At this time of year, you probably don’t really think about costs when it comes to key systems and rekeyable cylinders or interchangeable cores.

(It’s ok. They aren’t the most exciting topics. Don’t feel bad.)

No, no, your mind is probably lasered in on Thanksgiving meals and Christmas presents and maybe a New Year’s Eve party or two.

I hate to state the obvious, but there is never really a “good” time to be in need of something like a key system. Recently, we had a customer who was in need of oneand they needed it as soon as possible.

While they probably didn’t want to spend the money, it was a necessity, which is why they came to us and asked, “How do I get a key system on a budget?”

Key Systems: Reduce the Costs

Go for Interchangeable Cores

You have a couple of options when it comes to cores for your key systems. If you are worried about your budget though, you’re best bet is to go with the interchangeable core as opposed to a standard core.

When you first lay eyes on the price of an interchangeable core, compared to a standard core, you’ll tell me I’m crazy. Yes, an interchangeable core is more expensive at first glance, but this is before you take into calculation of the cost of rekeys if there’s ever a breech in your system.

Interchangeable cores are simple to change and can be done without the help of a technician. They come with a “core key” which you insert into the lock and remove the cylinder. You’ll have a new control key you use to insert the new core and voila! You’re done.

With a standard core you’ll have to call a technician and schedule a time for them to come out and take apart each lock, remove the pins, repin each cylinder and then put the lock back together.

And that could be for every lock in your facility.

The technician’s charges for time and parts will add up quickly and you’ll end up with a bill much higher than what you initially shelled out for the interchangeable cores.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures and key systems go hand-in-hand, yet you would be surprised at how many people are lax in this particular area.

It might seem miniscule to not have a set list of who has which keys and who is granted permission to request rekeys. You might think this is something that can be figured out when the time arises, but I beg you not to do that.

Policies and procedures need to be detailed if you plan to save any money. This means you need a specific list of people who can handle which keys, who has access to which areas, and who can request rekeys. If you put this together when you have your key system installed, you will thank me later.

This will save time and money in case a rekey is needed and you won’t have to scramble around to try and figure out who can do what when it comes to the key system.

Get Rekeyable Cylinders

Have you heard of U-Change and InstaKey? These are two of the most popular rekeyable cylinders on the market. They both use proprietary technology and this allows users to rekey locks right at the door. With rekeyable cylinders there isn’t any need to remove the cylinder or call a technician.

Granted, these are more expensive upon install, but if you have to rekey your cylinders several times over the years, you’re going to save money in the long run.