SCHLAGE 101

Key systems feature levels of security based on two factors: administrative security and physical security.

• Administrative security is in part created by controling who has authority to manufacture key blanks - this is why using patented keyways is important
• Administrative security is also accomplished by putting restrictions and processes in place to control who has the access (purchase authority) to specific key blank designs - these are called restricted keyways
• Post installation, a further aspect of good administrative security is based on how tightly existing keys are controlled and how well keys are tracked over time
• Physical security is defined by the mechanisms inside the cylinder; it is improved when design features are added to the cylinder to make it more resistant to break-in or bypass
• For deeper insights read about Keyway security: A door-by-door approach
• There are a few basic questions you can consider as part of a Keyway System Assessment
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information and illustrates the practical application of the Schlage concept of key system layered security

Open keyways offer convenience with few or no key duplication restrictions. A truly open keyway, one that is well beyond it's patent life, will often have keys that are copiable nearly anywhere. While that is convenient and common for many residential lock keys, it poses a security risk in commercial systems.

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information Schlage open keyways and how to upgrade them to Primus^® levels of security

Patent protection on original key designs lasts approximately 20 years. If a key design is beyond its patent life, the key blanks can be copied and manufactured outside the control of the OEM. Patented designs offer greater protection because the key blank design is controlled by the OEM.

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information Schlage patented and out-of-patented key systems and how to apply next generation keyway families to ensuring continuing protections where it matters

Restricted keyways offer a higher level of administrative security because user access to key blanks is controlled by the original manufacturer. Authorized users are commonly locksmiths or end users such as building maintenance or security managers who have set up an account with the OEM and must offer proof of authorization before they can receive key blanks or cylinders with cut keys.

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information Schlage restricted key systems and how they can combine with Primus^® levels of security for a best-in-class key system solution

Primus^® is a security upgrade involving both higher levels of administrative security and better physical security within the structure of the cylinders.

• Primus keys have a unique, factory-milled secondary side bitting that is assigned to specific locksmiths or end users within defined geographic areas
• Cylinders with cut keys and key blanks made with the unique milling are shipped direct from Schlage and require proof of authorization by the recipient for best levels of administrative control
• Primus cylinders feature a secondary, independent mechanism that is engaged by the key’s side bitting making the cylinder exponentially more resistance to picking and bumping
• Video: 5 Things to Know About How Schlage Primus Works
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how Primus cylinders fit into a layered security system, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information how Primus® cylinders and keys can interact seamlessly creating a layered security approach for a best-in-class key system solution designed to retrofit a Locknetics M390 model with no additional prep

Only cylinders that achieve a UL 437 listing are considered high security. They feature hardened steel drill pins behind the cylinder face and are tested and confirmed under UL’s rigorous standards to be pick and drill-resistant. Not all cylinder formats can meet the standard as they must be capable of withstanding extreme physical attacks which is why only Conventional cylinders are commonly UL 437 listed.

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information on UL 437 listed high-security cylinders and details availability on a Schlage lock by lock basis  Options are available to address single and double swinging doors, sliding doors, gates, and doors that require delayed egress

Cylinders are amazingly compact, intricate devices that can utilize a simple pin and tumbler style mechanism or two completely independent systems.

• Everest 29™ cylinders and the earlier Everest cylinders incorporate a check pin that interacts independently with the key at the same time as the normal set of top pins are being lifted - you can see it in action here
• Primus keys have two sets of "teeth" or bitting, the side bitting is factory-milled and specific to the customer; it interacts with a whole set of pins that are independent of the top pins - you can see it in action here
• The most impressive cylinder within the Schlage line up is the Primus SL with seven L pins instead of normal top pins fitted into one small cylinder along with a full complement of Primus pins
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, and more videos visit us.allegion.com/keysystems

• A well managed hierarchical (master keyed) system is critical to any building or large campus security
• Even where the dominant form of access is electronic, key systems provide override capability during emergencies
• Key systems are a cost effective means of security anywhere individual or small group access is needed and tracking of who is using the space is not needed
• Key systems can provide layered levels of security from simple open keyway solutions up through high-security Primus patented, restricted solutions all within the same keyway family to assure continuity and maintenance ease
• For deeper insights read about Keyway security: A door-by-door approach
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems

