5 Types of Keys and What Makes Them Work Differently

Locksmiths work with a variety of interesting types of keys that may both be the tool they require to copy or repair, or the keys that help them with their jobs. Some of the key types are interesting in the way they work and show their creativity that goes into the design, creation, and implementation of keys and locks that offer the required security as they are hard to bypass.

Following are the top 5 types of keys that locksmiths use commonly:

1. Internal Cut Keys

Internal cut keys are also known as laser cut keys or sidewinder keys. An internal cut key has the notches in the straight rectangular blade inside a curvy groove. Usually the groove is on both sides so that the key may be inserted any way up. Internal cut keys are not subject to wear and tear and they are quite durable as compared to ‘regular’ keys. However, a specific type of machine is required in order to cut them.

2. Four Sided Keys

Also known as cruciform or cross keys, four sided keys have a total of four sets of teeth that make them appear as a cross, especially when you look directly down on them. Such keys are extremely durable and far more difficult to pick because they are designed to operate several pins simultaneously. Sometimes they are made as two sided keys, having teeth on both the top as well at the bottom of the blade.

3. Master Keys

Master keys are famous for their impressive capability to open multiple locks. Their craftsmanship and manufacturing is even more impressive, however it requires considerable thought for those locks that are to be opened by both the specific ‘change’ keys as well as the master key, while disallowing the change keys to work with other locks.

4. Tubular Keys

Tubular keys look like hollow cylinders with divots and notches around the edge. This design enables the pins to be operated at 360 degrees and as a result, they are difficult to pick. Also, they are extremely durable. Furthermore, duplication of tubular keys, especially in their latest design is very difficult. Such keys are often found in safes and bike locks.

5. Skeleton Keys

Skeleton keys are not commonly used, instead they work as tools for locksmiths –that’s why they are largely obsolete these days. Also known as passkeys, skeleton keys are designed to be able to open various types of locks. This is possible because of the fact that these keys were originally used to open ‘church locks’ or ‘warded locks’ which only offer minimal security and don’t have the typical complex pin systems that are mostly used in external locks nowadays. You can identify a skeleton key by looking at the handles that are generally either very plain, or very ornate and decorative.Apart from locksmiths, skeleton keys are also used by burglars who want to open warded locks, however as such keys are seldom used except for on cupboards and gates, skeleton keys are quite obsolete today.

Dib’s Safe & Lock Service in San Bernardino is a locally-owned, family run business with over 90 years experience proudly offering lock, safe, and key, services to residential and business customers in San Bernardino County, Riverside, and the surrounding areas in Inland Empire. If you have questions about video security, or lock and key service of any type, give Dib’s a call today at (909) 885-0452.