Key Control is the "Key" to your security.

I have talked about Key Control in past blogs and how important this is for overall key and lock security.  In this article I will discuss ways to control your lock or key code.  To clear up what might be some confusion lock code and key code are the same thing.

Tamper-Proof Key Rings

The lock and or key code is usually a “Blind” set of numbers or letters that lets the technician know how to cut the key and build the lock.  The technician is able to look up the blind code in a chart and cross that over to the actual set of numbers needed to build the lock.  These numbers are the lock pins used to build the lock and are also used to cut keys.  This is the overall description of the lock or key code, from here the difference usually separates a high security lock from those of lower security.

If you purchase locks from a big box or hardware store the blind code is usually written on the box.  If you need another key you just take your key to any store and they will make a duplicate.  There is no security and anyone can make YOUR key, then they have your code and know where you live, this is not Key Control.

When you purchase a high security lock the code is not written on the box.  Instead that code is registered to you and you are given a card or tag with the blind code.  If you need another key you must present that card and properly identify yourself before a duplicate key is cut.  There are some professional lock service centers that maintain your lock code in a computer database that will do the following:

• Only issue a high security blind lock code one time, the program prevents the code from ever being issued again
• Keep track of the persons you authorize to order cut keys
• Cut keys only for those persons on the authorized list
• Keep track of all keys cut for a particular code
• Provide the blind code on a tag and code card
• Provide and track a verbal authorization code (VAC) used to reorder keys

Retractable Key Rings

Some may ask is all of this necessary?  The answer depends on what or who you are trying to protect.  No matter how good and strong the lock is that you purchase, it is the key control that truly provides your security.

There are many ways to Control Your Keys such as lockable key rings, retractable keys rings to keep key close to your body, and rekeying your locks to reduce your key count. The idea is to keep track of all your keys and know where they are at all time…this is Key Control.

If you don’t have control of your key, you do not have control of your lock security.

For additional information please go to our web site at: Locking Systems International.