A lock cylinder is the part of a lock that takes your key. Inside, small pins line up when the right key goes in, letting the plug turn and the bolt move. The cylinder housing and the core are not the same thing. The core holds the pins. The housing is the shell that mounts the core in the lock. Because the cylinder decides who can open a door, it is also the target of picking, bumping and drilling attacks. Choosing the right one protects your people, assets and records.
Lost keys and staff turnover put your building at risk. A new cylinder or core fixes that fast. Our locksmiths help you pick between standard, restricted and high-security cylinders, including UL 437 listed options that resist picking and drilling. We match the cam, length and finish to your existing hardware, so the cylinder fits right the first time. From a single office door to a full master key system, we handle it from start to finish.
Every cylinder type fits a certain lock body, so the right choice depends on your hardware. Mortise cylinders thread into mortise locks. Rim cylinders mount on exit devices and night latches. Key-in-lever cylinders serve cylindrical locksets, and interchangeable cores swap out in seconds with a control key. Browse each type below to see how we install, rekey and replace it.
King Locksmiths replaces, repairs and rekeys double cylinder locks across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. 25 years in business, free estimates, 24/7 mobile units.
Euro cylinder replacement, rekeying and repair by King Locksmiths. Measured, matched and installed across the DMV. 25 years in business, free estimates, 24/7 mobile service.
Half cylinder replacement, rekeying and repair for shutters, gates and garage doors across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. 25 years in business.
Specialized SFIC and LFIC interchangeable core solutions across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia by King Locksmiths
Key control cylinders explained: restricted keyways, sidebar construction, A156.5 and UL 437 ratings, and master keying across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia
A technical reference on key-in-knob cylinders: plug, tailpiece, SC1 and KW1 pinning, fit and keying, from King Locksmiths.
Mortise cylinder repair, rekeying and replacement across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia from King Locksmiths, licensed, insured and bonded for 25 years.
Removable core cylinder rekeying, repair and installation across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. One control key, cores swapped in minutes, backed by 25 years.
Rim cylinder replacement, rekeying and repair for jimmy proof deadlocks, night latches and exit devices across the DMV. Free estimates from King Locksmiths, 25 years in business.
King Locksmiths installs, repairs, rekeys and replaces thumb turn cylinders across the DMV. Mortise, euro profile and deadbolt formats, backed by 25 years and free estimates.
Rekeying changes the pins so old keys stop working. It costs less and works well when the cylinder is in good shape. Replace the cylinder if it is worn, damaged or sticking, or if you need more security, such as a restricted keyway or a UL 437 listed high-security cylinder.
SFIC stands for small format interchangeable core. It uses a figure-eight shape that many brands share, so one core can work across many types of hardware. LFIC, or large format interchangeable core, is bigger and is usually made to fit one maker’s locks. We help you choose the format that fits your doors and your long-term key plan.
Yes. We install and rekey cylinders for government agencies, hospitals, clinics, hotels and offices across Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We set up master key systems, restricted keyways and high-security cylinders that meet ANSI/BHMA standards, and we plan the work to keep your doors secure and your operations running.
Lock cylinders work with many other parts of your door. Explore our guides on related door hardware to plan a complete, secure and code-compliant opening for your facility.
