Best Key Blanks

BEST key blanks are the uncut nickel silver blanks used to cut change keys, master keys, and control keys for BEST interchangeable core cylinders, BEST standard cylinders, and compatible SFIC cores from Falcon, Arrow, and other manufacturers that run the same keyway profiles. The BEST keyway system is one of the most widely deployed interchangeable core key systems in commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, and government facilities across the United States. American Locksets stocks the full BEST key blank catalog with same-day shipping and free shipping on all orders over $300.

BEST Key Blanks: Duplication Prohibited, Keyway Selection, and Volume Ordering

Every BEST key blank in this catalog ships with either "Best Duplication Prohibited" or "Duplication Prohibited" stamped on the blank. This stamping is not decorative. It is a legal notice to key duplication shops and locksmith retailers that the blank is a restricted keyway and cannot be duplicated without authorization from the key system owner or an authorized BEST distributor. For facilities running BEST cores, sourcing blanks from an authorized dealer is the only compliant way to maintain proper key control.

Each keyway is sold in boxes of 50 cut blanks. Single-blank options are available on select keyways for facilities needing a smaller initial quantity. For any project requiring master keying, grand master keying, construction keying, or factory combinating, contact American Locksets before ordering at 877-471-4870.

Standard BEST Key Blanks: KS208 Series, Box of 50

The KS208 blank is the standard BEST key blank with "Best Duplication Prohibited" stamped on the front face and a blank back. This is the correct blank for cut keys in BEST key systems where the facility wants maximum duplication control. The KS208 series covers the full range of single keyways:

• A Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• B Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• C Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• D Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• DD Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• E Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• F Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• G Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• H Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• J Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• K Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• L Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• M Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• N Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• P Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• Q Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

• R Keyway, KS208 Box of 50

Standard BEST Key Blanks: KS473 Series, Box of 50

The KS473 blank carries "Duplication Prohibited" stamping with a slightly different back configuration. This series covers the same keyway range as the KS208 and is used in specific BEST key system configurations where the KS473 blank designation is called out on the facility's key control documentation:

• A Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• B Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• C Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• D Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• DD Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• E Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• F Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• G Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• H Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• J Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• K Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• L Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• M Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• N Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• P Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

• Q Keyway, KS473 Box of 50

Multi-Milled BEST Key Blanks: KS499 and KS208 Series

Multi-milled BEST key blanks are cut to operate cores with two different keyway profiles, which simplifies key management in facilities running adjacent keyways on a single master key system.

The Best 1A1EF1KS499KS800 E/F Keyway Multi-Milled blank covers facilities running both E and F keyway cores on the same key system. The Best 1A1JKLM1KS208KS800 J/K/L/M Keyway Multi-Milled blank covers any combination of J, K, L, or M keyway cores. The M Series is backward compatible with J, K, L, and M keyways by design, making multi-milled blanks in this group particularly useful for large facilities that have accumulated multiple generations of BEST cores under the same master key system.

How to Identify the Correct BEST Key Blank for Your System

The keyway letter on a BEST core is stamped on the core itself or documented on the facility's key control bitting list. The BEST keyway letters (A through R, plus DD and multi-milled combinations) each correspond to a distinct cut profile in the core's warding. The correct blank must match the keyway exactly. Using the wrong blank will not enter the core or will enter but not turn, which can damage the core's driver pins if forced.

The BEST keyway system is compatible with Falcon and Arrow SFIC cores using the same keyway designations, which means a facility running Falcon IC cores in A keyway uses the same BEST A keyway blank as a facility running BEST cores in A keyway.

If the keyway letter is not documented, the fastest identification method is to compare the key profile directly against a keyway chart. The BEST Core and Key Service Manual and the Ilco key blank directory both contain profile illustrations for all BEST keyways. Alternatively, call American Locksets at 877-471-4870 before ordering. Our team can help confirm the keyway from the core model number stamped on the core face.

Browse all Key Blanks, all IC Cores, Best IC Core, and the complete Cylinders/Cores/Keys catalog at American Locksets for the full range of BEST compatible hardware we stock as an authorized dormakaba dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What are BEST key blanks used for?

 BEST key blanks are uncut nickel silver blanks used to cut change keys, master keys, and control keys for BEST interchangeable core cylinders and compatible SFIC products.

Q: What does "Duplication Prohibited" stamped on a BEST key blank mean?

It indicates the blank is a restricted keyway that cannot be duplicated without authorization from the key system owner or an authorized BEST distributor.

Q: What is the difference between KS208 and KS473 BEST key blanks?

 Both serve the same keyways with slightly different back configurations. The KS208 has "Best Duplication Prohibited" stamped on the front. KS473 stamping says "Duplication Prohibited." Confirm which blank your key system documentation specifies before ordering.

Q: Can BEST key blanks be used with Falcon and Arrow IC cores? 

Yes. Falcon and Arrow SFIC cores use the same keyway designations (A, B, C, D, etc.) as BEST cores. The correct BEST blank operates compatible Falcon and Arrow cores with matching keyways.

Q: What are multi-milled BEST key blanks?

 Multi-milled blanks are cut to fit two different keyway profiles on a single blank, allowing one key to operate cores from adjacent keyways within the same master key system.

Q: How do I identify the keyway of a BEST core? 

The keyway letter is stamped on the core face. It is also documented on the facility's bitting list. Contact American Locksets at 877-471-4870 if the core is unlabeled and you need identification support.

Q: Are BEST key blanks sold individually or by the box?

 Most BEST key blanks in this catalog are sold in boxes of 50. Select keyways are available in smaller quantities for initial setups. Call 877-471-4870 for volume pricing.