CPL Key Cutting & Code Origination 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'spacing gauge' when originating keys by code?
- To measure the key blank's overall length
- To determine the correct horizontal distance between cuts on the key blade (Correct answer)
- To check the keyway profile of a blank
- To measure the thickness of the key blade
Correct answer: To determine the correct horizontal distance between cuts on the key blade
A spacing gauge ensures each cut is positioned at the correct horizontal distance from the reference point along the key blade.
Question 2: The 'MACS' (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification) rule prevents:
- Using more than one key blank brand
- Bitting combinations where adjacent cuts differ by too many depth increments, making a key inoperable (Correct answer)
- Cutting keys for high-security locks without authorization
- Duplicate keys from being made at retail locations
Correct answer: Bitting combinations where adjacent cuts differ by too many depth increments, making a key inoperable
MACS limits how much adjacent cuts can differ in depth to ensure a key can physically operate a lock without binding the tumblers.
Question 3: Which type of code book would a locksmith use to find the key cuts needed for a specific lock serial number?
- A key blank cross-reference guide
- An indirect code book that translates serial/code numbers to bitting depths (Correct answer)
- A keyway identification manual
- A depth and space specification chart
Correct answer: An indirect code book that translates serial/code numbers to bitting depths
An indirect code book translates a lock's serial or code number into the actual cut depths needed to originate the key.
Question 4: On a code-cutting machine, the 'index' positions represent:
- The number of keys that can be cut before the wheel needs replacement
- The fixed spacing stops that position the key blank for each successive cut (Correct answer)
- The depth settings programmed into the machine's memory
- The angle adjustments for cutting side-milled keys
Correct answer: The fixed spacing stops that position the key blank for each successive cut
Index positions on a code-cutting machine are precisely spaced stops that advance the key blank to the correct position for each cut.
Question 5: A locksmith originating a Ford automobile key from a code uses cuts measured in what unit?
- Millimeters only
- Inches only
- Thousandths of an inch (mils)
- Arbitrary depth numbers (1–6 or 1–8) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Arbitrary depth numbers (1–6 or 1–8)
Automotive key systems, including Ford, typically use arbitrary depth designations (such as 1–8) that correspond to specific physical depths defined in the manufacturer's specifications.
Question 6: When a key is described as 'cut on the high side' of tolerances, this means:
- The cuts are shallower than the nominal depth, reducing the key's height at each cut (Correct answer)
- The cuts are deeper than the nominal depth, removing more metal
- The key was cut with a dull cutter causing rough edges
- The key was cut at a higher speed than recommended
Correct answer: The cuts are shallower than the nominal depth, reducing the key's height at each cut
Cutting on the high side means cuts are shallower (less material removed), leaving the key taller at each cut position, which can cause the key to feel stiff in the lock.
Question 7: What does 'bow-to-tip' measurement ensure when setting up a key duplicator?
- That the key blank is the correct thickness
- That the key blank's total length matches the original key being duplicated (Correct answer)
- That the correct keyway profile is loaded into the machine
- That the depth stops are calibrated to factory specs
Correct answer: That the key blank's total length matches the original key being duplicated
Bow-to-tip measurement verifies that the replacement key blank has the same overall length as the original, ensuring cuts will align properly in the lock.
CPL Key Cutting & Code Origination 3
What is the purpose of a 'spacing gauge' when originating keys by code?