Whenever you’re thinking of upgrading your security, you’ll likely come across options for interchangeable core locks or cylinder, aka KIK (Key in knob). What are these IC locks and how do they differ from standard cylinder locks?
Here at Advanced Lock and Key in Cleveland, OH metro, we work with families, business owners, and facility managers to make sure their security system is personalized to their needs. So we know that a warehouse owner in Industrial Valley will have different safety concerns than a homeowner in Beachwood. With these unique security needs in mind, let’s talk about whether IC locks are appropriate for your space.
A lock with an interchangeable core means that the internal mechanism of the lock can easily be removed and replaced. The main advantage of this kind of system is that it allows the user to “rekey” the lock without the help of a locksmith. How does this work?
Well, in traditional rekeying, a locksmith would need to recalibrate the pins in the lock cylinder to work with a new set of keys. This is done by removing the cylinder and using a specialized set of tools to physically introduce a new pin formation that will work with the new keys. The cylinder is then placed back in the doorknob or padlock. (or any other type of lock)
With an interchangeable core, the user can bypass this process entirely. They simply buy a new core which will come with a new set of keys. Then, they can easily remove the old core and replace it with the new one. All in a matter of minutes.
Once an interchangeable core has been removed and replaced, you might be wondering what happens to the old one. Instead of retiring the old core, it can be rekeyed to work with a new set of keys. This lock is now ready for installation the next time you need to replace your working set.
In this way, interchangeable cores allow for business or home owners to rotate cores any time they need a quick security reset.
As you start looking into interchangeable core locks, you’ll notice a few abbreviations, such as KIK, SFIC, and LFIC. Here’s what they mean:
In the attached photos, you can see examples of IC Cores and different types of locks they fit into.
Now that you know the basics of these locks, are they right for you? Here are a few settings in which ICs are a good option:
In residential settings with rentals. ICs are not only great for commercial settings. They can also be a good option for some residential homes or apartments. This is especially true if you rent out your property.
Every kind of lock has a few drawbacks to be aware of. When it comes to KIK and SFIC locks, here are a few potential downsides:
Losing the control key
The biggest issue we find with these kinds of keys is with the control key. This is the only key that can be used to remove the core from the knob or padlock. So, if you lose it, you lose the convenience of being able to rekey your locks in seconds.
Cost
In general, IC locks are more expensive than traditional locks. And, you will need to think about the cost in terms of both the knob or padlock and the core, because in many cases, these two elements are sold separately. And, if you want to make the most of the convenience of the system, you’ll need more than one core to be able to swap them out when you need.
In general terms, you can expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $150 for the knob, lever, handle or padlock without the interchangeable core. This price can climb up to a few hundred dollars for keypad entry locks.
The core, on the other hand, can cost anywhere between $50 and $200.
Not really locksmith-less
Even though interchangeable cores were originally marketed as eliminating the need for a locksmith, the truth is, you may still need one from time to time. We can help you with installation, troubleshooting, and rekeying your core. In our view, this isn’t actually a downside to interchangeable cores. It’s always a benefit to have a security pro available when you need us.
When ICs were first introduced, the companies Best and Falcon were the market leaders. And they continue to produce some of the most popular interchangeable cores.
But nowadays, there are many companies that sell high quality IC options, including:
As we mentioned, one of the benefits of SFIC locks is their universality. You may be able to house an interchangeable core in a doorknob of a different manufacturer, giving you more options in terms of style and functionality.
Interchangeable locks can offer homeowners and business owners more control and autonomy when it comes to their security system. If you have any questions about whether this type of lock is right for you or you need help with your current IC system, we’re happy to chat with you here at Advanced Lock and Key. As one of Cleveland’s top locksmiths, we know the needs of our clients from Detroit-Shoreway to Fairfax and beyond.
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