CPL Key Cutting & Code Origination 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'bitting' refer to in key cutting?
- The brand marking on a key blank
- The series of cuts along the key blade that operate the lock (Correct answer)
- The groove running along the key's length that guides blade insertion
- The thickness of the key blade at the bow
Correct answer: The series of cuts along the key blade that operate the lock
Bitting refers to the specific pattern of cuts or depths along a key blade that correspond to the internal components of a lock.
Question 2: Which code system uses alphanumeric codes that directly represent the depth and spacing of key cuts?
- Indirect codes
- Direct codes (Correct answer)
- Blind codes
- Shadow codes
Correct answer: Direct codes
Direct codes (also called direct reading codes) represent actual cut depths and spacing values that can be used immediately without consulting a code book translation.
Question 3: On a standard key cutting machine, the 'depth gauge' setting controls which dimension of the cut?
- The horizontal position of the cut along the blade
- The angle of the cutting wheel
- The vertical depth of each individual cut (Correct answer)
- The speed of the cutting wheel
Correct answer: The vertical depth of each individual cut
The depth gauge on a key cutting machine controls how deep each cut is made into the key blade.
Question 4: When originating a key from a code for a Schlage lock, the locksmith typically measures from which reference point?
- The tip of the key
- The shoulder of the key (Correct answer)
- The bow of the key
- The first cut position
Correct answer: The shoulder of the key
Schlage keys are measured from the shoulder (the step near the bow) as the reference point for locating cut positions.
Question 5: A 'code series' in automotive key cutting refers to:
- The VIN number sequence used to order keys
- A range of code numbers assigned to a specific vehicle manufacturer and model group (Correct answer)
- The sequence in which cuts must be made on the key machine
- The serial number stamped on the key blank
Correct answer: A range of code numbers assigned to a specific vehicle manufacturer and model group
A code series identifies a group of key codes applicable to a specific manufacturer, model, and year range of vehicles.
Question 6: What is a 'progression' in the context of key bitting specifications?
- The order in which key blanks are filed in a key cabinet
- The allowable increment between adjacent cut depths (Correct answer)
- The number of keys that can be made from one blank
- The movement of the key cutter across the blade
Correct answer: The allowable increment between adjacent cut depths
Progression (or increment) is the standardized difference in depth between consecutive cut values in a key system.
Question 7: When decoding a key using a key gauge, a locksmith reads the depth values and then must:
- Immediately duplicate the key without further steps
- Verify the readings against published bitting specifications for that keyway (Correct answer)
- Discard keys whose readings fall below depth 3
- Re-cut the key to the nearest even number depth
Correct answer: Verify the readings against published bitting specifications for that keyway
After reading depth values with a gauge, the locksmith should verify them against the manufacturer's bitting specifications to confirm accuracy before originating a key.
CPL Key Cutting & Code Origination 2
What does the term 'bitting' refer to in key cutting?