Can Medeco TP-K40 Pins Be Used in Non-Medeco Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFIC)?
When working with Small Format Interchangeable Cores (SFICs), especially in environments with locks from various manufacturers, compatibility questions often arise. A specific query might be: can the pins designed for certain Medeco systems, like the TP-K40 pins, be used effectively in SFIC cores made by other brands such as BEST or Falcon?
The straightforward answer is yes, absolutely.
Understanding the Compatibility
The reason for this cross-compatibility lies in the shared industry standards for SFIC systems. Specifically:
- Common Foundation: Medeco's Keymark and X4 SFIC platforms are built upon the widely adopted BEST A2 key bitting specification.
- Standardized Pin Dimensions: Because they share this specification, the essential pin designs used in these Medeco systems and standard SFICs from brands like BEST have the same critical dimensions – namely, pin length and diameter. The TP-K40 designation refers to these standard-sized pins.
- Broad Applicability: As a result, TP-K40 pins are not limited to just Medeco cores. They are designed to function correctly and provide excellent performance within SFIC cores from various manufacturers that adhere to the A2 specification. This includes popular brands like BEST, Falcon, Arrow, and others.
An Important Distinction
It's worth noting one specific exception mentioned relates to conventional cylinders, not SFICs. Medeco X4 conventional (non-interchangeable core) cylinders require a unique set of 10 bottom pins designated TP-K43. However, for Medeco X4 SFIC cores and other SFICs based on the A2 standard, the TP-K40 pins remain the appropriate choice.
Industry Practice
The reliability and compatibility of TP-K40 pins across different SFIC brands are well-recognized. In fact, many locksmiths and security professionals utilize TP-K40 pins as standard for pinning SFIC cores, regardless of the core's original manufacturer, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
So, if you're working with SFICs from Medeco, BEST, Falcon, or other compatible brands, you can confidently use TP-K40 pins for rekeying, knowing they meet the necessary specifications for proper function.
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