What is Key Exchange?

Today, we will talk about the practice of building management. Have you ever heard the term key exchange fee when renting a rental apartment? Today, we will explain the types of keys, the purpose of exchange, and the exchange method as a management practice.

First of all, key exchange mainly refers to the exchange of entrance locks, but there are various types of keys.
Cylinder locks are the most common type, and there are also PIN codes, card keys, biometric authentication locks, etc. There are various types of cylinder locks, such as disc cylinders, pin cylinders, rotary disc cylinders, and dimple cylinders.
In that process, we will proceed with the explanation about the replacement of the cylinder lock. First of all, the key exchange is not the key exchange but the cylinder exchange. The structure of a typical entrance key is like this.

There are various types of keys, but the performance of the key greatly depends on the shape of the key and the internal structure of the keyhole.

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Dimple cylinder

The feature is that dimpling is on the surface of the key. The structure of the keyhole (cylinder) is complicated, and multiple rows of pins are built in.
Unauthorized unlocking from the keyhole is extremely difficult to make, and it is recognized for crime prevention. Some products have an unauthorized copy protection system. It's reversible and can be used on both sides, and since it is a smooth key, it does not get caught. The key slot is also in the shape of a mortar, which is popular with children and the elderly. Currently, the number of houses, condominiums, safes, and lockers that use dimple cylinders is increasing.

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Rotary disc cylinder

There are two types of key shapes, one with nicks and one with dimpling-like shapes. An arc-shaped metal plate (rotary disc) is lined up in the keyhole, and the key plate is made by rotating it. In addition to an illegal picking prevention structure, it also has built-in carbide parts that are resistant to damage. PR cylinders are used in TOSTEM doors of new houses.

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Pin cylinder

Cylinders that have been widely used in the past such as house entrances, doors, safes, desks, and padlocks.
Several pins are arranged in a row in the keyhole. The key insertion direction (vertical direction) is constant, and many people find it difficult to use. The old type pin cylinder can be unlocked (picking) from the keyhole, has low security and can be targeted by burglars. Currently, it is mainly used for simple locks.
Existing home keys are vulnerable, including tamper-proof picking pins.

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A key exchange will be made each time the lessee leaves and will prevent the previous key from being used.
When canceling the lease agreement, we ask to return all existing keys, but some may still have duplicate keys or may not be able to receive all keys. Therefore, for security reasons, we will exchange the key each time. In addition, even if the lessee does not change, it is necessary to exchange the key in consideration of security, for example, when the key is lost.

This time, we received a new rental application from the renovated kyo-machiya house that we manage, so we exchanged keys today. First of all, when exchanging keys, check the existing key manufacturer and key type. Check the engraved metal fittings on the side of the door, the manufacturer's name on the top of the door, and the type of sticker on the side. The new key can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, or it can be ordered from a commercial store. 
After arriving at the site, remove the screws from the cylinder on the inside of the room, and then remove the fixed pin on the side and remove the cylinder on the outside. All the tools can be disassembled if you have Phillips head screwdriver and screwdriver, no special tools are required.

The new cylinder is a set of the keyhole cylinder and the key for that cylinder as described above. Therefore, replace the cylinder outside the key that was disassembled with a new one, and install it in the reverse order of the previous procedure. On the way, check the opening and closing with a new key, and attach the indoor cylinder fittings to complete the process. In this way, the keys are exchanged, and work is done to ensure that new residents can move in safely. 
It is forbidden to exchange the rented key without permission, so if the key becomes unwell, please consult the management company once.