criteeker's Full Review: Yakima Sks Lock Cores (12 Pack)
Have you purchased a bunch of Yakima products and hate having to carry a bunch of different keys for each different component? Well, swap these SKS (not to be confused with the SKS rifle) locks into each component and you'll only have ONE key to carry around.
I have enough Yakima products (including bike stuff, cargo carrying stuff and cables) that I needed just ten keyed-alike locks, but I figured I'd have to replace one or two or that the locks might become damaged over time so I bought the twelve pack. It's so nice not having to spend all that time looking for the right key for any of the many locks in my Yakima system.
Yakima was smart NOT to include lock cores with their components. Why? Imagine buying the Yakima components with locks that didn't match, then having to buy the keyed-alike lock cores and then having all the spare lock cores laying around that you paid for. What a waste. The consumer can purchase the amount of keyed-alike lock cores for his or her system - or the consumer has the option to save a little money and not utilize locks. I prefer the piece of mind that the locking cores give me. Yakima offers these keyed-alike core sets in quantities of two, four, six, eight, ten and twelve. But even their website suggests that you should "anticipate growth." Meaning, always buy a couple more than you need like I mentioned above.
One great design feature is that Yakima uses spring-loaded covers in their locks. This cover protects the lock from Mother Nature and all her dirt n' stuff. Once the key enters the lock, it forces the retractable cover out of the way and upon removal of the key, the cover snaps back into place - covering the opening. Bravo! Yakima also sells accessory housings in order to make some non-lockable accessories - lockable.
Getting the SKS core in or out of its housing is very simple. Each set comes with a "master key" that when inserted and twisted the correct way "unscrews" the lock core from the housing. Inserting a new lock is just the opposite - insert the key and then "screw" the core into the housing. Simple.
A Word to Yakima Owners: Let's say you have older components and older (pre-1992) lock sets and need to match SKS or update the cores. If your lock core number starts with the letter "A” you can easily order SKS cores to match. If the core number starts with a number or any other letter, that means they're older (pre-SKS cores) and cannot be matched but Yakima will special order you an SKS core to work with your application. Visit their website or call them at (888) 925-4621.
I would STRONGLY recommend the Yakima core sets to anyone with multiple Yakima locking components. Carrying one key is so much easier and time effective. Keep in mind, that these locks are not theft proof. If a thief wants your expensive bike, skis or kayak, the locks can be defeated. Best to remove your equipment if you plan on leaving the vehicle for extended periods of time. If that's not possible, the use of security cables might help or just park in a more populated area. Thieves don't like witnesses.
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