Skip to content

Reduce Costs With the Turn of a Key

Simply turn a step change key to change the affected locks in seconds. InstaKey’s user-rekeyable cores are a simple, cost-effective alternative to locksmith callouts or managing a core swap program. You don’t have to purchase extra cores and keys or wait for a locksmith to change the locks for you. Depending on your key system design, there are up to 12 rekeys available. Just purchase the next set of keys in a Rekeying Kit instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on additional locks and locksmith services.

ROIChart

Master Key System? No problem

When an InstaKey master key is lost or stolen, simply rekey all locks at the master level and issue new master keys. There is no need to change or distribute any of the lower level keys as they are unaffected, becoming extremely cost-effective. Rekeys are designed to only change the key level of the breached key, not all keys in the system.

How the Rekey Works

Is it magic? No. Just genius design. Our patented technology allows authorized personnel to rekey locks by simply inserting and turning a step change key 180 degrees. That’s it. There’s nothing to disassemble, no one to call and no tools are necessary.

Lock Care Recommendation

Warning:
Avoid using liquid lubricants or solvents in locks as they can lead to debris accumulation and corrosion, potentially degrading lock operation and functionality.

Preventative Maintenance:
Each InstaKey Rekeying Kit contains a small bottle of dry graphite lubricant designed for metal-to-metal contact. Use it before each rekey and it will help prolong the life of your locks.

Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC)

Small Format Interchangeable Cores are figure 8 cylinders that can be removed from the lock hardware with the use of a control key. Our SFIC cores are designed to be rekeyed in the hardware without the need to remove or swap cores. These SFIC cores are available in both 6-pin and 7-pin configurations.

Instant-Key-2006-2

Get Other Brands of SFIC Cores Faster with InstaKey Fulfillment

We offer more than just InstaKey user-rekeyable cores. If you're not quite ready to convert over to InstaKey SFIC cores, we can get you the cores you are currently using, but much faster.  We partner with industry suppliers to fulfill orders on almost any SFIC core on the market today.You don't have time to wait a few weeks to get your order and we won't keep you waiting. You'll have your order delivered in 48 hours or less, in most cases.

Learn More About InstaKey Fulfillment
SFICCore

Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) Lock Hardware

Rim Cylinder Housing
Rim Cylinder Housing
Knobset
Knobset
Gate Switch Adapter
Gate Switch Adapter
Cabinet
Cabinet
Cabinet-Ratchet
Cabinet-Ratchet
Cabinet-Plunger
Cabinet-Plunger
Leverset
Leverset
Padlock
Padlock
Key Sequence Box
Key Sequence Box

Sliding Panel SFIC Cores

Figure 8 cylinders that are designed to secure sliding panel display cabinets, window displays, or other fixtures. The SFIC core acts as a latch securing the sliding panels closed. They are removed from the lock hardware with the use of a control key, releasing the other panel to be open. Our Sliding Panel SFIC cores are designed to be rekeyed in the hardware without the need to remove or swap cores. These SFIC cores are available in select 7-pin configurations.

InstaKey1966

 

SFICCoreWKey

 

Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC)

Small Format Interchangeable Cores are figure 8 cylinders that can be removed from the lock hardware with the use of a control key. Our SFIC cores are designed to be rekeyed in the hardware without the need to remove or swap cores. These SFIC cores are available in both 6-pin and 7-pin configurations.

Instant-Key-2006-2

Conventional Cylinders (CONV)

Standard conventional cylinders are circular shaped and referred to as industry “standard” cylindrical. Our CONV cylinders are designed to retrofit into an assortment of manufacturer’s locksets and housings (i.e. Corbin-Russwin, Falcon, Medeco, Sargent, Schlage, Yale, etc.). Key-n-Knob cylinders are designed for standard cylindrical knobsets and leversets.

CONVCylinder

 

ConventionalKnobset2

 

leverset

 

schlage

 

Mortise Cylinders

These cylinders are threaded with a distinct rear Cam style and designed for retrofit into all types of mortise locksets and door hardware configurations.

