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Hey all,

I was wondering if someone would be so kind as to take the time and photograph a best core and both the operator and control keys side by side. I would like this information so that I may determine which pins interact with the sfic core retainer (the side elbow part) and how much of a difference in lift that those pins require to pick the core to control. I would really appreciate any specific details on that topic. Also, is this information I request uniform for all BEST SFIC cores or has it varied over the years?

Thanks and Happy Picking,
Whizdumb

Hey there....

Check out http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/

I think this will answer any questions you have.

I could be wrong but I believe the second and fourth pins affect the control lug.

I may be misunderstanding both the original question and the reply (haven't had my morning coffee yet)... but, for any BEST SFIC I've worked with, the control lug interacts with every pin, and there isn't any restriction or relationship between the pins for the control key and the pins for the operating key.

Depending on how you decide to set up the pinstacks, you can take any two random keys (e.g., keys cut to 1313131 and 3131313, for example) and you could make either one of them the control or the operating key.

It's not the greatest explanation of how to set up the keying, but Chapter 3 of the BEST Core and Key Service Manual has a good diagram to show the control and operating shear lines, if that's of any help.

MacGyver101, yep you hit the nail on the head...

also, the link I gave before to Matt Blaze's site has an awesome breakdown of the BEST SFIC format.

I think Blaze has some of the best photos out there.

Indeed Magician59, I would have to agree with ya there! Not to mention the explanation that accompanies them is superb as well.