CFL Key & Lock Examination 2

Question 1

When examining a key for evidence of impressioning, which surface area is most critical to document?

Accepted Answer

The blade's bitting marks and file contact traces

Answer

Impressioning leaves characteristic file marks and scratch patterns on the blade where the locksmith filed to fit the key to the lock.

Question 2

A forensic examiner finds bright, shiny scratches running longitudinally along a key's cuts. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Dragging the key across a hard surface

Answer

Longitudinal drag marks along the cuts typically indicate the key was scraped across an abrasive or hard surface, not normal insertion wear.

Question 3

Which type of key duplication method is most difficult to detect forensically because it leaves the fewest tool marks?

Accepted Answer

Key cutting machine duplication

Answer

Machine-cut duplicate keys closely mimic the original bitting profile and show only machine cutter marks, which are minimal and difficult to distinguish from the original.

Question 4

What does the term 'bitting depth' refer to in key examination?

Accepted Answer

The vertical measurement of each cut from the blade's surface

Answer

Bitting depth is the measured depth of each individual cut on the key blade, which determines which pins are elevated to the shear line.

Question 5

A Certified Forensic Locksmith compares two keys microscopically and finds identical bitting but different manufacturer codes stamped on the bow. This MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

One key is a duplicate made from the original

Answer

Identical bitting with different stamps suggests one is a copy made to match the cuts of the original, as duplicating machines do not replicate manufacturer codes.

(CFL) Certified Forensic Locksmith Practice Test

(CFL) Certified Forensic Locksmith Practice Test

CFL Key & Lock Examination 2