• As users change or a room is repurposed, it is very easy to repin a cylinder and reissue keys, interchangeable cores make this even easier
• Key systems can be updated over time should patent protections age out (example: moving from Everest to Everest 29) or upgraded (example: adding Primus cylinders) to ensure the continued protection of critical points of entry without replacing locks
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides more information and illustrates the practical application of the Primus^® cylinders to create a system layered security within your building

• The integrity of a key system can be lost if a master key or perimeter door key is lost or stolen forcing a complete or partial rekeying of the building
• Strong key systems are patent protected - meaning the key can only be manufactured and distributed by the OEM, but patents only provide coverage for a period of 20 years following the application for the patent, though some manufacturers offer simple replacement or upgrade solutions, depending on when in the patent cycle a key system is purchased, you may have many or few years to enjoy that coverage
• There is somewhat of a tradeoff between use of Conventional v. Interchangeable Core (IC) cylinders: conventional are more secure but generally require some level of lock disassembly when rekeying; IC are by nature made to simplify rekeying by being directly removeable from the lock, but are less secure because they are designed to be removeable
• The Keeping Your Keys in Control article can offer deeper insights on key control
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems

Key systems as they relate to cylinder format or keyways are not governed by codes in North America however, the use of keyed locks is governed by codes.

• This article, Decoded: Key-Operated Locks, may be helpful

"Format" refers to the exterior shape and size of a cylinder

• Conventional: Sometimes referred to as key-in-lever (KIL), key-in-knob (KIK) or standard, conventional cylinders have a single tubular body with a rectangular protrusion in which the top pins and springs sit; Conventional cylinders are commonly 6-pin design and can share keyways with FSIC
• Full Size Interchangeable Core (FSIC): Also referred to by some OEMs as Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC), these cylinders have two stacked tubular parts of the body with the lower portion being slightly larger than the upper portion; FSIC cylinders are commonly 6-pin design and can share keyways with Conventional
• Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC): SFIC cylinders originated in the mid-twentieth century and ultimately became a format widely adopted by many manufacturers and so it is the only standardized format shape and size in the industry which makes them truly interchangeable from one manufacturer to the next regardless of the make of the lock; SFIC cylinders are commonly a 7-pin design
• SL: Unique to Schlage, SL cylinders are made in the shape of Conventional and FSIC cylinders but are keyed 7-pin like an SFIC cylinder that uses an A2 pinning method - this enables one unifying keyway family to span three cylinder formats
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog provides details on the application and availability of all four format types on a lock by lock basis

• "Keyway" refers to the shape of the hole into which the key must fit
• A keyway can be supported by a simple pin and tumbler mechanism inside the cylinder or more complex mechanisms involving multple pinning sets and a more complex key shape
• A keyway can be open or restricted; open commonly means the key that fits inside the keyway is no longer under patent protection and can be manufactured and sold as aftermarket copies making the keyway less secure since key copies can be widely obtained, however, open can also refer to how the keys are controlled and distributed as is the case for Everest 29 S keyways
• A restricted keyway is generally patent protected but that alone does not determine whether or not a keyway may be considered open or restricted; restricted more specifically refers to how the keys are distributed and controlled by the OEM; a Schlage restricted key system requires an account set up with limited authorized buyers who may be at the end user, locksmith, or local distributor level
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems

Administrative Security

• A restricted key system will always have better administrative security controls vs. an open key system because it limits who can buy, sell and cut the associated keys, however, a restricted keyway that is out of patent cannot prohibit aftermarket manufacturing of keys
• Key systems that use a patent protected design ensure that keys and/or cylinders used in the system can only be manufactured by and obtained through a single OEM which protects against unauthorized duplication
• Some key systems like Schlage's Primus^® program feature both administrative and physical improvements; the administrative advantage involves distribution control of the uniquely milled keys by geography; ownership of a particular milling can be exclusive within a zip code, an area code, a time zone, or it can even be singularly owned at the national level
• Key systems designed for next generation capability will save money over time by enabling you to selectively upgrade to newer cylinder designs under a compatible keyway and regain patent protection where it counts most (example: the Everest move to Everest 29)

