BEST key blanks???

[Raymond]

Best simple answer so far is to contact Best for who can cut the duplicate even though most of us do not like the the Best company!

With everything that has been said about this lock and Peaks core, no one has mentioned that you probably do not have the core removal key. This means that to change cores and keyways, you will probably have to have the lock core drilled out. (additional costs)

The only greatist features this lock has are: 1. key control- cant easily get duplicates and 2. pick resistance. The shackle is easily cuttable and the core is easily drilled to open the lock.

If you are in fear of losing the key and creating a huge momentary personal problem of inconvenience, then plan on getting another padlock. Remember: plan to fail or fail to plan. - Your choice. You can choose the same lock or a bigger, badder one with at least the same or better key control, better pick resistance, and much more destructive entry resistance. However, continuing on with only one key is definitely asking for a problem. At least you asked the most knowledgeable and opinionated group around.

[Irma Herms]

Why the bad words for best, they are the big daddy of lock companies in my opinion as well as many of the largest institutions in the US and make a very solid product. I was working for a university that had 1930's best hardware and was still fully functioning and no other lock company has such a large black market for their product.

also wondering about the Multiplex blanks

FM is the master keyway for A-R. If you can get your hands on one of those and it slides in, you know it should be available from most any locksmith.

Um, no it isn't. FM is sketchy at best and quality control is inadequate even with top brand like Ilco. Best offers such multiplex blanks and if you're going to use the FM, OEM is the only way to go.

It's supposed to fit A,D,E,F and G. It does not fit B,C and H & above. The thing is that, Best knows exactly what machining tolerances are for their cylinders, so they can make it properly. Third parties, not so. I've got some Star brand that do not fit F keyways.

Well said! Your case in point regarding OEM (original equipment manufacturers) keys is well taken, for Master, Schlage, and most of all for BEST.

I have 2 that I know of JK and KM wondering if anyone else knows of any others is DD a multi? BA?

[cledry]

I am constantly replacing BEST cores that have failed, either the working keys stop along with the control key or the control key stops working. This is something that happens at least weekly for me. I don't have the same failure rate with regular master keyed cylinders. I think with the tight tolerances and pin stacks they just don't hold up to the constant use.

[Evan]

I am constantly replacing BEST cores that have failed, either the working keys stop along with the control key or the control key stops working. This is something that happens at least weekly for me. I don't have the same failure rate with regular master keyed cylinders. I think with the tight tolerances and pin stacks they just don't hold up to the constant use.

@cledry:

Any lock under constant use will fail... Master keyed locks will drop a pin eventually, those tight tolerances in Best cores mean that wear has to be detected faster and the core swapped out for one keyed the same way before failure occurs... Most people do not properly maintain locks preventively and only have them repaired or replaced after the failure happens...

~~ Evan