In lock terminology, the core is the small, round inner part of a cylinder. It is the movable piece of a locking cylinder, located in the middle of the cylinder itself. Also called the plug, it contains the keyway which receives the key.
The correct key, when inserted into the core and turned, will lock or unlock the hardware. A housing refers to the part of the cylinder that holds the core. A cylinder is the complete unit of a housing and a core. Conventional cores, Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC) and Full Size Interchangeable Cores (FSIC) are all available in 6-pin and 7-pin industry standards from all major lock manufacturers.
Thus, the core is the innermost, most essential part of a cylinder. It is the part that determines whether or not a key inserted into it will operate the lock. It is the core strength of the lock.
![]() A lock core or plug |
![]() Pins may be contained in a fin above the core |
![]() IC cores are identified by their figure 8 shape |
![]() Lever lock with conventional core |
![]() Schlage mortise cylinder with conventional core |
![]() Schlage rim cylinder with IC core |
In English grammar, core is defined as a noun referring to the central, innermost, or most essential part, of anything. Synonyms are center, kernel, gist, heart and essence. Examples are “the Earth’s core” and “an apple core.”
In anatomy, your core is “the central part of your body.” The strength of the underlying muscles of the torso help determine posture.
Core values are the principles and priorities that guide a person or an organization. They represent the foundational, deeply held beliefs that provide perspective, and help navigate behavior in complex situations. Identifying a company’s core values reveals its inner strength.
ANDERSON LOCK’S CORE STRENGTHS
Integrity
Anderson Lock has been dedicated to door security since 1960. We demonstrate our integrity daily by delivering high-quality products and services to our customers. Our reputation was built by providing door security and life safety for the most demanding educational, healthcare, aviation, pharmaceutical, and commercial facilities throughout the Chicago region.
Trusted Partners
Trust forms the foundation for strong customer relationships. Anderson Lock has grown from a one man locksmith company to Chicago’s premier commercial door and locksmith services provider. The region’s largest general contractors, independent subcontractors, architects, building engineers, facility managers, and school security officials all trust Anderson Lock to provide the best security solutions for their buildings.
The Best at What We Do
Anderson Lock is more than a source for security door hardware, we’re a resource for expert technical advice. We dispatch 30 trucks daily to provide traditional mechanical locksmith services, and state of-the-art electronic access controls. We design, install and maintain complex Master Key Systems which control and restrict access to offices, classrooms, IT rooms and all other designated areas within buildings. Significantly, we are authorized dealers, integrators and installers of several leading Access Control Systems.
Friendly, Courteous, Professional Customer Service
Customers constantly compliment our lock technicians and installers. Our electronic sign boards and company newsletter share the appreciative comments. Praise for their locksmith and installation expertise, and appreciation for their friendly attitudes, and excellent customer service, is applauded by their peers when we get together at monthly meetings. Project managers frequently receive letters of praise for projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule.
OUR LOCKSMITHS PROMOTE PEACE OF MIND
Anderson Lock’s Mission Statement is: “Promoting peace of mind by providing quality solutions that improve the safety, security, accessibility and aesthetics of buildings.” Safety, security and accessibility are fundamental characteristics of commercial lock sales and service solutions. The “beauty” of most commercial door hardware is secondary to its functionality. But aesthetics are nevertheless integral to every installation we do. We take pride not only in our security solutions, but also in how the finished project looks.