This website has been converted from Google Classic sites, so some links may not work (yet).

Key Types

Bows

Keys for cylinder locks often have a distinctive bow shape which can help to identify the manufacturer. Here are some common ones:

Keyways

If the manufacturer mark is not visible on the lock, you may be able to determine it by the style of the keyway.

Depth and Spacing

There are certain criteria that determine the cuts or bitting on the key blades. These include the distance from shoulder to the first cut (TFC), the spacing between cut centres (BCC), and the drop or increment from one depth to the next. If the progression is 2, then a given chamber uses every other depth increment (either odd or even). Cuts are also limited by the MACS (see my Lock Glossary page). The depth-spacing details for several common lock manufacturers are given in the table below together with the shallowest cut (0 or 1) and the length of its corresponding bottom pin.

*The shallowest cut in the Emhart key is called #2.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse