Interchangeable Cores

An interchangeable core lets you pull the entire keyed core out of the lock body with a control key and drop in a new one, without removing the lockset from the door or calling a locksmith. PDQ describes this as restoring security "within seconds." A standard, non-removable cylinder requires disassembling the lock or re-pinning it in place to rekey, which takes longer and typically needs a trained locksmith.

With a PDQ interchangeable core, on-site staff use a control key to remove the compromised core and install a new one in seconds, rather than scheduling a locksmith visit. PDQ's own product description frames this exact scenario (lost or stolen keys), as the core use case for facilities that need to restore security immediately without downtime.

PDQ's IC cylinders are built for the MR Series commercial mortise lock, KM Series heavy-duty deadbolt, GT Series Grade 1 cylindrical lock, and exit device trims (6W, 6N, 6C, 4EW, 4EN). Standardizing on one core format across this mix lets a facility manager rekey mortise locks, deadbolts, and exit trim with the same control key system instead of juggling different rekeying procedures per hardware type.

No. The system is designed so any trained facility staff member can remove and replace a core using a control key, without disassembling the lockset. This eliminates locksmith service calls for routine rekeys triggered by staff turnover, lost keys, or tenant changes, the main reason facility managers with many doors choose IC over a standard cylinder.

Choose interchangeable cores if doors get rekeyed often (multi-tenant offices, apartment turnover, schools), since IC lets staff swap cores on demand with no locksmith. PDQ's standard cylinder cores cost less but require removing the lock or re-pinning to rekey, which works fine for owner-occupied buildings with low tenant turnover and infrequent key changes.

PDQ's IC cylinders are built around rekeying speed and convenience, not forced-entry resistance. If pick and drill resistance against unauthorized entry is the priority instead, PDQ's High Security core adds two hardened anti-drill pins and a proprietary sidebar keyway, a different core built for security hardening rather than fast field rekeying.