Physical Security

• Cylinders that have greater physical security will use multiple pin systems within the cylinder structure making them more resistant to break-in or bypass through picking or bumping
• Schlage Primus^® cylinders feature a secondary, independent mechanism that is engaged by the Primus key's factory-milled side bitting making the cylinder particularly impervious to picking and bumping
• UL 437 listed cylinders have added hardened steel pins behind the face to prevent drilling attacks and are tested and proven to provide high security against extreme physical attack

More Information

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog illustrates the interaction of administrative and physical security and provides examples of how they are applied

A single keyway family is essential to having a unified, master keyed or hierarchical system. It is also easier to track and maintain a key system based on a single keyway family. Using the Schlage layered security concept, you can expand a keyway system, gain higher levels of security and still have the simplicity of a single keyway family. Consult a Schlage key systems professional anytime you're considering changes to or the addition of master keying in your building.

• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog offers details on available Schlage keyway families and how they can be used alongside Primus cylinders to create a stronger key system based on layered security while still maintaining a single keyway family
• Need help? A Schlage professional is ready to offer insights to improve your current or next key system - Contact Us

Creating the right levels of security for any building or campus should be undertaken with expert advice but the basics of making the initiatial decisions come down to three things:

1. Choose the right levels of security: The level of security needed on your most sensitive or at risk openings will largely define how you approach other areas
2. Determine the right cylinder format: Choice of cylinder is based either on existing locksets or budget considerations when purchasing new and determines what keyway options are available
3. Ensure key system and credential security continuity: Whether or not you have, or intend to have, electronic access control in your facility may also influence your choices
   • For deeper insights read about Keyway security: A door-by-door approach
   • For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
   • The Schlage Key Systems Cylinders and Keys Catalog offers details on the basics of choosing a key system
   • Contact Us for help in creating a key system that's right for your building or campus

Every building or campus is different in terms of access and security needs. Master keying provides a system of organization, it reduces the number of keys needed by maintenance, and it can enable better access for police or fire departments in emergencies. Allegion Services can be very helpful to you in both assessing your needs and helping plan your ideal solution with the right balance of safety, security and convenience.

• The video, Intro to Door Hardware: Intro to Keying Terms, covers basic terms of masterkeying
• The video: Listen-In Video Lesson | Basic Master Keying, covers advantages and disadvantages of master keying, terms, how master keying works, and best practices
• For an interactive experience on the basics of Allegion key systems, levels of administrative and physical security, how layered security works and interrelates to credential types, visit us.allegion.com/keysystems
• Contact Us for help in creating a key system that's right for your building or campus

A mix of hardware will likely influence key system selection based on the formats of existing cylinders used in these locks.

• If your campus key system is primarily Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC) moving to a new key system can be done without large scale replacement of locks because SFIC cylinders are a standard shape and size within the industry and tend to be interchangeble brand to brand
• If your campus has a mix of cylinder formats, the brand of locks in which they sit will matter; Schlage and some other manufacturers make cylinders to fit competitive locks but there could be some limitations that might require lock replacement
• If your campus primarily uses Schlage locksets but is a mix of formats, you can still achieve a unified key system under one keyway family and be able to upgrade to Primus levels of security where desired
• Consult with an expert if you're looking to elevate your campus security and see what's possible

You can contact Allegion Customer Service (Sales Support) or Technical Support (Product Support) by phone or by email.

To contact by phone: call 877.671.7011

• For Customer Service PRESS 1 then select Mechanical Locks & Keying Systems PRESS 1
• For Technical Support PRESS 2 then select Mechanical Locks & Keying Systems PRESS 1
• To reach your local sales office PRESS 3 - your call will be directed based upon the area code from which you are calling

To contact by email:

• For Sales Support (Customer Service for all Product Categories and Regions): support@allegion.com
• For Technical Product Support: mechanical_locks_techprodsupport@allegion.com

Or use the Contact Us form to be connected to the right team to answer your questions.