Keyed-Alike Furniture Locks: One Key for All Cabinets and Drawers

March 21, 2026

Keyed-alike furniture locks can be operated using a single key, whereas keyed-different systems require a unique key for each individual lock.

When planning furniture projects fitted with locking systems, joiners and fitters quickly face the question of the right locking concept. The decision between keyed-alike and keyed-different systems influences not only day-to-day use, but also key management and security. This article examines the technical differences and helps you select the right system for cabinets, pedestals, and drawers.

What Are Keyed-Alike Furniture Locks?

A keyed-alike system is characterised by allowing any number of furniture locks to be opened and locked with one and the same key. Technically, this is achieved by arranging the tumbler pins or wafers inside the cylinder core identically across all locks within the series.

Much like a master switch in a fuse box, a single key controls access to an entire wall unit or workshop setup. This solution is frequently used when a single person requires access to multiple compartments, such as a desk pedestal fitted with a central drawer lock or several individual locks.

What Are Keyed-Different Furniture Locks?

In keyed-different systems, each furniture lock cylinder features an individual mechanical coding. The corresponding key fits exclusively into that specific lock.

The focus here is on the strict separation of access rights. If a user loses their key, only a single compartment is compromised, whilst the rest of the installation remains secure. Mechanical manufacturing requires a high variance of pin combinations to prevent duplicates within a locking suite.

The Differences in Detail: Keyed-Alike vs Keyed-Different

To make the right choice for furniture construction, the systems should be compared across specific parameters:

Key management: Keyed-alike systems reduce the bunch of keys to a minimum. Keyed-different systems require thorough documentation (a key chart) to identify the correct replacement key or replacement cylinder in case of loss.
Security level (access): Keyed-different cylinders provide a higher degree of individual security, as access rights are physically separated. Keyed-alike systems provide convenience at the expense of segmentation – whoever holds the key has full access.
Expandability: Adding further units to a keyed-alike system at a later date requires ordering cylinders with the exact same key code. With keyed-different systems, any new locks can be added freely.

Which System Is Suitable for Which Scenario?

The choice of cylinder depends significantly on the installation location and the user structure.

Keyed-alike is the right choice for:

Individual offices where one employee uses a desk, mobile pedestal, and filing cabinet.
Private workshops, securing tool cupboards without searching for the right key.
Tall living room cabinet runs. An espagnolette lock is often used here, allowing multiple doors to be secured with the same key type.

Keyed-different is the right choice for:

Staff lockers in changing rooms or gyms.
Open-plan offices where each employee receives their own secure storage compartment.
Furniture in shared accommodation or communal housing.

Technical Aspects During Installation

Regardless of the locking type, installing furniture locks requires precision. For the fitter, the following dimensions and components are relevant:

Backset: Describes the distance from the door edge to the centre of the keyhole. Standard dimensions range between 15 mm and 40 mm. The backset determines where the hole for the cylinder must be drilled.
Cylinder diameter: Most standard furniture locks require an 18 mm or 19 mm hole. A clean cut using a Forstner bit is essential to prevent breakout of the surface coating.
Board thickness: Cylinder lengths are designed for typical material thicknesses such as 16 mm or 19 mm. For thicker front panels, a lock with a correspondingly longer cylinder must be chosen.

For securing the lock housing to the inside of the door, suitable wood screws and furniture screws with a length of 15 mm to 17 mm are generally used to prevent drilling through the front face.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Furniture Locks

Can I convert a keyed-different system to keyed-alike later on? Yes, this is possible with interchangeable core systems. The outer lock housing remains fitted in the furniture unit, whilst the inner cylinder core is removed using a specialised removal key and replaced with a keyed-alike core.

What does the backset mean on a furniture lock? The backset is the most important measurement during installation. It defines the distance between the outer edge of the furniture door (or drawer) and the centre point of the cylinder or keyhole. It is specified in millimetres.

How do I measure the cylinder diameter correctly? The diameter is measured directly on the round cylinder head using a calliper. This dimension dictates the diameter of the Forstner bit required for the hole in the furniture front.

Related Components for Furniture Construction

A secure and functional piece of furniture comprises more than just the lock. Proper movement and hardware operation are just as vital. When drawers are locked, sturdy drawer systems should be used to withstand pulling forces on a locked compartment. For a cohesive aesthetic, the lock colour is often matched to the furniture handle. On the inside, structured drawer inserts ensure that secured items remain neatly in place.