Locksmithing 101 | SFIC Training Part 3: Finding The Control Key Bitting!

[@svause]

PJ, you truly make learning easy - thankk you! I just became property manager of a commercial building for a non-profit - all the 300+ locks are BEST SFIC A2 (AFAICT). Thanks for helping me to understand how to walk thru the knowledge path I know I'll be finding... They don't know where their COntrol key is, but there's a tangled box of 3 lbs of keys / cores from which I can search. LOL.

[@doorandlocktips]

I’ve watched several times and it’s always informative. It’s like the first time I’ve ever watched it. It’s fun to watch and I don’t know. I just get a kick out of it. Thank you so much your buddy Mike with Door and Lock Tips.❤😂😂😂

[@clksupplies]

Hey!! Thx for watching, I’ll be getting ahold of you soon! -PJ

[@doorandlocktips]

@ I was hoping to hear that

[@faradaymaxwell]

I actually would like to see your methods on removing cores without a control key. Always good stuff! #LOCKBOSS

[@clksupplies]

Thanks, I'll see what I can do! -PJ

[@Chirael]

Hey PJ, re-watching this and it’s definitely great. One thing to note is that the 13-top method only works if the core was correctly pinned so that all pin stacks total 23. Unless you’re pretty sure about that, it takes longer but is safer to do it as bottom+master+control-10.

[@kevinbacon9660]

Fantastic information for those of us NEW to the A2 SFIC. I had a bunch of levers from which to pull cores and NO control or operating keys were provided. And, this #lockboss even bought the Annex from you all last year. After picking one core to control and removing it from the lever, I was able to depopulate it, measure the top pins and create a WORKING control key for the rest of the cores. THANK you, CLK Supplies!

[@randyconnelly6914]

Just putting it out there I'm a hobbyist and locksporter. I just bought a few sfic locks and destroyed one trying to figure out the control key. I watched your previous videos and learned a lot but this video is exactly i wanted. Thank you for the knowledge. If I was more tech savvy I'd upload the pictures and diagrams I made on how I thought it worked. Guaranteed it would give you a laugh.

[@spicyF1]

You have the highest locksmithing videos Ive seen so far on youtube

[@clksupplies]

🤝-PJ

[@ImGumbyDangit]

Thanx for this series. I went back and watched 1 and 2 then came back to this one. I have never worked in SFIC. This video series totally makes sense and demystifies the SFIC system. Thx alot. #LockBoss.

[@clksupplies]

Glad it was helpful!-PJ

[@mikes7471]

as usual another superb video there PJ .... And yes it would be great if you do a in-depth video or series on how to remove a SFIC core if you don't have a key .... Thanks again #Lock Boss

[@michaelmattson3515]

Thanks for refreshing my memory, been a multi faceted locksmith 30 some years now. Safes,alarms,door hardware residential & commercial,automotive,electronic the list goes on & on.

[@clksupplies]

Michael, Thanks for being a 30+ year #lockboss ! -PJ

[@RookKnight]

I've seen few people explain this, but this was by far one of the best explanation on KZbin. Nicely done #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Wow, thanks!- PJ

[@cjgrasser8085]

I don't know how long you've been supporting the SFIC users/locksmiths but I sent you a spreadsheet that did most of what you explained. However, these three videos have been very well done. I downloaded your pdf's and will compare it against my spreadsheet. I am a big fan of SFIC!

[@clksupplies]

Very cool! Thx CJ, I will check it out -PJ

[@cjgrasser8085]

@@clksupplies Actually I sent you the spreadsheet in 2016, but I can probably dig it up for you if you no longer have it. Lately, I've been trying to figure out how to make a control key for the ABUS Yale 8 (100) core. I'm surprised that there is so little information on those.

