Make a list of services which are considered to be locksmith specialties and high security products will be near the top of the list. When people discover that their current lock system security is inadequate, they expect answers from their local locksmith and high security lock systems solve the problem.
One of the basic reasons for the development of high security lock systems is to control the availability of duplicate keys. Most lock manufacturers have obtained patents on their high security lock systems. These patents are designed to prevent the manufacture of aftermarket key blanks. This assures end-users that duplication of their high security keys can only be done by request in a controlled manner by authorized individuals.
Most high security lock patents are called utility patents. Utility patents exclude others from making similar products for a time period of up to 20 years from the date of patent application. When choosing a high security lock system to sell, locksmiths should be aware of how long the individual utility patent will be in effect.
Kaba has a new utility patent on their ‘Peaks Preferred’ high security lock system which is in effect until 2024. This patent is very long, especially when compared with most other competing high security lock systems.
In addition to patent longevity, Peaks Preferred has many other advantages. The lock cylinders are available as mortise, rim, key-in-knob, small format Best interchangeable core (SFIC) and large format interchangeable core designs (LFIC) for Corbin-Russwin, Yale, Schlage and SARGENT. This allows locksmiths to save end-users money or expense by maximizing the use of existing hardware. Keyway families are available for large commercial building applications. Keys can be cut on existing key machines.
The heart of the Peaks Preferred design is a secondary patent pin located near the face of the lock plug. This pin must be lifted higher than the normal “0” depth surface of the key blank. A patented, raised ‘peak’ built into the key blank lifts the secondary pin to this higher shearline. A second ‘peak’ on the bottom of the blank is used to keep the patent pin in position if the key blank must be turned at least 180 degrees.
The original Peaks Classic features a secondary patent pin with a pointed tip which interacts with the key blank. Peaks Classic design patents are set to expire in 2010.
New Peaks Preferred cylinders have a different shape of secondary patent pin with a hollow tip. The raised peak on the key is formed to fit inside the hollow patent pin. The correct shearline is only achieved when the Peaks Preferred key is interconnected correctly with the hollow patent pin.
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All Peaks Preferred cylinder plugs will have a “P” located on the plug face identifying it as a Peaks Preferred cylinder. This makes servicing the system easy and convenient.
Peaks Preferred was specifically designed to be backwards compatible and operate both existing Peaks Classic cylinders and Peaks Preferred cylinders. Note: Peaks Classic keys will not operate Peaks Preferred cylinders.
Buildings which have existing Peaks Classic lock systems can be economically upgraded to Peaks Preferred lock systems. Exterior door lock cylinders can be replaced with Peaks Preferred cylinders and set to the existing building key system. Inner doors can remain on the existing Peaks Classic key system without modification. Key control is maintained by having Peaks Preferred keys operate both the existing Peaks Classic cylinders and the new Peaks Preferred cylinders, allowing only authorized individuals to enter through exterior doors.
Kaba Peaks can be pinned according to either A2 or A4 SFIC interchangeable core pinning rules. If you have ever pinned a small format interchangeable core (SFIC) cylinder, there are very few extra rules to learn about pinning Kaba Peaks. Key blanks contain both a flat tip stop and a normal shoulder stop. Spacing can be gauged either from the tip or shoulder.
Peaks key-in-knob, SFIC, LFIC, mortise and rim cylinders are only available with cut-to-cut .140 spacing. SFIC cylinders can be ordered with either .150 or .140 spacing. Maximum adjacent cut tolerances will vary depending on which space measurement is being used. Cylinders are available with either six- or seven-pin configurations.
Peaks keys can be originated by using standard code machines such as Framon, HPC, Ilco or ITL.
Some older code or key duplication machines may require an in-field modification consisting of removing a small area of the key vise in order to accommodate the protrusion ‘peak’ on the bottom of the key blank. This will not affect any normal operation of the key machine.
Cutters with a 90 degree cutting angle are recommended. Cutters with a clearance cut, such as the 1011 or equivalent cutter, must be used to cut deep cuts in the space position nearest the shoulder. This is because a standard V-shaped, 90 degree cutter may remove all or part of the ‘peak’ on the key blank.
Kaba Peaks pinning kits must be used. While Kaba Peaks uses the standard A2 & A4 pinning system, pin lengths are not identical to generic aftermarket A2 & A4 SFIC pinning kits. In addition, original Peaks pins have special spool pin shapes designed to increase pick and impression resistance. Usage of non-original pins and springs will void product warranties.
Kaba Peaks Preferred is an economical, time-proven, adaptable high security lock system. Peaks Preferred has a lengthy period of patent protection through 2024. It is simple to service with very few new techniques to learn. The Kaba Peaks design uses a normal tumbler and spring system which restricts malfunctions often associated with overly complex high security lock systems.
For further information on becoming a Kaba Peaks dealer, consult your local locksmith distributor or Kaba at telephone 800-849-8324, web site www.kabaaccess.com.
