Foundation · Core anatomy

Meet the Core

Learn the landmarks that make a seven-barrel interchangeable core readable—before you begin decoding or pinning.

Learning objective

Identify all seven barrels, locate each pin stack, and distinguish the operating shear line from the control shear line.

Training cutaway · A2 SFIC

Seven-barrel core

Guided exploration
Key bowKey tip
Core · cutaway viewOutside the housing
01

BarrelThe numbered vertical position that contains one pin stack.

02

Pin stackThe pins that move vertically inside a barrel.

03

Two shear linesOperating turns the plug; control turns the control lug.

Welcome to Module 1: Meet the Core.