CAL Key Generation and Duplication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In automotive key generation, 'bitting depth' refers to:
- The total length of the key blade
- The height of each individual cut on the key (Correct answer)
- The angle at which the key enters the ignition
- The number of cuts on the key
Correct answer: The height of each individual cut on the key
Bitting depth is the measurement of how deep each individual cut is made into the key blade, determining which tumbler height it will align.
Question 2: A locksmith is using the 'progressive' key generation method. This means they are:
- Cutting keys in order from lowest to highest bitting values
- Systematically trying keys with incremental bitting changes to identify the correct cuts (Correct answer)
- Using electronic progression to decode the transponder
- Generating keys based on vehicle production year progression
Correct answer: Systematically trying keys with incremental bitting changes to identify the correct cuts
Progressive key generation involves systematically testing keys with incrementally changed bitting values until the correct combination is identified.
Question 3: Which vehicle component is most commonly used to retrieve a factory key code on older domestic vehicles?
- OBD-II port data stream
- Door hinge stampings
- Glove box lock or door lock cylinder tag (Correct answer)
- Engine block casting number
Correct answer: Glove box lock or door lock cylinder tag
Older domestic vehicles often had a key code tag attached to the door lock cylinder or glove box lock from the factory.
Question 4: When a key code begins with the letter 'E' in many Ford vehicles, this typically indicates:
- The key is an emergency valet key
- The code series or key blank family for that model year (Correct answer)
- The key has electronic transponder capability
- The code was generated from the engine compartment
Correct answer: The code series or key blank family for that model year
In Ford key code systems, letter prefixes indicate the code series or key blank family specific to a model and year range.
Question 5: A locksmith measures an existing automotive key using a key gauge and finds the cuts don't match any standard depth specification. The most likely explanation is:
- The key is a foreign-market vehicle key
- The key has been previously cut incorrectly or worn down (Correct answer)
- The key blank manufacturer used non-standard measurements
- The vehicle uses a proprietary non-standard lock system
Correct answer: The key has been previously cut incorrectly or worn down
Keys that have been improperly cut or heavily worn often show measurements that fall between standard depth specifications.
Question 6: The 'space' measurement in automotive key cutting refers to:
- The gap between the key blade and the key bow
- The distance between the centerlines of adjacent cuts on the key (Correct answer)
- The clearance between the key and the ignition housing
- The void left after a cut is made
Correct answer: The distance between the centerlines of adjacent cuts on the key
Spacing defines the distance between cut centers along the key blade and ensures each cut aligns with its corresponding tumbler position.
Question 7: Which of the following statements about laser-cut (also called sidewinder) automotive keys is correct?
- They can be duplicated on any standard key machine with a laser attachment
- They have cuts milled into the center of the key blade on one or both sides (Correct answer)
- They do not require transponder programming
- They use the same blanks as standard double-sided keys
Correct answer: They have cuts milled into the center of the key blade on one or both sides
Laser-cut keys feature winding cuts milled into the center of the blade rather than on the edges, requiring specialized equipment.
CAL Key Generation and Duplication 3
In automotive key generation, 'bitting depth' refers to: