Strengthening the doors

While on site, the technician upgrades the strike plates on each exterior door to heavy-duty plates with long screws into the stud, since high-security cylinders do little if the frame gives way.

Managing access

The owners decide how many keys each person gets and keep a short list. When the nanny's contract ends, they will ask for her key back; if it is not returned, only the affected cylinders need rekeying.

If this is you

See our high-security locks page, the Oakville page, or call (416) 240-0593.