[@jerryholmes9999]

Well thanks, what a clean,clear presentation, been in the biz 42 years and have always subbed out the few SFIC jobs I’ve done, you inspire This lockboss to take on the next job I get, I have all the tools for but not that pin gauge, it’s pretty cool. Jerry

[@clksupplies]

That is amazing! I’m excited for you to get some of that SFIC monies! -PJ

[@doorandlocktips]

I am interested in how you drill out those coarse and salvage

[@Rocketlockopener]

Wow alot easier than I could imagine great method in finding the control key.The way I remove sfic is with a bell core puller it destroys the locking lug that keeps the Core in place. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Interesting, thanks for sharing! - PJ

[@doorandlocktips]

I do love this chart and you did a great job. Hooray for you.❤

[@steamgadget]

I owe you a Topo Chico PJ! This was so well explained. Thanks again for what you do... you do it well!!

[@clksupplies]

Ha! Glad you liked it! -PJ

[@MrAmarillo8]

I love how you boil down SFIC into easy to understand procedures! It's scary to lots of locksmiths, but if you approach it logically, it is simple math. Thanks again for a great video! #AccessLock&KeyLLC #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Terry, I really appreciate that - PJ

[@michaeldupree4360]

I love the way you break down and explain the control key process. #Lockboss

[@jojomack5433]

You da MAN PJ!!!

[@tomcason5399]

JMJ Locksmith, PJ, Excellant tutorial. I do think on your pdf (which is great) you should add "TIP" on the left side of the chart and "BOW" on the right side. I have messed these up many times because it is so easy to forget that cut # 1 is at the tip, especially if you don't have a punch. Let me knoe vfc what you think, #Lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Hey Tom, great point. I'll get that added!-PJ

[@JoseGuzman-kj2vy]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@pedrocaceres7738]

JP Thank you so much for making things clearer and easier to understand! Pedro

[@clksupplies]

Predro, you bet!-PJ

[@Chirael]

Very nice PJ, those are some fantastic tools and methods for decoding SFIC control lines/keys. Thanks for sharing this like a #lockboss 😊

[@frankmulcahy2605]

Now that I have watched your three episodes about, #lockboss, how to deal with SFIC's, I'm ready to tackle or attempt to tackle the repinning of an SFIC. Thanks for all you do. V/r, Father Frank

[@clksupplies]

Great to hear! Thanks Frank -PJ

[@johnfrancis9505]

Great information so much to absorb for a newbie thank you for the step by step videos and explanations really .looking forward to your other educational videos king forward to other videos

[@theprofessionalhobbyist802]

Another great video! I really appreciate that these videos cover all aspects of locksmithing, from auto to home to commercial. Always good info. Also, a quick shout out to the CLK Supplies customer service team - I had a small issue with an item I ordered the other day and they went over the top to get it straightened out and make everything right. Kudos to them! #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Doug! I know we are not perfect so we try to make up for it when things go sideways - PJ

[@markcall9695]

Wowza! Man this is PRICELESS INF for #LockBoss locksmiths! Thank you PJ. As always QUALITY & USEFUL content!

[@clksupplies]

Hey Mark, Glad you found it useful! - PJ

[@santiagocarranza6750]

That pin decoder card is much faster than using a part of calipers and using the chart you made will definitely spend on the decoding process for sure. Great video #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

The pin decoder is pretty cool! Thanks Santiago - PJ

[@dustyknuckles199]

Another great video in your SFIC series!!! As a #Lockboss I understand the need sometimes for destructive entry, always appreciate a good video and usually think of it only as a last resort... however when servicing or changing out a number of SFIC cores it is usually the fastest/easiest way to decode and cut a system control key... because we all know the client almost never has one!!!

[@clksupplies]

Very true! -PJ

[@jeffmoss26]

Very nice chart. My new kit will make work even more fun!

[@clksupplies]

🙌 -PJ

[@jeffmoss26]

@@clksupplies and as luck would have it, 18 cores were dropped on my bench to be rekeyed!

