Interchangeable core

A six-pin interchangeable core with an 'A' keyway and individual chamber capping in an ANSI/BHMA 626 satin chrome finish.

The interchangeable core, which features an 'A' keyway, comprises the upper two figure-eight segments in this image. The lowermost segment is part of the lock unit and not an extension of the "small format" core.

An interchangeable core or IC is a compact keying mechanism in a specific "small format" figure-eight shape. 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.

Functionality

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. These units are readily adapted for master keying systems and can be set up with spare cores and keys for quick replacement when security is compromised, such as when a key is lost or stolen or when a personnel change takes place. Extracted cores can then be recombinated without urgency and placed back into maintenance storage for future use.

Although operationally similar to removable cores, which come in varying "large format" snowman shapes, interchangeable cores neither dictate nor exclude the use of a particular hardware manufacturer. In other words, whereas a typical large format key system of Brand X must be expanded with Brand X cores and must use Brand X cylindrical locks and cylinder housings, a typical small format key system of Brand A can be expanded with cores from Brands A, B, C, D, E and so on, and can also be used with locks and housings from Brands A, B, C, D, E and so on.

Key Attributes

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. Conversely, conventional cylinders and removable cores utilize a shoulder near the bow of each key to properly align all peaks and valleys; as a consequence, these keys are always configured and cut from bow to blade tip. As a further consequence of this fundamental difference, neither of these two key types can ever be cross- or master-keyed with the other.

As a benefit to keying from blade tip to bow, a six- or seven-pin interchangeable core key blank can be machined to precisely fit a smaller five-pin system configuration. Although the blade of such keys may be a pin or two longer than need be, this extra length never enters the locking mechanism; therefore, five-, six- and seven-pin interchangeable core systems can be easily integrated to work with one another or to provide different levels of access control within the same system. Conventional cylinder and removable core systems are significantly more limited in this regard since the extra length of their keys must pass through to the inside of the locking mechanism, which is often just not physically possible.

For additional interchangeable core access control, non-proprietary keyways and key sections of the following designations are available: A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, Q, R, TB, TD and TE. Other less common but still non-proprietary keyways and key sections also exist, but these typically have differing designations from manufacturer to manufacturer, even though the components may otherwise be identical.

Brief Background

Since hitting the market in the middle nineteen sixties, and in spite of its atypical keying configuration and limited availability, the interchangeable core has gradually evolved into a de facto standard for keying interoperability throughout the commercial door hardware industry. Product offerings are no longer limited just to the two originally competing companies - Best Universal Lock and Falcon Lock - and can be optionally specified from all OEM and most aftermarket door hardware brands in North America:

Abus, Alarm Lock, American, Arrow, Best Access, Best Security, BlueWave, Cal-Royal, Corbin-Russwin, CX-5, Dorma, Falcon, GMS, General Lock, Hager, IEI, Ilco, Independence2, InstaKey, K2, Kaba, Killeen, Lori, LSDA, Marks, Master, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Olympus, Omnilock, Onity, PDQ, Precision, Saflok, Sargent, Schlage, SDC, Tell, Trans-Atlantic, Von Duprin and Yale either produce their own interchangeable cores or else offer product lines or product options to accommodate such cores by others.

The modern interchangeable core - and all other cores, as well - actually has its roots in a bulkier, pedestal-shaped removable configuration developed in 1919 by Frank Best, then proprietor of Best Universal Lock Company. Frank Best's family business lineage has since expanded over the years but, currently, is most recognizable via the two competing Indianapolis, Indiana area entities generally referenced with his surname: Best Access (Stanley Security Solutions, Inc dba Best Access Systems) and Best Security (Marshall Best Security Corp).

Disambiguation

Large format removable cores from manufacturers Assa Abloy, BiLock, Corbin-Russwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Sargent, Schlage and Yale are not interchangeable with any other make or model. Although similar in appearance when installed, no two actually share exactly the same form or function. More precisely, for example:

Each core from Corbin-Russwin is removed and reinstalled via a partial two-chambered pin section with a unique shear line that rotates into and out of the chassis when any common change key or master key with the proper cuts is encountered, and, therefore, is incompatible with all Schlage removable cores, which release and resecure by means of a lateral pin at the back that is controlled by a specialized key cut to match any functioning change key or master key or combination thereof.