How Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and other restricted keys work
There are various devices designed to protect your home, and naturally, the first ones that come to mind are locks. However, moves, lost keys and changes of residence can interfere somewhat with our peace of mind. How many keys do you have in circulation? Who has them? Do you really have control over every copy?
Since summer is synonymous with vacations, quick getaways and weekends at the cabin, it’s the perfect time to learn a little more about restricted keys. Certified Grade 1, which translates into exceptional quality, restricted keys and the associated locks are more robust and therefore more secure. Among the most recognized brands, you’ll find Medico, Mul-T-Lock and Abloy.
Take a moment to learn more about this effective solution to ensuring full security for your home so you can enjoy the beautiful summer weather with no worries.
Principles, features and benefits of restricted keys
The main advantages of restricted keys? They’re pickproof so they can’t be forced and they’re registered so they can’t be reproduced without the express consent of the owner of the lock. This greatly limits the number of keys in circulation and makes it easier to manage the copies.
To benefit from this type of system, you must first equip your doors with the corresponding type of lock. Medeco, Abloy and Mul-T-Lock all have excellent reputations in the market and offer both single-cylinder latches and double-cylinder locks with a deadbolt. Does your new home already have this type of system? Have you had one for a long time but have never checked on it? In any case, it’s important to make an assessment to answer a few basic questions, such as how many keys exist, who has them in their possession, and which doors they go to. If you don’t know, it’s not a problem, as another advantage of these systems is the ability to recode the lock, either partially or completely. This procedure, known as “rekeying,” makes it possible to reinitialize the system in its entirety to guarantee its reliability. The key advantage (pardon the pun): you no longer need to change your locks!
Companies, shops and buildings subject to high standards of security all adopted this procedure long ago. And today, more and more individuals are turning to this option, which ensures increased security and strict control over key copying and the recipients of those copies.
How to reproduce restricted keys
The security of restricted keys goes beyond the technical level to include the logistical level. In fact, without the authorization of a designated signatory, no copies are permitted. In other words, simply showing up at a locksmith’s shop won’t entitle you to a duplicate if you aren’t one of the signatories. It’s up to the owner to designate which people are authorized to make copies of the keys. In the interests of security, professionals typically recommend keeping the number of authorized persons to a minimum. As for the signatories, they’re authorized not only to have copies, but also to make changes to the system.
Moreover, the restricted keys are protected by a patent, which prevents any reproduction for the duration of the valid period. Along with the manufacturer and the locksmith, the patent tightly controls the issue and duplication of keys.
Now you understand that the best way to control and maintain the distribution of your keys is to use restricted key locks. To understand how they work and to familiarize yourself with the management software, you can call on the assistance of the technicians at Serruriers Amherst Inc. They can inform you regarding the available options from different manufacturers, effectively structure the coding of your locks and drastically reduce the number of keys in circulation to enhance your security and your peace of mind.
Sources :
Le Soleil. [Leaving with your mind at ease]. 2013.