Patented Keying System

| VAULT

Product Description

At the heart of the PDQ VAULT system is the patented VAULT Door, a precision-engineered, tapered gate inside the core that physically blocks unauthorized keys from entering.

Only the specially tapered VAULT Key can pass through this barrier, making it impossible for standard keys to even engage with the core. That means you control who gets access, and when.

But here’s the smart part:

VAULT Keys can still operate standard cores, allowing you to phase your upgrade over time. Secure the perimeter first, then work your way inside, all without disrupting your current system.

Docs & Downloads:

Brochure

Architectural Submittal Sheet

Engineered for security, flexibility, and seamless integration, PDQ VAULT is the next-generation keying solution built to meet the evolving demands of modern facilities.

PDQ VAULT delivers unmatched hybrid keying flexibility, enabling seamless integration of both PDQ and standard SFIC cores—ideal for large campuses and phased upgrades
Its patented design (U.S. Patent #12338653, protected through 2044) ensures superior key control and prohibits unauthorized duplication
VAULT’s universal compatibility with existing SFIC hardware eliminates the need for costly new tools or equipment
Quick core swaps, custom master keying, and 7-pin configurations make it a powerful upgrade for any facility
Only authorized distributors can supply VAULT keys and cores, ensuring strict compliance with PDQ’s Key Control Policy
BHMA certified and backward compatible
Backed by a 5-year warranty

VAULT is the secure, scalable, and cost-effective solution for today’s demanding access control environments.

Features & Benefits

FAQs

What is PDQ's VAULT keying system, and what makes it different from a typical high-security keyway?

VAULT is PDQ's own patented keying platform, protected under U.S. Patent #12338653 through 2044, built around a tapered gate inside the core that physically blocks any key except the matching VAULT key from engaging the pins. Unlike a generic high-security sidebar keyway, this blocking mechanism and its key blank exist exclusively within PDQ's own patent and distribution network, no other manufacturer can legally produce it.

How long is VAULT's patent protection good for?

VAULT is protected under U.S. Patent #12338653 through 2044, giving facilities roughly two more decades of assurance that its tapered-gate blocking mechanism and key blank can't be legally manufactured or sold by anyone but PDQ. That runway is what separates VAULT from a restricted keyway that could eventually be licensed or replicated by a competing key system.

Can VAULT cores be installed gradually without replacing every lock at once?

Yes, VAULT is hybrid-compatible with standard SFIC (small-format interchangeable core) hardware, so VAULT cores drop into existing SFIC housings and VAULT keys can still operate standard cores during the transition. That lets a campus or multi-building portfolio convert door-by-door instead of doing a disruptive, all-at-once cutover.

Can VAULT be master-keyed across a large facility?

Yes, VAULT is available in a 7-pin configuration that supports custom master-keying, so a facility can build a full key hierarchy (grand master, master, sub-master, change keys) on PDQ's own patented platform instead of a keyway shared with other manufacturers. Combined with quick core swaps, this fits campuses needing centralized control across many buildings and access levels.

When should I specify VAULT instead of PDQ's High Security cores?

Specify VAULT when the priority is a keyway no other manufacturer can legally produce, backed by patent protection through 2044 and a strict, authorized-distributor-only Key Control Policy. PDQ's High Security core delivers anti-drill and sidebar pick resistance in a more conventional cylinder format; VAULT adds patent-exclusivity plus hybrid SFIC compatibility for facilities prioritizing closed-loop key control during a phased rollout.

Where can I get VAULT keys and cores, and what finishes are available?

VAULT keys and cores are sold only through PDQ's authorized distributors under its Key Control Policy, which keeps outside vendors and hardware stores from cutting or stocking blanks. The cores are BHMA certified, backed by a 5-year warranty, and available in 606 (US4) satin brass and 626 (US26D) satin chromium finishes.