Locksmith Key Cutting and Duplication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What term describes the process of cutting a key from a manufacturer's numerical code without having an existing key?
- Key duplication
- Code cutting (Correct answer)
- Impressioning
- Decoding
Correct answer: Code cutting
Code cutting uses a bitting code (numerical or alphanumeric) provided by the manufacturer to cut a key to exact factory specifications without needing an original key.
Question 2: Which part of a key blank determines compatibility with a specific lock brand and model?
- The tip
- The bow
- The blade profile (keyway) (Correct answer)
- The shoulder
Correct answer: The blade profile (keyway)
The blade profile, also called the keyway or key section, must match the plug's keyway shape to enter the lock cylinder.
Question 3: On a standard key cutting machine, what component holds the key blank in place during cutting?
- The tracer
- The carriage clamp (vise) (Correct answer)
- The cutter wheel
- The depth gauge
Correct answer: The carriage clamp (vise)
The carriage clamp (vise) secures both the original key and the blank so they move together while the cutter and tracer follow the bitting pattern.
Question 4: What is the 'shoulder' of a key used for when cutting on a manual key machine?
- It determines the key's thickness
- It is the reference stop point that aligns the key's cuts to the correct position (Correct answer)
- It contains the key's serial number
- It identifies the manufacturer's brand
Correct answer: It is the reference stop point that aligns the key's cuts to the correct position
The shoulder is the reference stop point on the key that positions the blade so each cut is made at the correct depth and spacing.
Question 5: Which measurement system do most U.S. key manufacturers use to specify bitting depth?
- Metric millimeters
- Fractional inches
- Decimal inches (Correct answer)
- Gauge numbers
Correct answer: Decimal inches
U.S. key manufacturers typically use decimal inch measurements (e.g., 0.025" increments) to specify bitting depths in their bitting codes.
Question 6: What does the term 'key blank' refer to?
- A key that has been erased of its cuts
- An uncut key that has the correct profile but no bitting cuts yet (Correct answer)
- A master key with all cuts at maximum depth
- A key whose code is unknown
Correct answer: An uncut key that has the correct profile but no bitting cuts yet
A key blank is an uncut key that matches the correct profile (keyway) for a lock but has not yet been cut to any specific bitting code.
Question 7: When duplicating a key on a manual duplicating machine, the tracer follows:
- The new blank being cut
- The original key's bitting pattern (Correct answer)
- A code card chart
- The depth of the cutter wheel
Correct answer: The original key's bitting pattern
The tracer stylus rides along the cuts of the original key, and its movement is mirrored by the cutter wheel to reproduce the same pattern on the blank.
Locksmith Key Cutting and Duplication 1
What term describes the process of cutting a key from a manufacturer's numerical code without having an existing key?