BiLock’s Removable Core (Model 6395) will retrofit Schlage full-size Interchangeable Cores (LFIC). This BiLock core is fully interchangeable in all housings offered throughout the product line (i.e., padlock, mortise cylinder, key-in-knob, cam lock, switch lock, key-in-lever, etc.). Before we examine this high security product, let’s take a brief look at the company and the origins of the BiLock QC (Quick Change) core.
BiLock – High Security was invented by Brian Preddey, an Australian master locksmith, to satisfy the unique needs of the casino operators of that country. Tamperproof locks and complete key control were driving forces.
Today, BiLock is an American owned and operated lock manufacturer. It has combined key employee hardware experience of more than 100 years. The company’s expertise has been focused toward developing this unique lock, award-winning key design and high security product line.
Login Lock, a division of BiLock North America, Inc., specializes in the security of OEM businesses such as vending, parking and gaming operations. They represent major brands as well as their own UL437 line.
The BiLock Lock “shop” consists of several assembly and fabrication lines including two CNC machining centers. Lock assembly and key cutting is typically completed only days after receipt of customer orders and sub-assembled stock can ship the same day in many cases. Service has proven to be the key to their success.
The BiLock line is organized into three configurations: D9 – entry level; EX – utilized on high frequency doors; and QC – interchangeable core that can be integrated into EX.
Today BiLock is the world’s largest supplier of high security locks for the parking industry. Because of careful marketing and a quality product line, profitability has allowed the fruition of their expansion plans – proving successful.
At the helm of this forward company is Tom DiVito, former CEO of Kaba High Security Locks of Connecticut. His background includes manufacturing keying systems for the architectural and OEM markets since 1986. DiVito has several patents to his credit including one that most casinos use on their slot machines. Another provides key blank protection for patented key control door locks.
BiLock represents a forward thrust into the architectural market. An investment in this product line is supported with market leads, sales support, and end user training sessions at regional meetings. BiLock maintains a large stock of cylinder components in order to build locks quickly and keys made to the specifications of the customer, directly from their Connecticut factory. BiLock is committed to both the long and the short term and has provided tremendous opportunities for many with this exclusive distribution product line. Since the mid 1980s BiLock high security locks can be found in hospitals, universities, airports and casinos throughout North America.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
The BiLock Large Format Core is shaped unlike most other interchangeable cores. And it operates differently. What makes this locking device different from conventional pin tumbler cylinders is that only one pin is utilized per each of the 12 chambers. In a standard cylinder, one shear line is created between the bottom pin and upper pin. In a BiLock cylinder chamber there is only one pin and a spring. No shear line is created there. Instead, two shear lines are formed by the two sidebars. When the indention on the side of the bottom pins (actually, a combo bottom/master/top pin) allows the side bar shafts to enter, the plug can turn. Thus, there are four possible depth positions (or combinations thereof) that can be utilized on a pin or a key.
The BiLock NG patent (No. 6,681,609) was issued on Jan. 27, 2004, and includes developments on the New Generation core and keys. These components include the movable trigger located in the key and the interlocked pins that block a side bar from depressing.
The BiLock cylinders configured as Interchangeable Cores are designated as Quick Change or simply QC. The BiLock QC core is comprised of:
Plug
Side Bars (2)
Removable Face Insert
Patented Side Bar Pins (2)
Pin Tumbler Pins (12)
Tumbler Springs (13)
Pin Cover
The BiLock QC core can fit into key-in-knob, key-in-lever, mortise, rim, OEM cabinet and cam lock cylinder housings. The QC system was patented in the United States in June 2000. It was also recognized by the industry with a design award for the unique engineering of combining high security with a convenient interchangeable core.
BILOCK-SCHLAGE RETROFIT
The core segment of the BiLock-Schlage retrofit is the same as the QC core. It is the outer shell that has been carefully crafted to fill the cavity in any Schlage LFIC housing. To follow, we will illustrate a Schlage LFIC lever retrofitted to accept the BiLock-Schlage RC.
The BiLock housing is retained in the lever via the locking post on the side of the housing, as the post is fully extended. To load a housing in a lever from the back, remove the plastic retainer, position the housing post in the metal retaining pin and position the lock as pictured. Then insert the retainer and housing together and the housing is installed
To front load the housing in a lever or knob:
The upper rear of the housing has an access hole. A deadlocking pin holds the locking post fixed.
Insert a probe into the hole and push the deadlocking pin away from the post. The post will now be spring loaded. Push the post part way into the housing. With the post pushed in, insert the housing in the front of the lock opening. When it is fully inserted, the post will spring out into the locking hole in the lever. The deadlocking pin will also spring back holding the housing in place.
Since BiLock already offers mortise and rim cylinders with its interchangeable core, it is recommended that these type of Schlage RC housings be replaced with BiLock housings. This will improve security since only the installer will know the locks have interchangeable cores. Be advised that if there is no rear access to the cylinder once the outer housing is inserted, it will reside permanently in the retrofitted IC housing. To remove, drilling will be necessary (ex., LFIC padlocks, LFIC mortise cylinder). However, if you can see the access hole of the housing when it is still in a lever or knob after the trim has been removed, you can pick the locking post back and remove the outer housing if necessary.
You now have a core within a core - designed to accept BiLock’s interchangeable core. Use your control key to insert or remove the core. Also, a hardened steel pin is inserted crosswise in the upper part of the housing to reduce the threat of drilling for the locking post.
The BiLock-Schlage retrofit core is interchangeable in all of the lock housings offered by BiLock. The core is available in US3 or US26D finishes. Obviously, BiLock is expanding to service the many venues in the IC arena. This can only be viewed as a plus for the dealers who utilize this versatile BiLock product.
BiLock North America, Inc. can be contacted at telephone (860) 378-0302, or Web Site: www.BiLock.com.
William M. Lynk, CRL, has been a locksmith since 1975. He is an IC Specialist, Certified ALOA A.C.E. instructor, as well as the Subject Matter Expert on IC for ALOA. He teaches classes on interchangeable cores at the ALOA Conventions and across the country. Bill is an industry author having penned Interchangeable Cores: Small Format ©2000, Removable Cores: Large Format ©2003 and SFIC: Advanced ©2005, along with various related industry articles. His fourth IC book, IC Everything ©2009, is now being completed. With a driving passion for IC, he has originated SFIC Technical Manuals for both national and international lock manufacturers and maintains a working relationship with the major lock and security manufacturers. Bill is a member of ALOA, ASIS, ILA, LSA and ClearStar, as well as the Owner of ICLS [Interchangeable Core Lock Systems] located in Metro Detroit and on the internet at www. ICLSglobal.com.
