Who’s ready for a post about interchangeable cores and key systems?!

(Not everybody jump at once!)

We talk a lot about key systems and their importance, but we still get hit with a ton of questions about the details that go into purchasing and implementing one. We recognize if you aren’t in the industry, key systems probably aren’t top-of-mind. That’s why we’re here.

So, settle in.

Let’s talk interchangeable cores!

Interchangeable Cores vs. Standard Cores

Choosing your core is the very first choice you’ll make after you decide you want a key system. Standard cores are what you typically see within your home. It’s directly inserted into the cylinder and attached to the lock.

Standard cores cost less, which might make them seem super appealing at first, but they have a couple of downfalls.

The purpose of a key system is to help with the management of rekeys. Unfortunately, one of the biggest flaws with standard cores is the time and money spent on rekeys. Standard cores can’t be rekeyed without completely disassembling the lock. This requires a technician to come to your facility and physically rekey each lock.

Ain’t nobody got time for that.

(I’m sure some people do, but for the purpose of this post, let’s say they don’t.)

Interchangeable cores look like a figure eight and can be taken in and out of a cylinder using a control key. The best part is you can do it yourself—no technician required!

You’ll need a couple of things to get the job done, but it’s all provided by the key vendor so you don’t have to worry about coming up with these items yourself.

1. Control key for the existing core;
2. The new core;
3. Control key for the new core; and
4. New keys.

That’s simple enough, right?

Interchangeable cores aren’t difficult to rekey, either. First, you’ll need to remove the old core with its control key. Once that core is out, you insert the new control key with its corresponding control key. Finally, you’ll test the new keys to see if they work with the new cores.

It only takes a few seconds to complete the process. Not only are you saving a ton of time, but you don’t have to fork out any cash for a technician to come rekey them for you.

Now, that you’ve learned how to rekey an interchangeable core, go forth into the world and spread this knowledge! On the flip side, if you have any more questions, give us a shout. We’re more than happy to help!