Lock cores are specific to each manufacturer and lock codes, and can be "keyed alike" or "keyed differently."

Keyed alike means that the locks will all operate using the same key – these lock cores have the same manufacturer and lock code. Keyed differently means the locks will operate using different keys.

If you would like to make life easier (and who doesn’t?), the lock cores can be switched out to use the same key – as long as the lock cores are within the same manufacturer and series.

For example, if you have a Hon 101E and a Hon 102E, those lock cores can be switched out to use one key. The manufacturer (Hon) and the series (E) are the same, so the lock cores can be switched out to any other code within the series.