BEST Universal Lock Company was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1925 by Frank Best, who filed his original interchangeable core patent in 1921 while working in the field of education. His wife was a strong supporter of his creativity, encouraging him to pursue his ideas while working full time. In 1938, BEST moved to Indianapolis at 10 N. Senate Ave. (pictured). The business later moved to a 50-acre plot at 6161 E. 75th St. in Indianapolis, where the primary manufacturing is still located as the North American headquarters of dormakaba Group.

Black-and-white photograph of BEST Universal Lock Company factory workers operating early vertical-feed machinery, a hallmark of the custom BEST Automatics designed by Frank Best to solve production challenges. This image captures the hands-on precision and industrial craftsmanship that powered the company’s rise as a leader in security hardware manufacturing. Some machines remained in operation until the early 1980s – and today, BEST continues to lead as part of dormakaba Group.

This set of BEST keys demonstrates the specialized keying system behind the brand’s patented interchangeable core (IC) technology. The control keys shown are used to insert and remove IC cores from compatible lock bodies. The IC system, originally introduced in 4- and 5-pin versions, has evolved over time to accommodate additional master keying options and varying lock housings. A hallmark of BEST’s modular access control approach, this innovation helped set a benchmark for key management and flexibility in the locking industry.

This 4-pin small-format interchangeable core (SFIC) represents the original standard developed by BEST, forming the foundation for one of the most enduring mechanical keying systems in the industry. Designed for fast rekeying with a control key – without removing lock hardware – the 4-pin configuration offered simplicity, security, and flexibility for facilities. As access control needs grew more complex, BEST later introduced 7-pin versions to expand keying capacity and enhance security. Still, the 4-pin core remains a legacy of early innovation and a hallmark of BEST’s impact on the modern lock industry that continues today with dormakaba Group.

This BEST interchangeable core (IC) is shown with a dedicated control key attached by a ball chain, demonstrating a practical setup used by maintenance and security teams for rapid access and rekeying. The IC system, pioneered by BEST, allowed facility managers to replace cores on-site within seconds, using this control key to release and install cores without dismantling the lock. Frank Best filed the original IC patent in 1921 and continued to improve both product and manufacturing processes throughout his career, ultimately securing more than 100 patents. The visible wear on the brass housing and classic BEST key stamping marks decades of widespread use in institutional and commercial settings.

Von Duprin Price Book 1942

Von Duprin Price Book

Prince Price Book- Self-Releasing Fire Exit Devices

National Builders Hardware Assoc. 1955 | Hardware for Labelled Fire Doors Publication