Interchangeable core

"Small format" interchangeable cores (SFIC) are in a figure-eight shape that is standardized among lock manufacturers.

Extracted cores can then be recombinated at a workshop without urgency and placed back into maintenance storage for future use.

Conventional cylinder and removable core systems are significantly more limited in this regard since the extra length of their keys must pass through to the inside of the locking mechanism, which is often just not physically possible.

Product offerings are no longer limited just to the two originally competing companies (Best Universal Lock and Falcon Lock), and can be optionally specified from all OEM and most aftermarket door hardware brands in North America: Abus, Alarm Lock, American, Arrow, Best Access, Best Security, BlueWave, Cal-Royal, Corbin-Russwin, CX-5, Dorma, Falcon, GMS, General Lock, Hager, IEI, Ilco, Independence2, InstaKey, K2, Kaba, KSP - Killeen Security Products, Lori, LSDA, Marks, Master, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Oak Security Group, Olympus, Omnilock, Onity, Pacific Lock, PDQ, Precision, Saflok, Sargent, Schlage, SDC, Tell, Trans-Atlantic, Von Duprin and Yale either produce their own interchangeable cores or else offer product lines or product options to accommodate such cores by others.

Large format removable cores from manufacturers Assa Abloy, BiLock, Corbin-Russwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Sargent, Schlage and Yale are not interchangeable with any other make or model.

A six-pin interchangeable core with an 'A' keyway and individual chamber capping in an ANSI/BHMA 626 satin chrome finish
This classic interchangeable core, which features an 'A' keyway, comprises the upper two figure-eight segments in this image. The lowermost segment is part of the lock unit and not an extension of the "small format" core.
Electronic lock core
Electronic lock core