SFIC System: Status: Originator: Progression Type: Increment: Pin Diameter: MACS: 6-pin Cores: 7-pin Cores: A2 Theoretical Key Bittings /Change Keys A3 In Use BEST 2-Step .0125" .108" 9 4,096 16,384 Discontinued BEST 1-Step .0180" .108" 6 46,656 279, 936 A4 In Use BEST 1-Step .0210" .108" 5 15,625 78,125 A5 In Use ASSA 1-Step .0235" .108" 5 117,649 n/a Figure 11. This chart shows the potential theoretical key bittings possible in A2, A3, A4 and A5 systems, with additional data. numeric dimension to incremental dimension. Then we can see the pin stack actually totals 20, as it should. Another example is shown in Figure 10. Again, it is the value of the bottom pin that is the “ringer,” as they say. Within the ASSA Maximum+ SFIC, the converter number is 9 to achieve the real pin stack total, as you will see in more detail when we discuss pin stack calculations. A2, A3, A4… A5? A2, A3 and A4 systems are all based on the varying increments of the respective systems. The pin diameter remains constant, as does the spacing. Why have them? Very simple: Single-step systems can yield many more bittings than 2-step systems. If a system’s increment is small — usually under .023" (excluding SFIC A4) — then a 2-step system is needed. We can see this with Schlage Conventional (.015"), Sargent (.020") and BEST A2 (.0125"). But, if we increase the increment to over the threshold of about .023", we have increased bitting capability in a single- step system such as with ASSA (.0235"), Kwikset (.023"), Russwin System 70 (.028"), etc. ASSA is ground-breaking in this instance, as it is the only manufacturer aside from BEST to create a fourth SFIC incre- ment system: A5, if you will. Figure 11 shows the bittings available in the four systems, comparing 6-pin and 7-pin cores. WWW.ALOA.ORG Can I Use My A2 Pin Kit… Pretty Please? Well, since you asked nicely... yes. The core was constructed to conventional SFIC standards, with the exception of the plug. The control shear line remains 10 increments, as in A2. However, the ASSA key blank will mitigate the larger space needed in the plug because of the seating of the key blank itself for both ASSA A5 and standard SFIC A2. In other words: no problemo. Just make sure your code machine is set for a custom DSD that in- corporates the center of the first cut from the shoulder at .2600". So, if you are not wanting to take advantage of the massive 117,000 bittings available within the ASSA SFIC .0235" single- step A5 increment system, you can compromise those totals to a maximum of 4,096 bittings by using the existing A2 system (or even an A4 system for 15,625 bittings), which is excellent for small- to medium-size applications. Tools: Use Your Own! I am an advocate of using the proper tools for the job at hand. But if I can use tools I already own to successfully accomplish a job, so be it. You can use your existing SFIC combinating tools for the ASSA SFIC. Your favorite SFIC pin kit (LAB, BEST, Arrow, etc.), the Annex (LAB), capping press (A-1, Framon, BEST), Quic-Test Tool (ICLS Global), Quic-Load Block (ICLS Global) and your pinning block (A-1, ProLok, BEST, Schlage) will all work beautifully. SEPTEMBER 2020 KEYNOTES 29
