Any commercial locksmiths? Sfic / keyway questions

[uscarry45]

I am in the market for some small format interchangeable core locks. I understand the pros and cons of the lock. I am having a difficult time deciding on a best keyway. A / E / F / K / WY etc. I am not trying to match up to anything just starting fresh. I see some advertised with extra thick keys although I am not sure which keyways support the extra thick keys but this appeals to me I thick the BEST brand keyways are what I want to stick with I am leaning towards 7 pin. Ok help me decide On a keyway. Is their an advantage to one keyway over another? Is my local locksmith more likely to have blanks for one over another? What’s what difference besides shape of a-e-f-h etc over the ta tb or wa wy etc?

thanks in advance

 

[spatchthepunk]

I've been a locksmith at a small college for 21 years. We have been on the best system forever. The patent has run out on those keyways so they are available just about anywhere.I would stick to the A or E keyways. 6 pin would be fine as not all locks accept 7 pin cores.Beware that the pinning info is carefully guarded and not given out if you ever need more cores,also make sure you get a control key to remove and install the core.I would find a local locksmith that works with the sfic system and will work with you.My doors all have the sfic system, it works great when you have contractors you need to give access to your space,just takes a minute to swap out the core and give them a key that does not open other doors.Master lock has rebranded Uscan locks and deadbolts that are great quality for the price and are superior to any of the big box store stuff.I have seen them on Amazon.
Spatch

 

[ddawg16]

This is one of the reasons GJ is such a great site....the depth of knowledge

And right about now there are most likely a few guys wondering the same thing I am. WTF is a core lock?

I would be grateful on a 'locks 101' primer.
I know a lot of us are always wondering what locks we should use. I've never worried too much because if someone wants in, it's only a matter of how much carnage they are willing to impart.

 

[spatchthepunk]

There are large format and small format interchangeable lock cores as well as other systems. Basically instead of pulling the lock apart to remove the keyable part you insert a special key (control key) that turns back a side part of the lock core to remove it you then reverse the process for the new core.In my case when a student loses a key to their dorm door I slip out the old insert the new different keyed core in a few seconds.Keys in this system are stamped, not cut on a machine.A typical system like mine includes a control key ,grand master key,master key,submaster key and an operating key.If I remember right my two systems (dorms and buildings are on 2 different keyways) have a potential to have over 300 thousand different operating keys.
Spatch

 

[spatchthepunk]

Ddawg I agree It's easier to just chuck a rock through a window than defeat even the cheapest deadbolt.I have had every type of break in attempt you could imagine on my campus, none of them involved manipulating the keyway.I would suggest a minimum of a grade 2 lockset or deadbolt, grade 1 is overkill.I can open almost any schlage or kwikset homeowner lock in just a few taps with a bump key or picking with tools,that will never happen with a commercial grade keyway.
Spatch

 

[californiamilleghia]

THANKS for the info,
are there any flush mount deadbolts ?

I need to upgrade my CHEVY Express van as the stock locks are mounted in plastic and easy to punch out !

thanks

 

[ddawg16]

Thanks Spatch....good info

We have actually moved to electronic locks on our house doors. No keys to keep up with. They will just break a window or kick in the door....then get to make peace with God....after they meet Noir.......our 120 lb black lab with some really big teeth.....if they live, well, they will be shitting out 2 *** holes.

But, then again...ever since we got Noir....0 problems. It's fun to watch them on my camera...they hear the dogs and leave

 

[spatchthepunk]

Sorry not much help on the van.I do know lots of the commercial guys use a surface mount set up that includes a hasp and a puck like padlock that fits over the top,search for hidden shackle padlock.
Ddawg I agree the best home defense is a big dog,and plenty of lighting around the property also in my case moving to a small town with great neighbors who know I didn't invite some guy to pillage my garage or house is invaluable.
If folks want to search through a good resource for quality door hardware I suggest looking through Doylesecurityproducts.com online catalog. They don't sell to the public but if you find something you think would work most of it is available on the open market
Spatch

 

[egdede]

They are the locks that look like a figure 8 or a double stacked cylinder. Some of the keyways might be less common and harder for locksmiths to locate. You probably can't get duplicate keys at Lowes (a plus for me).

At first i wanted SFIC that way I could have only 1 key. All the padlocks and doors, cupboard doors in my shop (when it's reassembled) open with 1 master key. I have bicycle cable locks that work on my master key. I have a hockey-puck type lock (not deployed yet).


I'm the most important guy in the house because i can open everything with 1 key.

I went with arrow at my house because I got a better deal than a Best system. To my understanding, they are not really bumpable. This WAY more important than being unpickable.

Now, if I need to leave a key for a tradesperson I replace my core with a special core for - wait for it - tradespeople, and leave a key out that only fits that core. After they are done, I put the regular core back in.

That way, if James bond shows up with modeling clay to duplicate my key it won't matter: I'll have changed the core!

 

[lmalcomb]

I am in the market for some small format interchangeable core locks. I understand the pros and cons of the lock. I am having a difficult time deciding on a best keyway. A / E / F / K / WY etc. I am not trying to match up to anything just starting fresh. I see some advertised with extra thick keys although I am not sure which keyways support the extra thick keys but this appeals to me I thick the BEST brand keyways are what I want to stick with I am leaning towards 7 pin. Ok help me decide On a keyway. Is their an advantage to one keyway over another? Is my local locksmith more likely to have blanks for one over another? What’s what difference besides shape of a-e-f-h etc over the ta tb or wa wy etc?

thanks in advance

I would use one of the Best premium keyways WA, WB, WC, WD, WE, WG, WH, WY.
They are thicker & less prone to breaking. Also They specially designed to be difficult to clamp in most key machine vises so even If Somebody can get the blanks it would not be easy to duplicate the key.