Unican code-lock with interchangable core on outside lever

by **msturtz** » 13 May 2004 13:51

Hi, I have a Unican code-lock (5-button type), and the outside lever has a schlage interchangable core key-lock (override to the code portion).

Regular leverlocks you pick the cylindar and remove the lever (or remove it by other means and shim it-- sometimes not possible), then pull out the cylindar and re-key it. But I've never worked with IC's-- how to get this one out?

-Matt-

by **Chucklz** » 13 May 2004 14:37

First, I would just suggest that you dont use leverlock for a lever handled lock on this site. Many of our members are from the UK/Europe, where a lever lock means something entirely different.

Picking is possible, but not easy in many cases. I would suggest you drill the control shear line, and give it a good pull with a slam hammer and be done with it.

by **randmguy** » 13 May 2004 16:42

Are you trying to avoid damage to the handle, the core or the ic housing? There are easy ways to pull the core without picking but all of them are going to cause damage to some part of the assembly. More info would be helpful...are you trying to pull the core so it can be decoded, are you switching to a different key system, or are you just trying to rekey the lock? And you should find the person resposible for installing an sfic without a control key record and give them a mild beating. :lol:

by **Chucklz** » 13 May 2004 17:08

If you plan on drilling out the control lug (think Peterson SFIC jig) you could then decode the control key if needed for other cores, and then of course beat the person who installed the SFIC for making you do their work (keeping a record of control bitting) for them, and then beat them again for making you drill out a good core.

by **CaptHook** » 13 May 2004 18:02

Something Ive noticed with alot of SFICs, depending on how well they are keyed. If you find a tension wrench that fits snugly into the bottom of the keyway, you can put a moderate amount of pressure on the control sleeve. Medium to heavy turning pressure(clockwise) and heavy raking(half diamond) will pick alot of ICs to their control shearline. Im assuming the knobset you are talking about is a kaba/ilco. If you dont have the control key, Im guessing you dont have the spanner/combination key either?
Chuck

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 13 May 2004 18:03

{edited by Varjeal: information mentioned doesn't belong in open forum.)

by **msturtz** » 13 May 2004 18:16

I'm simply trying to re-key it... The building sat empty for 2+ years (a victim of a dot-bomb)-- I suspect there might have _been_ records, but I certainly don't have them and neither does the property manager... I actually had to pull the lock apart and re-set the combo-- nobody had that either, but I found the procedure for doing it, and I do have a spanner / change key. I have never worked with IC's, but have re-keyed tons of regular cylindars.

Drilling the IC seems like the best idea, since I would think they're readily available. My first question was, is it possible to dis-assemble it and remove the core from the inside, then allowing me to shim it? Failing that, where can I get a replacement if I drill it, and other info I might need in working with IC's? Do I need a seperate pin kit?

Thanks for the prompt replies... :-)

-Matt-

by **Chucklz** » 13 May 2004 18:33

You are not going to be able to remove the core from the lock without drilling/picking/control key. You will need a new pin kit, and some special eqiupment (capping block, tools to dump cores... probably other things Im forgetting) if you want to get into SFIC. Heres a bit of a picture showing the control lug

by **randmguy** » 13 May 2004 18:38

Yes you can shim the core but you have to take it out of the housing first. If you just want it gone then drill it and replace the lever handle with non sfic hardware. You can get replacement cores easily but you are going to need a different pin kit...sfic's use smaller diameter pins than standard cylinders. If you want a new sfic just visit your local locksmith and have him pin you a new core and and control/master/change key. Its going to be cheaper to have several done professionally than to buy a pin kit ($80 wholesale) and a capping tool ($40-190 wholesale).

by **CaptHook** » 13 May 2004 18:49

I would try picking the control shearline first. If its not keyed really high/low, my method works an uncanny amount of the time. This will save you the cost of the replacement core. If it doesnt work for you, go ahead and drill it. Just be sure and find a thick wrench, works as well for me as does the SFIC wrenches.
Chuck

by **c123** » 28 Mar 2007 1:22

If it's a Schlage large format ic then the control key is the same as the working key except that it is 1/2 space longer to engage a single pin at the back of the lock cyl. The lever has to be rotated 180 degrees to get the retainer to the bottom access hole. If the door can be accessed from the inside, simply pick the small cyl at the top several times ccw. it is on a long screw that allows access to the programming pin. remove the inside lever, unscrew the ring, remove the cover plate and you can get the entire lock assy off the door. Now comes the fun part. 6 screws hold the back cover on. under that is the guts of the unican. looking at it from the back with the there are 2 arms left and right. remove the tiny snap ring from the right arm. 3 screws hold a greassy mechanism. be very careful to keep the parts in order as you remove them. under the last plate there is a spring loaded arm. when you remove that piece, you can pull up on the spindle, rotate the outside lever 180 degrees and then depress the retainer through the hole in the bottom of the unican. the lever will fall off in your lap...... good luck, i have hated these things from the first day i saw them.

by **2octops** » 28 Mar 2007 19:59

C123 is correct on the removal procedure and how a Schlage LFIC works.

Everyone else was talking about Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) for some reason. Schlage does NOT make a SFIC core, all they make is Large Format.

Pick the core and remember to get that last pin and it will come right out. If you forget the last pin, the latch will retract and you need to pick it again.

by **Shrub** » 28 Mar 2007 20:02

I really do hope that 3 years down the line he has actually opend the lock long ago lol

by **msturtz** » 28 Mar 2007 23:11

Opening it wasn't the problem, as I had the _code_, I just wanted to set up the _key_... I never was able to get it out, but I didn't try very hard, either. However, we have long-since moved from that office building -- new one has a card-access system, and Sargent LA hardware.

by **2octops** » 29 Mar 2007 9:41

Shrub wrote:I really do hope that 3 years down the line he has actually opend the lock long ago lol

ROFLMAO

I didn't even notice that.

Unican code-lock with interchangable core on outside lever

Unican code-lock with interchangable core on outside lever

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