[@kookita9]

It would be great to have a video on other methods to remove an sfic core. I know about drilling, but picking would be interesting. And thanks for the chart! I had to do everything by hand before. And love the annex! #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Glad you like the chart! I will see what I can do on a video- PJ

[@kevinbacon5142]

Because I concentrate on residential work, I do not come across SFIC course very often. I do see them, so I trying to learn all I can from this series. Yes, I would love to see a video on how to remove a core without the control key. Oooo... then I can be an even more skilled #lockboss!

[@clksupplies]

Great to hear Kevin! I'll see what I can do! - PJ

[@kevin.gadgeteastman7531]

After watching this again and again I do mine right I am just having key issues. I will have to back burner this project for a bit till I get a more reliable cutter Thank yall for these great videos #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Kevin, what are you using to cut keys? -PJ

[@kevin.gadgeteastman7531]

I am having to have them cut I have access to a blitz but I see I need the Mc-90 cutter and I can’t see buying it right this min but I tried cutting with my lishi cutter and a file. That was a no go and the space and depth keys I just got I don’t think they are quite right I need to mic them 😤😒😞 I think I am trying to hard to fast

[@kevin.gadgeteastman7531]

Finally it worked I cut one more today and I used the blitz with the standard cutter on it feathered it a bit and got it damn it was nerve racking it was a KMT-300 keyway sfic Watch out I'm dangerous now #lockboss 🤘

[@gerardthomas9023]

Great video. Really simplifies and explains the SFIC decoding process. Seeing the Lab Annex being used to decode was interesting as well. Much easier than I would have imagined. Real #lockboss knowledge.

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Gerard - PJ

[@curlyq1269]

Yet another wonderful, detailed video! Great job PJ & CLK!! Thank you! #LockBoss

[@the_locksmith_life]

I forgot to comment on this on 🥺 I worked on these for 5 years at a school district!!! There's also setting traps in the cylinder for people who aren't supposed to have keys and its fun to catch them!!!!

[@clksupplies]

Really? How? -PJ

[@the_locksmith_life]

@@clksupplies you spin the empty cylinder to the bottom where the holes are about the 2 o'clock position from the keyway, drill hole in cylinder so the top pin can get trapped in cylinder key it like normal install and wait for the angry person 😀😅 to call office saying there key is stuck hahaha!! The only draw back is you have to drill the ic core out but said person no longer has access to other parts of the building!!!! Hope that explains it!! Wish I could just show you!!!

[@sirenandlights46]

I have watched some videos on this explanation before.... wow! BY FAR THE BEST ONE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO UNDERSTAND! THANK YOU! #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Owen, Thanks I'm glad you found is useful! -PJ

[@jaysworld6170]

Very well done 👏 I've watched it twice Lockboss here from o-side 🌊🌊

[@johnfalk6955]

Love the Instructional Videos. I haven't worked much with SFIC yet but DO want to learn them. #LockBoss in the House.

[@mija1701]

Awesome, as always sir!

[@clksupplies]

Thanks! -PJ

[@mattlancaster5155]

Prett awesome. Thanks. Lockboss

[@urbanloxmyth]

Wish I could think of something useful to add, but you pretty much covered it. I tend to over complicate things and have to remember to keep it simple. Excellent tutorial with a very easy to understand explanation. Thanks for all the great vids! Keep’em coming!! #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thank you! -PJ

[@donk342]

Love you guys help me out big time

[@JJtheguitartech]

I enjoy being new to this career, everything is still like an amazing magic trick to me. When I saw your key work my jaw dropped and I was excited. Thanks PJ for all you do. You are the number 1 #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Jay Jay, I really appreciate it! -PJ

[@chrisdonaldson5505]

Never seen this before, thanks. Is is very commmon to use a punch instead of a grinder, I assume especially in remote jobs it’s pretty sweet. As always thanks #lock boss

[@mariasims4921]

