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A Comprehensive Guide to SFIC Core Locks

As a locksmith, you are likely familiar with LFIC vs. SFIC core locks, with LFIC having larger cores that incorporate a variety of security features and SFIC being smaller and highly versatile. Here we provide a rundown of SFIC cores, with highlights of some of American Key Supply’s inventory. If you need a quick guide to look up and purchase products that we offer or to quickly point a client to information about this topic, you’ll find this discussion helpful. We also offer it to anyone who would like details about what these cores are and why and where they can be advantageous. 
 
Small Format Interchangeable Core - SFIC and its importance
 
The Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) is a type of lock core that is widely used in various security applications. Its importance lies in its versatility, interchangeability, and enhanced security features. SFIC cores are designed to be easily removed and replaced, allowing for efficient key control and management in situations where access needs to be frequently updated or restricted.
 
SFIC lock cores, what they are, and how they work
 
SFIC lock cores are compact cylindrical devices that contain the locking mechanism within a removable core. They consist of a shell or housing that holds the core plug, which rotates when the correct key is inserted. The core plug contains the working key components, including the key pins, driver pins, and springs, that correspond to the unique bitting pattern of the operating key.
 

Understanding SFIC Cores

An SFIC core (aka SFIC cylinder) is a versatile and widely used type of interchangeable core. It is designed to be compatible with a variety of lock hardware, making it a popular choice for commercial and institutional applications. The importance of SFIC cores lies in their ability to streamline key management and reduce the time and cost associated with rekeying locks. With SFIC core locks, locksmiths can quickly change the core without replacing the entire lock, allowing for efficient key control and improved security.
 

Breakdown of SFIC cylinder key components

The control key is a special key used to remove or replace the core. The operating key is the standard key used by authorized personnel for locking and unlocking. The housing securely holds the core plug in place. The core plug is the cylindrical component that rotates when the correct operating key is inserted into the keyway. The keyway is the groove in the plug that matches the key's profile.
 

How an SFIC cylinder functions

 
When the correct operating key is inserted into the keyway, the bitting pattern on the key aligns the key pins and driver pins, allowing the core plug to rotate and actuate the locking mechanism. The control key is used to release the core plug from the housing, facilitating easy removal and replacement of the core for re-keying or key control purposes.
 

Difference between SFIC Core Locks vs LFIC Core Locks 

It’s important to know the difference between large format vs small format interchangeable cores so they can be used in the right applications. Large Format Interchangeable Cores (LFIC) are typically used in high-security applications or for larger lock hardware. While they share the principle of removable cores, LFIC cores are physically larger, have more potential key combinations, and often incorporate additional security features like sidebar mechanisms or higher-quality materials for enhanced durability and pick resistance.
 
A removable IC core gives a few key benefits:
 
Re-keying Flexibility: An IC core cylinder can be removed and re-keyed in minutes without uninstalling the entire lock. This allows easy access control changes.
Master Keying: Multiple locks can be set to work on their own key and a master key that opens them all. An IC core cylinder contains a special master pin to achieve this.
Key Control: Lost keys only require the core to be re-keyed rather than the whole lock replaced. Provides cost savings.
 
So in summary, an IC core cylinder contains the key locking components (key pins, driver pins, springs) and rotates within the lock body to allow or deny access based on the key. Being able to remove interchangeable cores is what defines SFIC and LFIC systems.
 

American Key Supply’s SFIC Core Products

 
American Key Supply offers these and many more SFIC core products for your applications:
 
You may wish to save money and outfit your truck with these IC core locks that come in kits. They’ll keep you prepared for a variety of requirements. Be ready for residential and commercial lock challenges with American Key Supply’s kits!
 
IC CORE MASTER PACK #1: 10-Core Master-Keyed Starter Pack w/Keys: Be ready for a large number of customer requirements. This kit lets you offer a ton of different configurations to your customers. This 5x3x2 master pack is a must for every locksmith’s van. Need to add to your existing system or order more cores using the same control and master? Give us your system's ID, and we’ll build your system further from there. Save money versus buying all these parts separately.
 
IC CORE MASTER PACK #2: 20-Core Master-Keyed Starter Pack w/Keys: A must for every locksmith’s van, this kit will help you be ready for a large number of customer requirements. This 10x6x4 master pack is designed to give you an amazing amount of flexibility. All keys have been fully tested in all cores before packaging. Your master key system is unique to you. All cores used are 6-pin (1C1M1) in the M keyway (1A1M1/A1114M) with a Satin Chrome finish (626/26D). They will work in 6-pin or 7-pin housings. The system will be assigned a 6-digit ID code (eg. MP1234), and that code will also be engraved onto both your cores and keys. Want to add to your existing system or order more using the same control and master? Give us your system's ID, and we’ll build your system further from there. Save hundreds by buying this kit versus buying the parts separately.
 
