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Articles by: Katie Willie

Cams & Tailpieces – How Cylinders Work

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the different types of cylinders; I thought it would be fitting to move on to  the mechanics a cylinder uses to operate a device – the cam or tailpiece.  Cams and tailpieces attach to the back of the cylinder.  When the key is turned, it rotates the cam or […]

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Cylindrical Lock Functions Explained – Door & Lock Terminology

Lock function is a critical component of proper door operation.  Think of your office door; would you consider a lever set that didn’t lock to be adequately secure for this door?  When you take into account the likelihood of an employee on the other side of that door counting the cash from their shift, it’s […]

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Types of Cylinders – What’s The Difference?

When ordering locks, you will most likely need to specify the type of cylinder you need.  The list of options is a long one: mortise, rim, key in knob, key in lever, deadbolt, and profile.  But don’t let this throw you – it’s pretty easy to distinguish each of the types of cylinders. Before we […]

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Panic Bars & Additional Security Features – The Code Compliant Solution to Rear Door Security

Panic bars are a hot topic in the loss prevention and facilities management world.  At a recent trade show, an attendee asked about the options available for rear door security.  As a large national chain, his organization had fallen victim to some creative criminals. By prying out the bottom of the door, robbers were able to […]

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Door Handing – How To Hand a Door

Door handing is a process explained in each of our departments on a regular basis. The ‘handing’ of a door refers to the direction in which the door swings.  Door handing is important for a two main reasons.  First, you want to ensure that the door you are installing swings in the proper direction.  Second, […]

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The “S Word” – Clearing Up The Negative Connotation of Subcontracting

Subcontracting is standard practice in commercial construction, but has somehow gotten a bad rap in the Facilities and Loss Prevention world.  Managers and facilities directors worry about increased cost and loss of control.  While this may hold true for some trades, it doesn’t in the world of doors and locks.  For small, local businesses, self-performing […]

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Door and Lock Maintenance – 5 Things to Know Before You Go (Out the Door)

While door and lock maintenance isn’t the most glorious topic, we’re on a mission to get it into the “It’s not pretty but we have to talk about it” category.  Many retailers and restaurateurs are heading into the busy season – the last thing you need is for malfunctioning doors and locks to slow you […]

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Global Key Systems – Options & Alternatives

We have an increasing number of customers inquiring about global key systems.  The question is often asked: I understand the positive impact of a key system but my brand is international; can I achieve global consistency? International brands have been struggling with this issue for quite some time. Many brands want a global key system, […]

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Physical Security Audit Programs – A Cursory Guide to Increasing the Safety of Your Facilities

How secure are your facilities?  Over the last few years, you’ve probably experienced a rise in organized retail crime (ORC) and shoplifting.   A survey performed by the NRF revealed that in 2012, organized retail crime was the highest it has been in 7 years.  Nine out of every ten retailers were affected by organized retail […]

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Key System Records Management – 4 Cornerstones

Before we start talking about Key System Records management I’m going to need a drumroll…………This post marks the end of a series that has spanned over two months and ten blog entries. But this, my friends, is the cornerstone of system maintenance that should not be glossed over.  It’s taken serious blood sweat and tears […]

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