We'll help you get it right every single time.
As with any commercial job, when it comes to interchangeable cores, it is important to determine your costs accurately. Please call us at 800-352-1773 to speak with one of our professionals about your project. We will provide you with all of the information necessary to ensure you have the correct products and exact costs for every job.
Please take a look at our Standard Pricing guide on the right side of this page to gain an idea of the average costs for our services. Product pricing information is available on our Products page.
Here are some examples of the questions we typically ask of our clients: (Please do not be concerned if you are unable to answer some or any of these questions. Our staff experts are accustomed to dealing with everyone from professional locksmiths to the most inexperienced laymen)
- Is this a new IC core system or will you be adding to an existing system?
- What style/type/brand of cores do you need: Best SFIC, Schlage LFIC, Corbin LFIC, Sargent LFIC, or Yale LFIC? (Best SFIC is the most common)
- Do your cores need to have "BEST" stamped on their faces? (Requesting OEM Best Originals adds a significant cost. Instead, consider Stanley cores, which are made by the same people in the same US-based factory using the same tools and machines at a fraction of the cost. They just don't say BEST on them.)
- How many pins do your cores have: 5-pin, 6-pin, or 7-pin? (5-pin is very uncommon)
- What finish are your locks? (silver, brass, or dark brown are the most common, but many more options are available)
- How many cores do you need and how are they divided? (One key to rule them all or multiple keys for different purposes/people?)
- How many keys do you require?
- Would you like your keys and/or cores stamped? (we have customized, professional engraving available for any order)
- Do you require true patented key control? (100% assurance keys cannot be copied by the user)
- And finally, do you require master keying?
What is master keying?
A master key system is a system that allows two or more keys to open one lock. One key for the person with access to what that lock is securing, and another for the person that has access to what every lock is securing in the location. Most large institutions do not want their employees to carry around large quantities of keys. Similarly, these institutions would like to restrict access based on an individual's standing and responsibility within the establishment. A master key system will allow for different levels of restricted entry. When a master key system is finished, there may be a graduated level of access. In the example of a typical property manager, one tenant's key will work on their lock but not on the neighbor's lock. However, the property manager will have one key that works for both locks. This can be expanded to create a multitude of possible keys based on your location's specific needs.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions at all about interchangeable cores. We invite any opportunity to educate those who are seeking to utilize our services!