SFIC Tailpieces, A.K.A. Throw Members
Tailpiece Loss Syndrome is such a common occurrence in the door hardware industry that it is almost a joke. It happens like this:
- The job specifies small format interchangeable core (SFIC) cylindrical locks
- The locks are shipped with separate tailpieces, often called ‘throw members’
- The installer (usually a contractor) installs the locks and throws the tailpieces away
This occurs so often that when I get a call from a customer who says, “I have a job where we installed all SFIC cylindrical locks…” I finish the sentence for them, “… and the contractor threw the tailpieces away.” That usually gets a chuckle, but there’s not much humor in it really, especially if the tails must be factory ordered with a lead time of several weeks and the inspection is tomorrow.
Nope, no fun.
To avoid losing the tailpieces this way, there are a couple of things you might do:
- Get a responsible person (maybe you) to collect the tailpieces when the locks are delivered, or
- Have the tailpieces shipped separately directly to you, or
- Order cores with the locks and have the contractor install them and ensure they are working properly. (They will need to have the tails to accomplish this.)
If you elect to order the cores with the locks and want to avoid the delays associated with waiting for an order of master keyed permanent cores, order construction cores. Construction cores are temporary cores that are all keyed alike for use during the construction phase. Typically hardware re-sellers stock construction cores or they are readily available from the factory, so they are usually deliverable fairly quickly.
builders hardware, door hardware, door problems, lock problem, security hardware
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