Good explanation. Like the charts and video quality. Easy to follow #LOCKBOSS

[@lowellforbes3208]

Pj my credit card company is really liking you making these videos for #lockboss must haves

[@randydowns7554]

As always PJ, fantastic #LOCKBOSS information

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Randy!- PJ

[@rogerlareau7621]

PJ thanks for this info this is what I deal with most of the time. I work for my State and some of that info is gone so now you made it really easy to figure it out . Thanks PJ # LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Glad to hear, thanks Roger! - PJ

[@BronxLockPicker60Rodriguez]

Hi PJ, This system makes light work of it all. As you know I'm a #Lockboss. Thank you for this demo my good friend.

[@clksupplies]

You bet! - PJ

[@kipbateman3714]

That is a nice decoder, and I like the paper you made up for deciphering it , I need to get one of those measuring rulers from you. #lockboss

[@Matttkoda]

Awsome instructional video PJ! #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks - PJ

[@jamesestep76]

Great video on finding control keybitting. Awesome. # lockboss. James estep n the great st of Tennessee. Thanks pj

[@clksupplies]

Thanks James- PJ

[@DonzLockz]

Great idea, never thought of that. #LockBoss

[@maxthepiguy3658]

Your series has been very very helpful. It is very well done, you repeat certain things almost intentionally as if you know we might not be focusing on them and I usually am not until you repeat it. Is there a way to figure out the operating key based on the control key? Let’s say we have the control key but the operating key is unknown. Once the core is out, is it easy to do the rest without actually picking it? Through maybe trial and error?

[@gkeyman565]

Great video, just what I was needing, I picked up 5 best padlocks keyed alike, no control. This should make me a #LockBoss Too !! but I will have to measure since I don't have the key gage yet!!!, next order!

[@clksupplies]

Awesome, you will love it! -PJ

[@donaldmacnair5377]

Need more on sfic Love this #LOCKBOSS

[@odinslockllc]

Great video! Had to do a refresher today😂. #lockboss

[@c.a.mlocksmith]

Very very very useful information. Thanks for sharing and sharing this knowledge. I going to buy one of those pin guage reader and download the notes. I do a lot of IC and this is a good info to have in my shop. Thanks again #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Carlos, great! I'm glad you liked the info -PJ

[@mattwalters584]

haven't worked much with the sfic but this will definitely be helpful #LockBoss

[@erichvongrey7266]

That’s a nice chart I still like my excel version it does the same thing but allows me to save it on a electronic file

[@curley6531]

wow pj that was a great video! thanks for all of the information. it clarifys some of the hard stuff #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Jerry - PJ

[@jerryholmes9999]

Yeah, I think u are the real #Lockboss , Jerry

[@chefmelp2974]

#LockBoss Hey PJ keep the good videos coming

[@philhart9800]

Wow very helpful video, not come across this, so video is great info, as mentioned before I don’t know how to download the pdf, good job PJ, #Lockboss

[@davidshoaf398]

It’s been a while since I learned all this, so thanks for the refresher! Still not setup for I/C, but hopefully I’ll get there soon! #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

You bet! -PJ

[@therocketman321]

Great info guys! SFIC locks can be such a PITA 🤣 #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks! -PJ

[@robertschwoch3935]

I’am retired now, but when I was writing these Systems I would deliberately put a smaller Control Pin in the top chamber to make it harder for other Companies from decoding our control key.

[@clksupplies]

Lol Nice-PJ

[@vincentpellegrino9784]

Thanks for the video and pdf. Very informative! #lockboss

[@lesrinehart933]

Yes please do address the drilling

[@gustavoaltube3353]

Awesome video, and yes is very helpful to have one of those lab tools for decorating. Thanks PJ #Lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Yes it is! - PJ

[@ericleeker8252]

Can you show us how to find the operating key bitting based off of the pinning?

