FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
I’ve been asked to order lock cores for a construction project. Is there a difference between a lock core and a lock cylinder?
Yes. Although these terms are often, and mistakenly, used interchangeably during a construction project, they are not the same components.
Which one you need will depend on the type of cylinder specified; standard cylinder or removable core cylinder. Let’s take a look.
Standard Lock Cylinder
If Standard Cylinders are being specified than the term CORE typically means the entire cylinder.
Components to a removable/interchangeable cylinder: Housing, Core and Control Key
If Removable Core Cylinders are being specified than the term CORE typically means just the core.
Consider using the following questions if you’re uncertain whether a cylinder or core is needed:
“You are requesting cores for this project, are these cores for removable core cylinders?”
If the answer is no, the customer is typically referring to the entire cylinder.
If the answer is yes, simply ask:
“…would you like the cylinder housing too or just the cores?”
AND
“…do the specifications indicate small format or large format cores?”
Verifying and noting whether small or large format cores are specified, is a safeguard that can prevent confusion in the ordering process.
For more information regarding Cylinder Types, please see pages 12-13 of I Speak Locksmith.
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