Are lock cores interchangeable?

Are lock cores interchangeable?

Interchangeable core locks give you flexibility to manage the keyed locks in your facility. An interchangeable core lock has a removable core that houses the key cylinder. These cores are generally compatible with several types of cores offering the flexibility and convenience of being able to swap out cores as needed.

How does an interchangeable core work?

The basic premise of the interchangeable core system is that the core is secured into the lock housing (I. E. mortise/rim cylinder, lever, padlock, etc.) by a sleeve-based lug. A control key is specially cut key whose function is to operate the control shear line that is between the sleeve and the housing.

Are lock cores universal?

Lock cores are specific to each manufacturer and lock codes, and can be “keyed alike” or “keyed differently.”

How do I know what core my lock is?

A conventional core is often visibly identified by the single circle in the face of the lock that has the key way to receive the key. The pins are contained in what looks like a fin on top of the core. The back of the conventional core often has a tailpiece to engage the locking mechanism.

What is a small format interchangeable core?

An interchangeable core or IC is an adaptable locking key cylinder. “Small format” interchangeable cores are in a figure-eight shape that is standard among lock manufacturers. “Large format” interchangeable cores are of varying sizes.

Are cylinders and cores the same thing?

Although these terms are often, and mistakenly, used interchangeably during a construction proj- ect, they are not the same components. Which one you need will depend on the type of cylinder specified; standard cylinder or removable core cylinder. Let’s take a look. term CORE typically means the entire cylinder.

Are lock cylinders interchangeable?

An interchangeable core or IC is an adaptable locking key cylinder. Interchangeable cores can be extracted from one lock type (bored cylindrical lock, mortise lock, padlock and so forth) and then installed into another without requiring the removal or disassembly of any single component.

What is a core in a lock?

Standard Cores It’s a small round core inserted into a cylinder that is directly attached to the lock. Standard cores cannot be rekeyed without disassembling the lock. This means that a technician has to come on-site to physically rekey each lock.

What does an interchangeable core look like in a lock?

Add up the time it takes to rekey all the locks in your facility that would need to be rekeyed, and you’re looking at a hefty bill. An interchangeable core (shown on the right in the video) looks like a figure eight and is inserted into a cylinder using a special key called a control key.

How is an interchangeable core used in a combinating mechanism?

Unlike a standard key cylinder, which is accessible for combinating only via locking device disassembly, an interchangeable mechanism relies upon a specialized “control” key for insertion and extraction of the essential (or “core”) combinating components.

What do you need to rekey an interchangeable core?

As demonstrated in the video, in order to rekey an interchangeable core, a person needs four things: the control key for the existing core, the new core, the control key for the new core, and new keys. All of this is provided by the key system vendor.

Why do you need a notch for an interchangeable core?

Interchangeable cores require a notch at the tip of each key to properly align the peaks and valleys of each blade with the combinating pins in the chambers of the mechanism; as a consequence, these keys are always configured and cut from blade tip to bow.