SFIC Locks-Complete Locking System

The SFIC (small format interchangeable core) locks has been around since the mid 1960’s. Best and Flacon lock companies started competing with each other selling these locks. Now more than 20 manufacturers make SFIC locks. They go from what some call commodity locks all the way up to high security locks with restricted keyways and electronic SFIC locks.

At the heart of the SFIC lock is the SFIC lock core. The core is what has made these locks so successful. All cores must be manufactured to a certain size to fit into the locksets, deadbolt and padlock body. Most manufacturers compete by designing new keyways, patented lock cores and lock hardware.

You can take an SFIC lock core from one manufacturer and it should fit into the lock hardware, padlock body and deadbolt lock of all the other manufacturers. This is why it is very easy to create a complete locking system either through one manufacturer or several, but using the lock core from one.

Here are some examples of SFIC Locks:

The ability to create very large master and grand master systems
Key the padlock on the gate and the employee entry door to operate with the same key
SFIC lock core will go into mortise locks, rim locks, lever locks, deadbolt locks and padlocks
Very easy to remove and replace the lock core
Rekeying can be completed almost instantly

One of the biggest benefits of the SFIC lock system is the ability to rekey or change the lock core almost instantly. Each lock system will have a “change key”. This key will remove the core and will be the same key used to install a new lock core. The change key itself will not open the lock. The benefit is if there is a security breach, someone loses a key or steals a key; the affected door lock can be rekeyed very quickly.

Another benefit is the ability of manufacturers to make high security lock cores to the SFIC specifications. This provides a very secure locking system used in government, military or other high security installations. Electronic SFIC locks are also being made by at least 2 major manufacturers. This will bring all the convenience, security and audit ability that electronic locks offer.

It is easy to see why SFIC locks offer a complete locking system that has the ability to keep growing.