[@kevin.gadgeteastman7531]

I watch and watch some of the info is sinking in thank u for making these vids #lockboss

[@rmsg7504]

Would have been helpful to draw a picture of the key blank facing the correct orientation on the PDF. Its nice to have the PDF, thank you! I printed it drew the key, then scanned it in as a file that way.

[@dennischausse3075]

PJ can you show us how to get the core off the door

[@carllewis2207]

Very nice, many questions answered ! #lockboss

[@Pyrolock]

A 6 pin SFIC, noting that chambers (and keys) are numbered from the back of the core and the tip of the key. Technically this method only works if the pin stacks were correctly done previously and total to 23. If your control key doesn't work you need to use this method. Add up all the converted numbers of all pins below the top pin and subtract 10 = control key cut. i.e., add bottom pin number (the key pin) + any Master pins numbers + control pin number (which is below top pin), THEN subtract 10 from that total = control key cut of the key. Doing it this way means your are a real #lockboss#

[@clksupplies]

Great comment Ken, thanks for this. I meant to mention this at the beginning. - PJ

[@jerryholmes9999]

Thanks Ken your right on the money

[@georgecrocker8649]

Thanks,great info,like to see a video on picking them to control #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

I'll see what I can do! thanks -PJ

[@billmoulton1867]

Great video.seeing someone doing something is much better than reading about it. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

💯- PJ

[@springstonlocksmith6309]

I like to be able to download charts just watched your masterkeying progression video the other day and downloaded the PDFs thank you #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Great! Glad you find them useful - PJ

[@stevejobs8820]

These are great just starting on sfic and have a lot of questions but these really help #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Glad you find them helpful! - PJ

[@jacobnbr11]

Thanks for the tips. I haven't seen many of these but I'm sure they are coming. #Lockboss

[@ChristopherMahlangu-u3k]

Great

[@levispop-popsroache6902]

Yes, please show how to remove core from door without a control key! #LOCKBOSS

[@sendanyngaba827]

Thanks very much.may u teach me in key programming am new in this field

[@dadedubbledee]

👌 and easy steps #lockboss

[@LockpickingsGal]

I would love to try this out!! I have some sfic cores that need keys. Awesome video!! #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thank you! -PJ

[@bestrafer38]

Great video ,would love to see more on SFIC and i really like how you include a pdf file on your videos #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Brian, thanks I'm glad you like the PDF's! -PJ

[@kevin.gadgeteastman7531]

This was a great video I have an office building with sfic cores that I can’t identify the key way and I want to make a core key and remove them all to change over but I am struggling badly so how can I pick the control??????🤔🔑#lockboss #struggling #helpppp

[@clksupplies]

Hey Kevin, It's kind of hard to explain over text but I will try. Take a tension wrench and notch out little holes so they will grab ahold of the side bar at the bottom of the keyway then pick away! -PJ

[@benburke6451]

Sweet love the info #LockBoss

[@philliphart2703]

Fantastic video, thanks #lockboss

[@dougkimber21]

Great video reminder 👍 I just wish there was a way to decode the change key to get the control bitting. I hate drilling them out. #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

right! - PJ

[@daveaedion]

I'm going to second what Rook Knight says right below, excellent explanation on decoding the control key. I need to get myself one of those A2 pin decoders on my next order. #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate it! - PJ

[@wattvoltamp]

Nice demonstration PJ! As always its just what we need to know shown in a way that looks easy. Thank you #clksupplies for all you do for the Locksmith community! 🙂 #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks, I really appreciate it! -PJ

[@debbiemoorin1748]

Thank you for the great viedo. That was very help full . # lock boss

[@clksupplies]

Glad you liked it- PJ

[@alancorson5778]

That was very helpful I have tons of sfic core that I don't have that key for #lockboss

[@63flight]

Good tutorial P.J. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Thanks! - PJ

[@roseanderson-l4p]

Your videos are great! #lockboss

[@ismaellimon2066]

Great explanation #LockBoss