Your commercial lock system is more than just the cylinder where you insert your key. It's a comprehensive network of components working in tandem to provide robust security. Ancillary lock hardware plays a crucial supporting role in security access, ensuring functionality, durability, and overall effectiveness. Understanding what ancillary lock hardware encompasses and how it integrates with advanced technologies like user-rekeyable lock cylinders and key management software is essential for building a secure infrastructure for your business.
What is Ancillary Lock Hardware?
Ancillary lock hardware refers to supplementary or supporting components used in conjunction with a primary locking system. These pieces of hardware enhance security, functionality, durability, or ease of use for doors, locks, and access systems, but they are not the main locking mechanism themselves.
Common Examples of Ancillary Lock Hardware:
- Strike plates – Metal plates mounted to the door frame that reinforce the area where the lock bolt engages.
- Latch guards – Metal plates that protect the latch or bolt area from tampering or forced entry.
- Door closers – Devices that automatically close doors after they’ve been opened, helping ensure they aren’t left unlocked or ajar.
- Flush bolts – Manually operated bolts used in double-door setups to secure the inactive leaf.
- Reinforcement plates – Added around a lock or latch area to strengthen the door against forced entry.
- Electric strikes – Paired with access control systems to allow remote locking/unlocking.
- Door viewers (peepholes) – Allow occupants to see who’s outside before opening the door.
- Weather stripping – While primarily for insulation, it also helps ensure a tighter, more secure seal around doors.
Ancillary lock hardware works by supporting, reinforcing, or enhancing the main locking mechanism on a door or access point. While the lock itself is what secures the door, ancillary components ensure that the lock functions effectively, remains secure, and aligns with safety or accessibility standards.
Check out our list of ancillary lock hardware.
How User-Rekeyable Lock Cylinders Work with Ancillary Lock Hardware
User-rekeyable cylinders allow authorized personnel to quickly and easily change the keying of a lock without the need for a locksmith or complete cylinder replacement. This agility is incredibly valuable in scenarios like employee turnover or lost keys. However, the effectiveness of these rekeyable locks is directly linked to the quality and compatibility of the ancillary lock hardware they are paired with.
Compatibility & Quality Are Key
For instance, a user-rekeyable small format interchangeable core (SFIC) needs a compatible lock body in order to function. This may be a knobset, lever handle, or mortise lock. Consider in this example that the SFIC is the "brain" of the lock, but the ancillary lock hardware provides the "body" that secures the door.
If the hardware is flimsy or improperly installed, the security benefits of the rekeyable locks can be compromised. Similarly, the strike plate, the metal piece on the door frame where the bolt extends, must be sturdy and correctly aligned to ensure the door is truly secure when locked. Weak or misaligned strike plates can be easily defeated, negating the security provided by even the most advanced lock system.
Pairing User-Rekeyable Lock Cylinders & Ancillary Lock Hardware for Extended Functionality
Ancillary lock hardware also plays a substantial role in extending the functionality and reach of your lock system. Consider cabinet locks and drawer housings. These pieces of ancillary lock hardware allow you to integrate the same level of key control and potential for user-rekeyable cylinders into securing sensitive documents, supplies, products, or equipment within cabinets and drawers. By utilizing compatible rekeyable cylinders within these drawer housings, businesses can maintain a unified keying system across their entire facility, simplifying key management and enhancing overall security.
Ancillary Lock Hardware & Key Management Software
The integration of ancillary lock hardware extends beyond just the physical locking mechanisms. It also plays a vital role in supporting key management software solutions. These software platforms allow businesses to track key assignments, manage access permissions, and generate audit trails. The effectiveness of this software relies on a well-defined and organized lock system, where each lock and its corresponding hardware, including the ancillary lock hardware, are properly documented.
How InstaKey’s Ancillary Lock Hardware Supports Security
At InstaKey, we understand the critical role of ancillary lock hardware in creating a bolstered yet manageable lock system. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality ancillary lock hardware solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with our innovative user-rekeyable lock cylinder technology and powerful key management software. This approach ensures all components of your lock system work together to provide a higher level of security, simplified management, and long-term value for your business.
