subject: Key Variations [print this page] You might think that a key is a key and that there's not much variation to be had with using different types of keys. However this is missing the mark somewhat and there are in fact multiple different types of keys all with different strengths and weaknesses. There are various differences in the types of keys available, but while they can vary in their design and their function, there are also some commonalities that normally exist between keys. Here we will look at the basics of your standard cylinder key and how they change for various variations on a key. A locksmith will be able to work with any of these keys and can recommend you on the best type of key for your needs.
First of all, the basic key is known as a cylinder key. This is because it works in something known as a cylinder lock where the key is inserted into a lock blade-first so that the teeth coming out of the blade push the individual pins out of the chamber to allow it to be turned. This is the kind of key that most of us associate with locksmiths and the sort of key that a locksmith will be most used to working with in today's age.
The cylinder key is made really of only two major parts the round handle, and the blade with the teeth coming directly out of the end. However some other forms of keys, such as the lever key and the church key, include another element that being a neck that comes out between the handle and the blade, from which the blade juts out at a 90 degree angle. It is unfair to call the lever key or church key a variation on the cylinder key as they actually came first and locksmiths have been working with these types of key and locks for much longer. These keys utilise the long neck in order for the blade to be inserted more deeply inside the lock mechanism which makes it slightly harder to pick.
These make up the three main elements of most keys the handle, the neck and the blade (with the teeth coming out of it). Where you might find variation then for instance is in the type of the blade, or in the number of teeth. For instance, a double-edged key looks like a cylinder key, except in that it has teeth on either side of the blade so that has two sides to be picked making it more secure. Meanwhile crucifix keys take this one step further by having four lots of teeth coming out in four directions from the blade. This makes them more secure, but also interestingly makes the keys more durable.
Interestingly, another variation on the basic key doesn't have teeth along the edge or at the end of the key, but rather through the blade itself. These keys are known as sidewinders (along with some other names), and here the teeth are actually located on the inside of the blade down a narrow strip making them far more protected and preventing wear and tear.
