Mechanical Key Accountability

Chit-Key Vaults™

A Simple System That Helps Make Sure Keys Come Back

Control key removal and return with tandem-lock technology that mechanically prevents the control key and user key from being released at the same time.

Chit-Key Vault family

Tandem Locks

One key must remain secured before the corresponding user key can be removed.

Mechanical Control

Standalone configurations provide accountability without requiring electronic control.

50

Scalable Capacity

Multi-Chit Panels™ can be configured with up to 50 tandem-lock positions.

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Tamper-Evident Tags

Serialized tags help provide visible evidence of key-ring substitution or tampering.

One-position Chit-Key Vault
Simple by Design

Mechanical Key Control That Is Easy to Understand

Chit-Key Vaults™ use paired locks that operate together. The control key is secured in one position before the corresponding user key can be mechanically released.

While the user key is out, the control key remains trapped. Returning and securing the user key allows the control key to be released again.

Tandem mechanical operation
No electronic control required
Stainless-steel vault construction
Multiple standard configurations
Custom sizes available
Multiple lock options available
Chit-Key Configurations

From One Critical Key to Large Key Inventories

Select a compact individual vault or scale the same tandem-lock concept across multiple controlled positions.

One-position Chit-Key Vault
One Position

One-Position Chit-Key Vault™

A compact mechanical vault for controlling one critical key or key ring using a paired tandem-lock arrangement.

Six-position Chit-Key Vault
Six Positions

Six-Position Chit-Key Vault™

Six tandem-lock positions provide mechanical accountability for multiple controlled keys inside a secured stainless-steel vault.

Multi-Chit Panel
Up to 50 Positions

Multi-Chit Panel™

Scale tandem-lock control across larger inventories with standalone panels or compatible SAM installation.

Tandem-Lock Operation

Two Keys Cannot Be Released at the Same Time

The core of the Chit-Key system is a mechanical relationship between a control key and the key issued to the user.

Control Key Secured The control key is turned and locked into its designated position.
User Key Released Securing the control key mechanically frees the corresponding user key.
Control Key Trapped The control key cannot be removed while the issued user key is away.
Return Required The user key must be returned before the control key can be released.
Chit-Key tandem lock operation
Simple Key Accountability

How Chit-Key Works

1

Insert

Place the designated control key into the first tandem-lock position.

2

Secure

Turn and secure the control key, mechanically releasing the corresponding user key.

3

Issue

The user removes the released key while the control key remains locked in place.

4

Return

Returning the user key allows the original control key to be removed again.

Multi-Chit Panel with multiple tandem locks
Multi-Chit Panel™

Scale the Same System Up to 50 Positions

Multi-Chit Panels™ extend the same tandem-lock principle to organizations managing larger quantities of keys.

Panels can be mounted as standalone mechanical key-control systems or incorporated into compatible Security Asset Manager™ cabinets when electronic door control and additional management are required.

Up to 50 tandem-lock positions
Standalone wall-panel installation
Compatible SAM installation
Optional electronic cabinet door control
Suitable for larger key inventories
Tamper-Evident Identification

Add Visible Evidence of Key Substitution

Serialized Tamper-Evident Key Tags are used with Chit-Key Panels to help identify the controlled key set and make unauthorized substitution easier to detect.

The visible serial number creates an additional accountability point for keys while they are stored and while they are in use.

Serialized Each tag carries a unique visible identifier.
Tamper Evident Designed to help reveal unauthorized replacement.
Easy Identification Quickly associate a key set with its controlled position.
Panel Ready Included with Chit-Key Panel configurations.
Serialized tamper-evident key tag
Flexible Configurations

Build Key Control Around Your Requirements

Chit-Key systems can be configured around different quantities, lock requirements and levels of electronic control.

Standard Vaults

Choose compact one-position or multi-position vault configurations for mechanical key accountability.

Custom Sizes

Vault configurations can be adapted for applications requiring different physical sizes or key quantities.

Lock Options

Multiple lock configurations are available to support different facility and key-system requirements.

Electronic Expansion

Multi-Chit Panels can be housed in compatible SAM systems when electronic cabinet control is required.

Product Overview

Chit-Key Options at a Glance

Chit-Key Vaults™
Operation
Mechanical tandem-lock control
Construction
18-gauge stainless steel
Standard Options
One-position and six-position configurations
Customization
Custom sizing and lock options available
Multi-Chit Panel™
Capacity
Up to 50 tandem-lock positions
Installation
Standalone or inside compatible SAM
Electronic Control
Optional when housed in compatible SAM
Key Identification
Serialized tamper-evident tags
Applications

Practical Key Accountability Across Industries

Chit-Key systems are well suited to organizations that need a straightforward way to control the issue and return of important keys.

Fleet Operations
Vehicle Keys
Law Enforcement
Corrections
Government
Transportation
Property Management
Commercial Facilities
Education
Maintenance Departments
Industrial Facilities
Critical Infrastructure

Need a Simple Way to Make Sure Keys Come Back?

Tell us how many keys you need to control, how they are currently issued and whether you need a standalone mechanical system or electronic expansion. Coin Security can help configure the right Chit-Key solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chit-Key Vault FAQs

What is a Chit-Key Vault?

A Chit-Key Vault is a mechanical key-control system that uses paired tandem locks to help ensure an issued key is returned before its corresponding control key can be removed.

Does Chit-Key require electricity?

Standalone Chit-Key Vaults can operate mechanically without electronic control.

How do the tandem locks work?

Securing the control key mechanically releases the user key. The control key remains trapped until the user key is returned.

How many keys can a Multi-Chit Panel control?

Multi-Chit Panels™ can be configured with up to 50 tandem-lock positions.

Can a Multi-Chit Panel be electronically controlled?

Yes. A Multi-Chit Panel can be housed in a compatible Security Asset Manager™ with optional electronic cabinet-door control.

Can Chit-Key systems be customized?

Yes. Vaults can be configured in custom sizes and with different lock options based on the application.

Simple Mechanical Accountability

Keep Important Keys Controlled and Accounted For

Use tandem-lock key control to create a clear physical exchange process that helps ensure issued keys are returned before their control keys are released.