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

No 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 don’t have security. Control means that if you bought 10 keys with your locks, can you account for all of them? If you take inventory, you can get your hands and eyes on all ten. Otherwise, you have lost control of your keys and you must decide to rekey these locks or replace them. Either of these options would be more expensive than the keyrings below.

There are two main types that provide control.

Lockable Keychains:

These usually 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 made of high grade flexible stainless steel. They are also available in solid rings. They both come in various sizes. Once the keys are placed on the ring, it locks and the keys stay there until the lock is opened again. If a key is broken, part of it remains in the ring for liability.

Tamper Proof Keychains:

These rings are locked with a special tool, once locked they cannot be reopened. The only way to remove the keys is to cut the ring. They are available in solid or flexible rings in various sizes. Both have a unique serial number for tracking and attaching to one person, providing accountability, and are lighter and easier to transport.

Both fobs will provide the key control described above. It always amazes me how people and businesses 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 rings, but ask yourself how important your key control is.

These types of fobs are only available through specialty lock dealers, such as Locking Systems International. They can provide the correct type of rings for your application. They also have the ability to properly make key fob locks lockable.