They are popular because of their ability to use a master key for several different doors and types of cylinder locks, and there is the option to change the locks without hiring a locksmith. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products (SPEP)
Long Beach, CA | 800-433-5554As an ISO certified source for industrial hardware, Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products is a company you can trust in for excellent locks. Quality, service & value are the core to being a top OEM supplier and SPEP offers a wide range of additional products.
Kenstan Lock Company
Plainview, NY | 800-859-7874Kenstan Lock Company provides high-quality showcase and locks. Since 1963, Kenstan has manufactured five comprehensive lines of products, each with its own specialized safety level for retail, commercial and industrial use. Kenstan also offers a wide range of hardware locks including mortise and rim cylinders. Kenstan believes in producing quality products for its customers.
Marshall Best Security Corp.
Noblesville, IN | 317-806-1180The Best Family legacy in access control started in 1925 when Marshall Best's grandfather, Frank E. Best, first invented the interchangeable core locking system. Marshall Best has continued his family's creativity and commitment to excellence in the security industry by combining innovation technology with electronic and mechanical access control systems.
Industrial Lock & Hardware
Lancaster, CA | 800-932-9490Industrial Lock & Hardware specializes in high-quality lock manufacturing and offers a wide range of sizes and finishes (wood, plastic, glass) for special or master keys with a no minimum order required. From start to finish Industrial Lock & Hardware can create your specialty lock. Call Industrial today or visit its website for more information or to request a quote.
Reversible Miniature Cam Lock - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsCylinder locks are inexpensive, simple and effective. They are used in many different buildings, including residential, commercial, office and public buildings. They are especially useful in office buildings where some rooms are public access while others need security, which may change often.
Standard Die Cast Scalped Cam Lock - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsCompared to mortise locks, they are less expensive and easier to install, but not as sturdy or reliable. Cylinder locks are used when medium security is needed and lock changes are common. They are also a popular choice when a master key is needed to open all the doors, even if they are different types of cylinder locks.
There are three main types of cylinder locks: wafer tumblers, disc tumblers and pin tumblers. These refer to the lock mechanism, which is changed without altering the bold hardware.
The most common of these is the pin tumbler. It consists of a series of small pins that are different lengths and divided up into pairs. These pins rest on a shaft that keeps them in a certain position. When there is no key inside the plug, half of the pins are partway in the housing, while the other half are partway out. This prevents the cylinder from turning. When a correct key is inserted, the notches in it push the pins up to different levels. This is called a shear line, as it lines the pins up perfectly with the space where the cylinder and the plug come together, thus allowing the cylinder to turn the bolt hardware so that it retreats back into the door.
Deadbolts often use cylinder locks; as the key turns the cylinder, the attached cam is turned as well. When the cylinder is turned one way, the cam releases the bolt and a spring snaps into place so the door won't open. Some deadbolts don't have a spring mechanism, which is more secure.
Cylinder locks are relatively easy to pick and are not very sturdy. Therefore, they should not be used in areas where high levels of security are necessary.