KeyBak is a retractable Key Ring that comes in many different styles and has many different functions including key control. We have KeyBak products in stock at Locking Systems International Inc.  At it’s basic function Key-BAK fits on your belt, your keys are put on the key ring and they never leave your side.   To use your keys to open something you pull the keys out of the retractable container,  open the item or door;  the keys will then self retract into the container on your belt.   The retractable cords are made of different materials such as stainless steel and Kevlar to name a few, and came in different lengths.  The KeyBak Retractable Key Rings can be used in many different industries such as: Law Enforcement, Medical, Casino,  Maintenance, Hotels and Restaurants plus many others.

By far the most important function of the KeyBak in “Key Control”.  I have blogged about how important “Key Control” is in my High Security Lock post.  KeyBak keeps your keys always at you side and always in your control.

KeyBak also has what we call the “Mini-Bak” Retractable Reels.  These can be used for ID cards and Door Access Control Cards.  You will never have to remove your ID card, just pull the card outward, use it and it will self retract….. always in your control.

For additional information on KeyBak click HERE.

Well it’s a new year and I sincerely hope that you all enjoyed a good Holiday Season.  This New Year is 2012 and if you pay attention to some it will be our last year, there are many predictions  and movies of what might happen in 2012.  I believe that we can only worry about what we can control, my world will end when I die and I certainly hope it is not in 2012.

Well now let’s turn to locks and the future of locks.  For the past 2-3 years there has been a lot of talk about the death of the mechanical lock, while I think that mechanical locks will eventually be replaced by another type of lock…but what type.

Touch Screen Lock with Mechanical Over-Ride

Will it be the electronic lock, will it have an electronic key, or maybe it will be a bio-metric type lock that will read finger prints or maybe the eye iris.  All of these locks are being manufactured today and all of these manufacturers think that they have the next best lock and maybe they do.  The facts are that even today with everything being electronic, electronic locks account for less then 1% of total locks in use.   Mechanical locks will have the largest in use market share for many years to come, they will eventually be totally replaced but not in our lifetime.

High Quality Mechanical Lock

Those manufacturers that are turning ALL of there engineering and manufacturing toward the “Locks of the Future” are missing the boat, there should be a balance between the future locks and mechanical locks.

Electronic Lock with Electronic Key

High Security Locks….what does that term actually mean?  In the lock business many different manufacturers use the term “High Security Locks” to describe their lock or locks, but be careful because a lot of this is marketing magic.

A High Security Lock actually starts with the key, yes I said the key and also what is known in the industry as the “Keyway” .  Let me define what the word Keyway actually means;  in simple terms a keyway is the part of the lock that matches up with the key so that the key can be inserted into the lock.  For example take the Cobra 7 cam lock it has a unique 7-sided design on the front of the key and the lock also has the same unique 7-sided design, these two match and the key can be inserted into the lock.

Below is another example of another unique keyway design, this time I am showing you the Abloy Lock with a cut-away view.   Look at the lock front and you can see that it matches the design of the key allowing insertion of the key into the lock for operation.

Now that we know what a “Keyway” is how does all of this make a lock “High Security”?  When a manufacturer designs a true High Security Lock they must obtain a patent on the lock, keyway and key, this provides the security necessary to protect the lock and offer true “High Security” to the end users.

Another important aspect of “High Security” is Key Control.  Key control is restricting the access of the key blanks to those authorized to have them usually service centers or distributors and this is controlled contractually.  The key can now be controlled and tracked from the manufacturer, to the service center, to the end user.  It then becomes the end users responsibility to control and track the key with their organization.

Below you will see keys from three High Security manufacturers, Medeco on the Right, Cobra Lock (LSI), in the center and Abloy on the left.  All three of these manufacturers protect their locks and keys with U.S. Patents and are able to control their keys as described above.

I hope this helps you to understand the term “High Security”. In future articles I will show different High Security locks and discuss electronic locks.

Well……Hello to all who made the trip to my NEW and only Blog.   This blog will help you and me learn more about locks and locking systems.  We will discuss all types of locks; cam locks, door locks, electronic locks and many more.

Who are we…..and what is this web site?   I started Locking Systems International over 15 years ago as a Service Center and Master Distributor for Medeco and Abloy High Security Locks, today we are still one of their largest Service Centers and Distributors.

We found hole in the lock world and moved to fill it by designing and manufacturing our own locks….Cobra Lock.     This Blog is located on the Cobra Lock web site and is a brand name for Locking Systems International.  We put the Blog here because cobralock.com is designed from the ground up by WordPress,  www.lockingsystems.com was designed under dreamweaver.

About me…..I have been in the electronic and lock business for over 25 years.  Not wanting to be a…me to…in the lock world I designed and so far have received 3 U.S. Patents on different Cobra Locks….we have a few more Patent Pending.   I hold a degree in Criminal Justice and hold certifications in Electronics Repair and Design.

I hope that you can contribute to this Blog and please have patience with me…..this is my first attempt at blogging.