FAQ's
Q:
What exactly is “key control” and how do I determine
if my facility truly has any?
Q:
If a key is stamped “do not duplicate” or has
the wording “unlawful to duplicate”…is
it really illegal to have this key duplicated?
Q:
What exactly is “patented key control?”
Q:
What is a “masterkey system” and how do I know
if I can benefit from one?
Q:
How do I determine if I need to “rekey” my existing
locks?
Q:
What is an “interchangeable core” key system
and what are the advantages of having one?
Q:
How do I determine the quality of the lockset I need for
my facility?
Q:
What are the most common types of code violations found
in commercial buildings and which ones should I concern
myself with mostly?
Q:
What exactly is “key control” and how do I determine
if my facility truly has any?
A: Key Control simply means that only “an authorized
individual” that supervises a key system has the authority
to determine who gets keys and who does not. The keys that
are assigned cannot be duplicated and when or if the keys
are returned to the facilitator…they can be assured
that no other “unauthorized duplicates” were made
without their knowledge. This can only be achieved with a
“patented key control system.”
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Q: If a key is stamped
“do not duplicate” or has the wording “unlawful
to duplicate”…is it really illegal to have this
key duplicated?
A: This is one of the most common fallacies in our industry…it
only promotes a “false sense of security”. Usually,
keys that are stamped with these words “can”
and “will” be duplicated without your knowledge.
There is no legally binding agreement with any key blank
manufacturer, locksmith, or security distributor that prohibits
these keys from being duplicated. If, however, you have
a “patented key system”, you can rest assured
that no person can duplicate your keys without your knowledge.
The key blanks for these systems are strictly controlled
through the manufacturer and there is a legally binding
contractual agreement with its distribution channels.
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Q: What exactly is “patented
key control?”
A: Patented key control is a key system that is “patent
protected” by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has
complete control of distribution of it’s key blanks,
cylinders, and locksets. In addition, the manufacturer is
extremely selective as to who its distributors (locksmiths)
are and is sensitive to their location as well. This simply
means that there are very few locksmiths in any given area
that can distribute its restricted product. The main benefit
to the user of the system is that the key blanks are not
even available to other locksmiths. The locksmith who does
carry these products have been screened by the manufacturer
and have been deemed to be “extremely reputable”
and have a “significant track record” or history
of distributing and supporting these key systems. The key
blanks of “patented key control systems” are
usually marked “patented”.
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Q: What is a “masterkey
system” and how do I know if I can benefit from one?
A: A “masterkey system” simply means that there
are one or two keys that usually pass just about all of
the locks in a facility that contain many different keys.
An example of this is a multi-tenant office building whereas
each tenant has it’s own individual key, but yet a
property manager may have a building masterkey that passes
all the tenant’s locks. Although a master key system
may be convenient…it carries with it a certain amount
of risk as well. If the masterkey is lost, misplaced, or
can be duplicated without your authorization…your
facility’s security is suspect and should be rekeyed
immediately.
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Q: How do I determine if I need to “rekey”
my existing locks?
A: If a masterkey is lost, misplaced, stolen, or you cannot
rectify where all the keys are…it is highly advisable
to “rekey” the facility. If your facility is
on a common keyway…or in other words, utilizes a common
key that can be readily duplicated…you really are
wasting your money simply rekeying the locks. You should
definitely explore the possibility of installing a patented
key control system in the facility. This does not always
have to be done all at once. In many cases it is more advisable
to install this type of system in phases. You may just be
surprised at how reasonable it is to install one of these
patented systems in your facility.
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Q: What is an “interchangeable
core” key system and what are the advantages of having
one?
A: An “interchangeable core” key system is one
where a special key (core key) can remove the lock cylinder
quickly and readily. The person doing this can literally
change the locks in minutes, and it does not require a locksmith
to do so. The changing of the locks is in your control and
can be done at a moments notice. Once the cores are replaced,
the end user can reuse the cores in another location within
the facility or can be sent to the locksmith for recombination.
In either case, the end user has saved a substantial amount
of money in labor charges. The most expensive item you can
pay for is “service” or “labor”.
This usually stands true in most industries, but especially
in the locksmith industry.
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Q: How do I determine
the quality of the lockset I need for my facility?
A: Locksets are cycle tested in three categories through
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). A heavy
duty lockset is considered a Grade 1 and specified for usage
on high frequency doors within a facility. Some examples
of high frequency doors are exterior doors, stairwell doors,
suite entry doors, bathroom doors, and maintenance doors.
Most common buildings for these locksets are: office buildings,
schools, hospitals, industrial plants, and churches.
A standard duty lockset or Grade 2
lockset is for less used applications such as interior office
doors, janitor’s closets, electrical closets, and
other various doors that get opened and shut a few times
per day. CAREFUL! The misapplication of this lockset is
the most common error that inexperienced service companies
make. The cost of the lockset is more attractive than the
Grade 1 lockset; but in many cases will not last long enough
on the door, and will have to be replaced sometimes several
times in a year. A qualified service technician will point
out that the Grade 1 lockset in the proper environment will
not only last much longer, but will save the end user additional
service trip and installation charges as well.
A light duty lockset or Grade 3 lockset
is for residential use only. These locksets will not last
in any type of commercial application and in most cases
violate fire and life safety codes.
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Q:
What are the most common types of code violations found
in commercial buildings and which ones should I concern
myself with mostly?
A: The most common violations that are typically found in
commercial, industrial, and office type buildings are:
1- Fire doors propped or held open.
2- Marked “EXIT” doors blocked by furniture,
boxes, inventory, etc.
3- Marked “EXIT” doors with more than one locking
device, i.e. an exterior back door with a lockset and a
deadbolt above it. This is a violation of NFPA 101 Life
Safety Code. The code is easy to understand – you
must be able to exit the door with “one simple motion”.
The above set up requires turning the lockset and retracting
the deadbolt and is illegal.
4- Non ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant hardware
on common doors within a facility. The ADA calls for locks
that can be operated with a closed fist. The doorknob must
be gripped and turned…and a person without a hand
or a person with an arthritic condition will be unable to
potentially enter or exit any door with a knob on it. A
lever type lockset enables a simple push downward to enable
quick and easy exit and or entry.
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