IC CORE MASTER PACK #3: 20-Core Master-Keyed Starter Pack w/Keys:  This 5x5x3x3x2x2 master pack is designed to give you an amazing amount of flexibility. All keys have been fully tested in all cores before packaging. Your master key system is unique to you. All cores used are 6-pin (1C1M1) in the M keyway (1A1M1/A1114M) with a Satin Chrome finish (626/26D). They will work in 6-pin or 7-pin housings.The system will be assigned a 6-digit ID code (eg. MP1234), and that code will also be engraved onto both your cores and keys. Want to add to your existing SFIC cylinder system or order more cores using the same control and master? Give us your system's ID, and we’ll build your system further from there. Save hundreds by buying this kit versus buying the parts separately.
 

Scenarios Where Changing SFIC Locks Offer Benefits to the Customer

 
SFIC lock cores allow locksmiths to quickly re-key locks by swapping out the core instead of having to disassemble the entire lock body. Here are a few examples of how you can promote your locksmith business and your expertise replacing SFIC cores:
 

Help Building Owners Upgrade Their Security

Building owners can decide to go through their multi-unit buildings and replace the apartment door locks. They may call your locksmith shop to find out what their options are for this process. With SFIC cores, you can tell them that this is an easy replacement you can do for them. Once you complete the replacement, the owners will now have a control key that will allow them to replace the cores themselves later if they wish, or you can be called again to do the job to save them time and effort.
 

Compromised Lock Replacement

A client could perhaps call your locksmith business and say that they had a former employee suspected of making unauthorized copies of keys. To ensure property security, the client could request from you that all locks be replaced immediately. If the client would like to know how you would remedy this issue, you can explain that you’d determine the types of cores in use. You can reassure them that you have a stock of replacements and control keys. Utilizing your SFIC tools, you’ll tell the client that you’ll remove each core and swap in a new one from your inventory. Where you can put the client’s mind at ease is the assurance that you can have this work done quickly, so re-securing the property will be a fast process. The client will definitely want to avoid extended downtime and preserve their existing hardware, so updating the interchangeable cores is an approach they’ll appreciate. 
 

Upgrading Cores During an Office Relocation

Another useful service you can promote (and may have already provided to some clients) is upgrading lock cores during an office relocation. If a business moves to a new location, they may want to get the locks upgraded as a security precaution. If they were to call your locksmith shop, they would describe the situation to you, and you could arrive at the location with the necessary SFIC cores to re-key all office entrance locks. You could use control keys to remove each existing core and install the coordinated new ones intended for each door. This seamless core swap would allow the client to get a fresh start, secured against any unknown compromised keys. You might recommend the use of 7-pin cores, which provide better pick resistance than those interchangeable cores that might have been in use in the previous system. 
 
Serve Your Clients with American Key Supply SFIC Lock Cores
 
In each case, your ability as a locksmith to efficiently perform SFIC core removals and replacements would save considerable time and expense versus installing completely new locksets. SFIC systems prove their value daily by empowering you to swiftly re-secure facilities when lock integrity is compromised or enhanced security is required. American Key Supply offers the SFIC cores you need to address the above scenarios and more, so you will always be ready to serve your clients.
 
 
FAQs on SFIC Cores
 
  1. What is a SFIC core?
    A SFIC core is part of a lock set. Locks like the level lock, knob lock, or deadbolt lock are manufactured to accept SFIC cores.
  2. Are SFIC cores secure?
    SFIC locks are very secure, as it’s very challenging to drill into the core of these locks without damaging the pins.
  3. Are all SFIC cores interchangeable?
    No. Some SFIC cores are interchangeable, but others are fixed and the shape of the core may vary. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our experts.
  4. What is the difference between an interchangeable core and a removable core?
    These two phrases are synonymous, meaning that they mean the same thing. An interchangeable core is an easily removable core with the help of a control key, whereas a removable core is one that can be taken out of the locking mechanism to be rekeyed without having to dismantle the entire lock. Since both are “removable” they mean the same thing. 
  5. How to know if an SFIC core is temporary
    The best way to know if an SFIC core is temporary is based on its color. Each manufacturer has its own color scheme, but the color itself determines that the core is temporary for uses such as construction site access. Temporary SFIC cores are not less secure and perform the same way.
  6. Will an SFIC cylinder work with all SFIC cores?
    Yes. All SFIC cores are completely interchangeable and can be quickly and easily changed by using a special control key to remove the core from the lock housing.
 
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