I have written articles in the past regarding key rings and what they can do to protect your keys. In this article I will explain how they can help you control your keys.

It doesn’t matter what type of lock you have, it can be the most secure lock money can buy, if you can’t control all your keys then you have no security. Control means that if you purchased 10 keys with your locks, can account for all of them? If you conduct an inventory can you put your hands and eyes on all ten. If not, then you have lost control of your keys and you must decide to either rekey these locks or replace them. Either of these options would be more expensive than the key rings below.

There are two main types that provide control.

Lockable Key Rings:

These generally have a lock on the end of the ring. This lock is usually a high security lock that provides its own key control. The flexible ring is constructed out of high grade flexible stainless steel. They are also available in solid rings. Both come in various sizes. Once keys are put on the ring it is locks and the keys remain there until the lock is opened again. If a key is broken, part of it remains on the ring for accountability.

Tamper Proof Key Rings:

These rings are locked with a special tool, once locked they cannot be reopened again. The only way to take the keys off is to cut the ring. They are available in either solid or flexible rings in multiple sizes. They both have a unique serial number to provide tracking and to attach to a person, which provides accountability and they are lighter and easier to carry.

Both key rings will provide the key control outlined above. It always amazes me how people and companies spend many hundreds of dollars on locks but forget the most important part the Key. The rings mentioned above are more expensive than regular hardware store type rings, but ask yourself how important is your key control?

These types of key rings are only available from specialty lock distributors such as Locking Systems International. They can provide the correct type of rings for your application. They also have the capability to properly make the locks for the lockable key rings.