Question for the experts on IC cores...

[Eazy123]

I'm not a locksmith but I figured I may be able to get some tips here as I've been asked to do a small job.

Word of my interest in locks for the past year has gotten out among people I know and a local Masonic lodge has asked if I can re-pin their three IC locks. The person who asked suggested that I just make one of the key pins (say, position 7) longer and file the key a little deeper at 7. From what I've read, pin stacks in IC cores should be balanced, so is this a good idea?

[Tyler J. Thomas]

No, the pin stack "make up", so to speak, will change. The top pin will remain the same, the other 2 or 3, depending on if it's master keyed, will change (if you want the existing control key to work, at least). When you change the bottom pin, the build-up/control pin and master pin(s), if applicable, will need to be changed as well to compensate for this change.

I wrote an article for my blog (link in signature) about SFIC math. Read it and that should hopefully clarify the relationship of all pins.

[dtsh]

In general, the tolerances for IC cores are tight, making them very unforgiving of errors/deviations.

Since these have a control key, operating key, plus the possibility of some masters, sub masters, etc. I wouldn't consider it unless you're somewhat familiar with how the ICs work (controls vs operation) and have an appropriate pinning kit.

This should at least get you to see what you'll be dealing with.
http://www.bestaccess.com/files/4614/61 ... 011916.pdf

[Eazy123]

No, the pin stack "make up", so to speak, will change. The top pin will remain the same, the other 2 or 3, depending on if it's master keyed, will change (if you want the existing control key to work, at least). When you change the bottom pin, the build-up/control pin and master pin(s), if applicable, will need to be changed as well to compensate for this change.

I wrote an article for my blog (link in signature) about SFIC math. Read it and that should hopefully clarify the relationship of all pins.

Thank you - I will read your article. It's not master keyed - there is one control key and all three are keyed the same for access. Basically one for the back door and two for the front door.

[Eazy123]

In general, the tolerances for IC cores are tight, making them very unforgiving of errors/deviations.

Since these have a control key, operating key, plus the possibility of some masters, sub masters, etc. I wouldn't consider it unless you're somewhat familiar with how the ICs work (controls vs operation) and have an appropriate pinning kit.

This should at least get you to see what you'll be dealing with.
http://www.bestaccess.com/files/4614/61 ... 011916.pdf

A couple of months ago I was given an IC free from a lock shop and took it apart to get a better understanding of how they work. So I have a basic understanding of how they work but I would have figured it's not as easy as a longer key pin in one stack and filing that location lower on the key - if anything I thought a longer key pin and a shorter center pin would suffice.

[GWiens2001]

It takes tools to properly reassemble a Best SFIC.

Gordon

[tpark]

If I didn't have the tools already, I'd be inclined to get 3 keyed alike cores and a bunch of keys from a local locksmith and replace 'em all. Since door locks are an "in use" item, you really don't want the cores to screw up, and they may get some heavy usage. If something screws up, then suddenly it's your problem, but if the cores come from a locksmith, then the smith can address it. There's nothing magic about SFIC, but if a core gets jammed up, it can be a real headache. GWiens2001 is right - it does take the right tools to reassemble SFIC cores, plus proper code cutting equipment to do the keys. If you had a lab annex, a pinning kit for the system the cores were pinned to, and a supply of caps and springs, you could probably repin one of the chambers so one of the pins needed a deeper cut, then file that cut down on the keys to make it work. It can be done, but without the right tools, it's easy to screw the job up.

[Robotnik]

Agree with tpark and Gordon. If you're not fully equipped with SFIC tools and a pin kit, don't attempt working on these. I can combinate a core in my sleep, and easily pin them when I have access to tools, but don't do so at home for precisely the reasons stated.

[Eazy123]

Thanks, all. I have access to the tools so I'll give it a shot.

[Raymond]

Before you screw it up, PLEASE study the formulas and understand the pinning structure. SFIC is very exact and must use a balanced stack. If you change one pin length you must compensate with another. They are not difficult if you understand this.

[Eazy123]

Before you screw it up

I completed the job and everything works. Thanks for the vote of confidence, all.

[GWiens2001]

Congrats, Easy123.

Gordon

[Eazy123]

Congrats, Easy123.

Gordon

Thank you for all your advice and articles! I still have plenty of reading to do.

[Raymond]

We are glad to hear that you have had a successful project. Here's hopes for many more.