Interchangeable Cores
- May 1
- 2 min read
An interchangeable core, if you are unfamiliar, is a type of lock cylinder. For those new to the world of lock hardware, the cylinder is the circular chamber inside your knob or lever into which you insert your key to lock and unlock a door. If you have read our blog post Rekey vs. Replacing Locks or you have ever needed to have your locks changed, it will be easy to understand the benefits of IC cores.
When a standard lock needs to be rekeyed, typically you would give your locksmith a call to come to your location, re-pin that lock, and supply you with new keys. IC cores allow you to quickly and easily swap out the lock cylinder yourself. With an IC core system, the initial setup will provide you with spare cores to keep on hand, as well as a control key. When a lock needs to be changed, you simply use the control key to pull the existing cylinder out, then easily install one of your spare cores in its place. This newly installed cylinder will have come with its own set of keys. The core you just removed from service can be given back to your locksmith at your leisure to be rekeyed and then returned to your stash of spare cores. These core cylinders can be ordered keyed within your existing master system if you have one, as well as in many types of secured and non-secured keyways.
IC cores look like two standard cylinders stacked (see photo >), so they do not fit into standard hardware. This can result in a higher upfront hardware cost, but pays off later when you're not paying service calls for a locksmith to come out for every rekey. For this reason, the best fit for IC cores is typically large facilities or networks of rental properties, as well as settings where rekeys need to happen very quickly. The more tenants or employees you have, the more turnover or instances of lost keys. With an IC core system, you will have replacements on hand to nip the problem in the bud with a fresh replacement lock and new keys ready to distribute as needed.
If you have any questions about establishing an IC core system in a new facility or changing over to an IC core system for an existing facility, The Lock Shop is here to help you every step of the way.
