Interchangeable Core (IC) Lock Systems — Ocala & Central Florida
Swap the core, not the lock. IC systems let a trained key holder rekey a door in minutes with a control key — no locksmith visit and no hardware removal required for routine changes.
What we offer
Interchangeable Core Locks you can count on
An interchangeable core lock separates the removable key cylinder (the 'core') from the rest of the lock body. A control key pulls the old core out and drops a new one in, changing what key opens the door in under a minute — the door hardware itself never comes off. This is standard in institutional and larger commercial settings — schools, apartment complexes, office buildings with frequent turnover — because it moves routine rekeying from a locksmith service call to something property staff can do themselves once trained, while we still control who gets control keys and where new cores come from.
How core swapping works
The control key retracts a locking lug and the core lifts straight out, without touching screws, faceplates, or the door itself. A new, pre-pinned core drops in and locks into place. The whole exchange takes under a minute per door once someone's trained on it.
Best/Falcon and other IC systems
Best and Falcon are the most common small-format IC (SFIC) core manufacturers, with Corbin Russwin and Sargent large-format cores also common in institutional settings. We install and key systems compatible with the major manufacturers, and can typically integrate IC cores into a broader master key hierarchy.
Who should have a control key
Control keys are the whole point of an IC system, and also the whole risk — anyone holding one can pull and swap cores. We help clients decide who realistically needs one (usually a facilities manager or property owner, not every staff member) as part of the system design.
Pre-pinned spare cores for fast turnover
Properties with frequent tenant or unit turnover often keep a stock of pre-pinned spare cores on hand, so a unit can be rekeyed the same day a tenant moves out without waiting on a locksmith to cut new pins on-site.
Pricing guide
What to expect
IC core cylinder installation
Per door, hardware included
Spare pre-pinned core
Per core, keyed to your system
Control key & system setup
Based on door count
All prices quoted upfront before work begins. No hidden fees.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is an interchangeable core system worth it for a small property?+
IC cores earn their cost on properties with regular turnover — apartment complexes, rental units, offices that change staff or tenants often — where routine rekeying happens frequently enough that avoiding a service call each time adds up. For a property with one or two doors and rare turnover, standard cylinders and occasional professional rekeying is usually simpler and cheaper. We'll give you a straight answer on whether the switch makes sense for your specific property rather than defaulting to the more expensive system.
Can I convert my existing commercial locks to interchangeable core?+
In most cases, yes — many commercial lock bodies (particularly Schlage, Corbin Russwin, and similar Grade 1/2 commercial hardware) accept an IC core retrofit without replacing the full lock, since the core housing is a standard format across brands that support it. We'll survey your existing hardware to confirm compatibility before quoting, since a small number of lock bodies aren't IC-compatible and would need full replacement instead.
What happens if a control key is lost?+
This is the one real vulnerability of an IC system, since a lost control key could theoretically let someone pull and swap cores throughout the property. If a control key is lost or a control-key holder leaves under bad circumstances, we recommend rekeying to a new control key level promptly — which affects the control-key layer only, not the individual door cores, so it's a contained fix rather than a full property rekey.
Ready to get started?
Call us now or fill out the form above. Bonded, insured, and available 7 days a week.
Call (352) 230-1659