Key Identification & Duplication Flashcards

Which manufacturer's residential locks commonly use the SC1 keyway?

Answer: Schlage

SC1 is the standard 5-pin residential keyway used by Schlage.

On most pin tumbler keys, how are the cut positions numbered?

Answer: From the bow toward the tip

Position 1 is conventionally the cut closest to the bow (head) of the key.

Which tool is used to measure the depth of existing cuts on a key?

Answer: Depth gauge or key caliper

A depth gauge or caliper measures cut depths so they can be matched to the manufacturer's depth chart.

A key blank that is aligned in the duplicator vise by the very end of its blade is called:

Answer: Tip-stop

Tip-stop blanks are positioned against the end of the blade rather than the shoulder.

What is the main purpose of a key blank cross-reference guide from Ilco or Silca?

Answer: Matching a key to the correct compatible blank

Cross-reference guides show which blanks from different brands fit the same keyway.

Why should a freshly cut key be deburred with a brush wheel?

Answer: To remove metal burrs that can jam or damage the lock

Burrs left from cutting can catch pins and cause the key to bind or wear the cylinder.

The typical Kwikset KW1 residential cylinder uses how many pin positions?

Answer: 5

The KW1 keyway is used in standard 5-pin Kwikset cylinders.

What does the transponder chip in an automotive key communicate with?

Answer: The vehicle's immobilizer system

The chip sends a coded signal that the immobilizer must recognize before the engine will start.

A laser-cut (sidewinder) automotive key differs from a standard edge-cut key because its cuts are:

Answer: Milled into the flat side of the blade as a track

Laser-cut keys have a milled track in the blade's side and require a specialized milling cutter.

Wafer locks are most commonly found in which application?

Answer: Filing cabinets, desks and some older automotive locks

Wafer tumbler locks are inexpensive and widely used in cabinets, desks and older vehicle locks.

Medeco keys are considered high security partly because their cuts:

Answer: Use angled cuts that rotate the pins to align a sidebar

Medeco pins must be both lifted and rotated by angled cuts to align the sidebar.

A key stamped 'Do Not Duplicate' should be handled by a professional locksmith by:

Answer: Verifying authorization before copying

The stamp is not a lock, but ethical practice requires confirming the customer is authorized to have copies.

Before cutting a key from a VIN-derived code, a reputable locksmith should:

Answer: Verify proof of ownership and identity

Proof of ownership prevents key cutting that could facilitate vehicle theft.

Why must many transponder keys be programmed after cutting?

Answer: The vehicle must learn the chip's code

Cutting only makes the blade turn the lock; the vehicle computer must still be taught the chip's ID.

What is the key difference between a code-cutting machine and a tracing duplicator?

Answer: Code machines cut from bitting specifications rather than tracing an original

Code machines position the cutter by numeric bitting data, so no original key is required.

The standard depth increment between cuts for a Schlage key is approximately:

Answer: .015 inch

Schlage depth increments are .015 inch, while Kwikset uses .023 inch.

Cut spacing (center-to-center distance between cuts) for Schlage SC1 keys is about:

Answer: .156 inch

Schlage spacing is .156 inch, versus .150 inch for Kwikset.

If a copy cut from a worn original does not operate smoothly, the best remedy is to:

Answer: Recut from the lock's code or a less worn key

Copies of worn keys inherit and compound the wear, so cutting from code or a better key is more accurate.

A duplicate key that will not fully insert into the lock most likely has which problem?

Answer: Blade not seated properly in the vise, causing wrong shoulder or tip alignment

Improper vise seating shifts all cuts and often makes the key fail to insert or turn.

A worn cutter wheel on a duplicating machine will most likely result in:

Answer: Cuts that are inaccurate or rough

A dull or worn cutter produces imprecise cuts and rough surfaces.