Spring Issue 2 - Knox Box

Knox System MaintenanceThe Knox Master Key is a high securitykey with many security features builtinto the actual key. Normally you shouldnot encounter any problem with yourKnox Master Key, particularly if it iskept in a master key retention device.Unfortunately, not everyone utilizes amaster key retention device. This leavesmaster keys vulnerable to additional wearand tear. Due to the security featuresof the key, additional wear and tear onthe key can result in difficulty in thelocking and unlocking of a Knox box.The Knox Company recommends youtest your existing master keys on a regularbasis to ensure they operate correctly. Ifyou encounter a master key that doesnot consistently open a box, we suggestyou follow the steps below to determineif it is the master key that is damagedor if the lock core has beencontaminated with grit.1. Try three, or more, differentmaster keys to determine if it’s the key orthe keyway.2. If all keys have difficulty openingthe box, it is most likely an issue of thelock core having been contaminated withgrit. Complete the annual maintenancesteps listed below and retry the keys.Medeco Lock AnnualMaintenance• Spray lock mechanism with a dry Teflonlubricant such as Key Lube or LPS-1.• CAUTION: DO NOT use oil-basedproducts such as WD40.• Operate lock several times to checkoperation and spread lubricant.If the lock still does not openconsistently, perform the followingprocedure:• Spray the lock cylinder generouslywith a good carburetor cleaner such asGumout®, Poxylube or LPS-1. Theseproducts leave no residue that may interferewith the moving parts of the lock.• Take the Knox master key and work itin and out of the lock several times.• Spray the lock cylinder witha dry Teflon lubricant asecond time.• With a rubber mallet lightly tap the lock(if rubber mallet unavailable, place apiece of wood against the lock core andlightly tap it with a wrench or hammer).This sends a vibration through the lockcore to help free the pins.• Re-try all three keys. If all three keysstill experience problems, contact KnoxFire Service at 1-866-566-9269.If one or more keys function properly,i.e. have no difficulty in opening the box,then the keys that have difficulty are mostlikely damaged and need to be replaced.In line with Knox key security policies,fire department requests for master keysmust be written on department letterhead,signed by an authorized signer and mailedto the Knox Company. In the letter pleasestate that you are replacing a damagedmaster key.Please mail the original letter whenmaking key requests. We cannot acceptfaxes or copies when you are requestingkeys. In addition, keys are shipped to yourdepartment’s physical address via FedExand require a signature acknowledgingreceipt. Please provide your street addressrather than a post office box.The original master key being replacedmust be returned to the Knox Companyfor evaluation. Once our evaluation iscomplete, the key will be destroyed.Again, problems with the master keyare very rare. To reduce the likelihood ofthere being a problem, the Knox Companyhighly recommends you store yourmaster key in a master key retentiondevice.