Interchangeable core

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An interchangeable core is a compact keying mechanism in a specific "small format" or figure-eight shape. It is directly inserted and extracted by use of a special "control" key, as opposed to a standard key cylinder, which is accessible only via locking device disassembly. Although operationally similar to removeable cores, which come in varying "large formats" or snowman shapes, an interchangeable core neither dictates nor excludes the use of a particular hardware manufacturer; in other words, whereas a typical large format key system of Brand X must be expanded with Brand X cores and must use Brand X cylindrical locks and cylinder housings, a typical small format key system of Brand A can be expanded with cores from Brands A, B, C, D, E, etc and can also be used with locks and housings from Brands A, B, C, D, E, etc...

Interchangeable cores can be extracted from one lock type (bored cylindrical lock, mortise lock, padlock, etc.) and installed into another without removal or disassembly of either. These cores were designed to permit an administrator to rekey without possessing particular expertise.

Interchangeable cores are readily adapted for master keying systems and can be set up with spare cores and keys for quick replacement in an emergency (such as a stolen key or personnel change). Extracted cores can then be rekeyed without urgency and placed back into maintenance storage for future use.

The interchangeable core was invented by Frank Best in 1912^[1]. Frank Best went on to found Best Universal Lock Company, which is now known as Stanley Security/Best Access Systems, Inc. Although the Best brand name is the most well known^{[citation needed]}, these types of cores are also available from other manufacturers, including Arrow, CX5, Corbin-Russwin, Dorma, Falcon, Hager, Kaba-Ilco, KSP, Lori, Medeco, Sargent, Schlage, Ultra Security and Yale.

Large format removeable cores are available from manufacturers including ASSA-Abloy, BiLock, Corbin-Russwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Sargent, Schlage and Yale. These types of cores are for exclusive use with keying systems of the same manufacturer. Although similar in appearance, no two makes have exactly the same form and function. For example, Schlage cores are released and secured via a backside pin that is controlled by a specialized key blank cut to match any functioning change key or master key or combination thereof; however, Corbin-Russwin cores have a separate shear line that allows a partial two-chambered core section to rotate and is controlled via distinct cuts on a common change key blank or master key blank.

[edit] References

1. ^ http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1582/is_/ai_n7565893 Indianapolis Business Journal, Nov 2002