Skip to content
    Talk to an Expert
      Talk to an Expert
        Precision-fit SFIC, LFIC, and patented VAULT® cores, in stock and ready to ship, so a lost key never turns into a stalled project.

        Keys & Cores That Ship in 1-5 Days, Not Weeks

        Talk To An Expert

        Locksmith hand-pinning a lock core, placing pins from a sorted pin kit tray, with cut keys and oil bottle nearby.

         

        A Lost Key Shouldn't Cost You a Week

        A key goes missing. A tenant moves out. A contractor loses access mid-project. However it happens, an unsecured door is a liability you can't sit on, and neither can your timeline. Traditional rekeying means calling a locksmith, waiting on parts, and hoping the fix holds until the next incident. PDQ's interchangeable core systems put that control back in your hands. Your own team swaps a compromised core in seconds, and the replacement ships fast enough that you're never caught exposed.

        Three Ways to Secure Every Door: All Ship on the Same Fast Turnaround

        PDQ's key systems span standard commercial security through patented, restricted-keyway protection, so you're never paying for more, or less, than the application calls for.

        SFIC & LFIC

        Interchangeable Cores

        Rekey a door in seconds. No locksmith required. Available in Small and Large Format to match your existing key system. Your own staff swaps the core with a control key.

        View Cores
        STANDARD

        Standard Cylinders

        Reliable security for everyday doors. Built with the same high-quality materials as the rest of the PDQ line, at a lower cost than High Security or VAULT options. A smart fit for lower-traffic doors and straightforward applications.

        View Cylinders
        PATENTED

        VAULT Keying System

        A patented, tapered gate blocks every key except the one you issue. Hybrid-compatible with standard SFIC hardware, so you can upgrade in phases with no new tools needed.

        View VAULT
        HSC

        High Security Cylinders

        Two hardened anti-drill pins and a proprietary sidebar keyway. Built for high-traffic doors and higher-risk applications where standard cylinders fall short.

        View HSC Cylinders
        • SFIC & LFIC interchangeable cores: swap a compromised core in seconds with a control key, no locksmith callout and no downtime
        • Precision-fit engineering: every core integrates directly with PDQ mortise locks, cylindrical locks, deadbolts, and exit device trim
        • Two hardened anti-drill pins + proprietary sidebar keyway: resists the picking and drilling techniques that beat standard cylinders
        • Patented VAULT key control: a tapered gate blocks every key except the one you issue, while VAULT keys still operate your standard cores during a phased rollout
        • 1–5 business day shipping: order today, install this week, and keep every project on schedule

        Talk To An Expert

        Keys & Cores at a Glance

        Spec Detail
        Core formats SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Core), LFIC (Large Format Interchangeable Core), Patented VAULT SFIC
        Security levels Standard Cylinders, High Security Cylinders (2 anti-drill pins + sidebar keyway), VAULT (restricted keyway, patented)
        Certifications BHMA certified (High Security Cylinders, VAULT)
        Warranty 5-year warranty on VAULT; confirm IC/HSC terms with your PDQ rep
        Compatibility PDQ mortise locks, cylindrical locks, deadbolts, and exit device trim; no new tools required for VAULT
        Finishes 606 (US4) Satin Brass, 626 (US26D) Satin Chromium; confirm availability by product
        Availability Sold through PDQ's authorized distributor network
        Shipping 1–5 business days

         

        Common Questions

        What's the difference between SFIC and LFIC?

        SFIC (Small Format) and LFIC (Large Format) are two industry-standard core formats that determine which control key and housing your hardware uses. PDQ offers both, so you can match whatever format your building already runs.

        Can my own maintenance staff rekey a core, or do I need a locksmith?

        With PDQ's interchangeable core system, non-locksmith personnel can rekey a door in seconds. Remove the compromised core with a control key, drop in the replacement, and security is restored.

        How fast will my order actually ship?

        Most keys and cores orders ship within 1 to 5 business days of order confirmation, so a lost key or stalled project doesn't sit unresolved for weeks.

        What makes VAULT different from a standard interchangeable core?

        VAULT adds a patented, tapered gate that physically blocks any key except the one PDQ issues you. It's backward-compatible with standard SFIC hardware for phased upgrades.

        Do I need special tools to install VAULT?

        No. VAULT is engineered for universal compatibility with existing SFIC hardware, so there's no new tooling or equipment required.

        Where can I buy PDQ keys and cores?

        PDQ's key systems are sold through PDQ's network of authorized distributors, keeping key control compliant with PDQ's Key Control Policy. Talk to a rep to find a distributor near you.

        Don't Let a Lost Key Become a Stalled Project

        Most orders ship in 1 to 5 business days. Talk to a PDQ keying specialist about the right core format, security level, and quantity for your next project.