MortiseCylinder

Rim Cylinders

These cylinders are designed for retrofit to all types of cylindrical panic device and deadbolt hardware configurations.

rimcyl

High Security Cylinders (HSEC)

High Security (HSEC) cylinders are also circular shaped, but incorporate Medeco-InstaKey® Biaxial security solutions. These HSEC cylinders are designed to utilize two levels of biaxial key cutting (angled cuts), restricted keyways, and drill resistant housings. They can be supplied in industry “standard” line or removable core configurations. Our HSEC cylinders are designed to retrofit into an assortment of manufacturer’s locksets and housings (i.e. Corbin-Russwin, Falcon, Medeco, Sargent, Schlage, Yale, etc.). Key-n-Knob cylinders are designed for standard cylindrical knobsets and leversets.

InstantKey2019

 

InstantKey2024

 

InstantKey2010

 

Medeco-InstaKey® HSEC, Rekeyable, Removable Core

These cylinders are designed to encompass the same level of security and rekeying capabilities as found in the Medeco-InstaKey® Biaxial product line. We provide these removable cylinders in standard large format (side Lug) or Medeco-Yale (rear Lug) programs.

HSRemovableCoreControl

Ancillary Hardware

We partner with industry suppliers to offer ancillary lock hardware designed to support our user-rekeyable lock cylinder technology and key management program solutions. Download our Line Card to see a list of trusted partners and ancillary lock hardware products. 

MedecoRemovableCore

Get the Line Card

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Ask any of our nationwide and regional retail clients.

The More You Know

Rekeyable Lock FAQs

What are user-rekeyable locks?

User-rekeyable locks are lock cylinders that can be rekeyed on-site by authorized personnel using a step change key. This makes it possible to rekey instantly without replacing the lock hardware or removing the cylinder from the door. 

How do user-rekeyable locks work?

The rekey process is built into the cylinder design. An authorized user inserts a step change key and turns it 180 degrees to move the lock to the next key combination. The previous key no longer works, and the next authorized key takes its place.

How quickly can a lock be rekeyed?

Most locks can be rekeyed in seconds. That speed helps teams respond quickly when a key is lost, access needs to change, or a security concern needs immediate attention.

Do user-rekeyable locks support master key systems?

Yes. If a master key is compromised, authorized personnel can rekey at the affected master level and issue new keys for that level without changing lower-level keys that should remain active. This helps preserve system structure while restoring security quickly.

Do these rekeyable cylinders work with existing hardware?

Yes. User-Rekeyable Locks are designed to retrofit into many existing locksets, housings, and door hardware configurations. Options are available for Small Format Interchangeable Cores, Conventional Cylinders, Mortise Cylinders, Rim Cylinders, and High Security Cylinders.

What are the benefits of rekeyable locks for multi-site organizations?

For retailers, healthcare facilities, commercial properties, and other distributed operations, Rekeyable Locks help reduce service delays, improve visibility to key system data, support audit readiness, and make access changes more consistent across locations.

Can these user-rekeyable locks help reduce rekeying costs?

Yes. Because authorized staff can rekey locks on-site, organizations can avoid many of the costs tied to service callouts, replacement cores, and unnecessary hardware changes. This makes user-rekeyable cylinders a more cost-effective option over time.

What types of rekeyable cylinders are available?

Available options include Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC), Sliding Panel SFIC Cores, Conventional Cylinders, Mortise Cylinders, Rim Cylinders, High Security Cylinders, and removable core configurations for specialized security needs.

How do user-rekeyable locks support compliance and control?

They support stronger key management by making access changes faster, improving accountability, and reducing the risk of outdated keys remaining in use. When paired with akey control program and cloud-based key tracking software platform, teams gain better visibility, documentation, and compliance support.

Do user-rekeyable locks require special maintenance?

Routine lock care is important. For best performance, use the recommended dry graphite lubricant before each rekey and avoid liquid-based products that can attract debris and reduce lock performance over time.

Who should consider user-rekeyable locks?

Organizations with frequent staff changes, multiple locations, sensitive access points, or strict security requirements often benefit the most. User-Rekeyable Locks are especially valuable when teams need to rekey instantly, strengthen control, and maintain peace of mind without replacing working hardware.

Not a client? Have a chat with the key control experts.