Today, we received a call from a client in Memphis, TN 38134, right on the border of Bartlett, TN. The client had recently purchased a commercial property—a former Starbucks location—that was being renovated into a new drive-thru business. As part of the renovation, they needed their door locks completely rekeyed and a new master key system set up to ensure secure access as the project progressed.
Many commercial properties, like this one, rely on Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) and Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC) locks, which are widely used in corporate buildings, institutions like hospitals and universities, and retail properties. These locks provide a unique advantage: they can be rekeyed without having to replace the entire lock, thanks to the use of a control key that allows quick and easy swapping of the lock core.
The client explained that multiple contractors had been working on the building, and they had installed temporary construction cores to give workers access. But with the business nearing completion, they needed to replace these cores with a new set of commercial door locks while maintaining security. We were asked to keep the existing cylinder housings and simply replace the internal cores and pins, a job that required rekeying the entire system.
Rekeying SFIC and LFIC Locks
Our work started with decoding each SFIC core and LFIC core one by one. The client had a variety of brands installed on their property, including Falcon, Medeco, Hager, Sargent, and Arrow locks. These are well-known names in commercial security, and each lock core presented its own challenges. We removed each lock core and began the meticulous process of rekeying and repinning them to work with the new master key system.
The new key system required a hierarchy of access:
- Master Keys: These would open multiple doors across the building.
- Sub-Master Keys: Assigned to specific areas, such as certain departments or floors.
- Tenant Keys: Designed to give individual employees or renters access to specific areas.
This approach is standard for businesses that need to control access while allowing flexibility. For example, a manager might have a master key that opens the front door, bathrooms, and offices, while employees only have access to the public areas.
The process also involved creating control keys, which allow the quick swapping of SFIC cores in case the client needs to update the system in the future. This was particularly important for them since they plan to hire more staff and expand access.
Replacing the Existing Locks and Rekeying
For the entrance doors, which had Falcon, Medeco, and Arrow locks, we pulled out the existing lock cores, rekeyed them, and reinstalled them into the same cylinder housings. We even made new Best A keyway and Best J keyway cores from scratch to match the specific doors that had different lock systems.
The bathrooms also needed SFIC cylinder cores replaced, and since they used a push-button mechanical lock with a keyed backup, we rekeyed these cores to match the new system. The push-button locks were Falcon and Arrow brand, so we decoded the existing keys, made master keys, and cut the tenant keys for these locks as well.
Throughout the project, the client asked a few questions:
- “How does a master key system work?” We explained that it allows for specific levels of access, depending on the key you hold. For example, a tenant key will open only one door, while a master key can open several.
- “How quickly can SFIC locks be rekeyed?” We assured them that with the right control key, SFIC locks are fast to rekey—no need to take apart the entire lock. It’s a quick process that keeps costs down and security high.
Door Hardware and Final Adjustments
The job wasn’t just about rekeying; we also made some adjustments to the door hardware itself. Some of the doors had issues with door alignment, so we had to adjust the hinges. We also checked the lock cores to make sure they were functioning perfectly, and even cut new Falcon key blanks and Medeco lock cores to ensure every door was secure.
By the end of the project, we had completely rekeyed the entire building and installed a master key system for the owner. We showed the client the process of using control keys and how easily they could swap out lock cores in the future. The client was pleased with the result, and we’re confident their new security system will serve them well for years to come.
Contact us today for all your Commercial, institutional, University, School, or Hospital lock needs! We also use ANSI/BHMA certified locks when needed or requested.
Tools We Used:
- SFIC Rekeying Kit
- LFIC Rekeying Kit
- Best A Keyway
- Best J Keyway
- Control Keys
- Master and Sub-Master Keys
- Falcon Key Blanks
- Medeco Lock Cores
- Lock Picking Tools
📸 Be sure to check out the images and video footage below of the SFIC and LFIC cores, as well as before-and-after shots of the entry doors. You’ll see the work we did to rekey and repin these locks, along with the tools we used to ensure everything functioned perfectly!
