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      Cylinders

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      Product Description

      Introducing PDQ's Standard Cylinder Cores. These cores offer a standard level of security, unlike our high security cores that are used for higher traffic areas. PDQ cores are built with high quality materials to make sure that your doors are protected against unauthorized access. Connect with one of our regionalized sales reps for value-engineered door hardware solutions.

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      FAQs

      What is a standard cylinder core, and when is it the right choice?

      PDQ's Standard Cylinder Cores are conventional, non-interchangeable pin-tumbler cores that provide a baseline level of security for everyday doors. PDQ positions them as offering "a standard level of security," in contrast to its High Security cores, which are intended for higher-traffic, higher-risk openings, making standard cores the right call for lower-risk doors on the same project.

      Are standard cylinder cores a cost-effective option for a large multi-door project?

      Yes, PDQ markets these as part of its "value-engineered door hardware solutions," a lower-cost baseline for specs where not every door needs high-security or interchangeable-core features. They pair with Grade 1 and Grade 2 rated locksets, so a project can hit its required ANSI/BHMA grade without paying for rekeying or forced-entry features that low-risk doors don't need.

      Which doors in a building are good candidates for standard cores instead of high security cores?

      Interior offices, storage closets, break rooms, and other low-traffic, low-risk openings are good fits, reserving PDQ's High Security cores (with their anti-drill pins and sidebar keyway), for exterior entries and higher-risk points where forced entry or key duplication is a real concern. This lets a spec allocate hardware cost where the risk actually is.

      What PDQ lock series accept the standard cylinder core?

      It fits the SF Series (Grade 2) and XGT Series (Grade 1) cylindrical locks, KT Series extra-heavy-duty deadbolts, and trim such as 4EW wide escutcheons, 6N narrow escutcheons, 6T thumb latches, and 4K sectional knobs, covering both grade levels with one core format for mixed-spec projects.

      What am I giving up by choosing a standard core over an interchangeable core?

      A standard PDQ core rekeys the traditional way (removing pins or pulling the lock, generally with a locksmith), so it's less convenient anywhere keys change often. For doors with frequent turnover, such as leasing offices or dorms, specify PDQ's Interchangeable Core there instead and keep standard cores on doors that stay keyed long-term, where the lower cost matters more than rekey speed.

      Will a standard cylinder core meet code for a commercial building?

      The core itself doesn't determine code compliance; that comes from the lockset's ANSI/BHMA grade and any life-safety egress requirements. PDQ's Standard Cylinder Cores are built to pair with its Grade 1 and Grade 2 rated cylindrical locks and deadbolts (SF, XGT, KT Series), so confirm the lock body meets your project's required grade and the standard core covers everyday protection on top of that.

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