subject: Some Interesting Types Of Keys [print this page] Locksmiths work with a number of different and interesting types of keys that can both be the keys they need to repair or to copy, or the keys they use themselves to help with their jobs. Some of these are very interesting in the way they work and demonstrate some of the ingenuity that goes into designing, creating and implementing locks and keys that are difficult to by pass and that offer the necessary amount of security.
Four Sided Keys: These keys, also known as cross keys or cruciform keys, have not one set of teeth but four making them look like a cross when you look directly down on them. They are at once more durable and far more difficult to pick as the key is designed to operate numerous pins simultaneously. Two sided keys also exist which simply have teeth on both the top and bottom of the blade.
Internal Cut Keys: An internal cut key, which is also known as a sidewinder or laser cut key, is a key that has the notches inside a wavy groove in the straight rectangular blade. Normally the groove is on either side so that the key may be inserted either way up. These keys are very durable and are not subject to as much wear and tear as 'regular' keys. However they require a specific type of machine in order to be cut.
Master Keys: Master keys are impressive in that they can open multiple locks. This is actually more impressive manufacturing and craftsmanship of the locks rather than the key itself, but requires a lot of thought in order for those locks to be opened by both the master key and the specific 'change' keys, while not allowing the change keys to work with any of those other locks.
Skeleton Keys: Skeleton keys are not keys that we use ourselves, but keys that can be tools for locksmiths or for burglars though today they are largely obsolete and not used particularly commonly at all. Skeleton keys (also known as passkeys) are keys that are designed in order toe be able to open many other locks. This is possible due to the fact that the skeleton keys were originally used to open warded locks or 'church locks' which only provide minimal security and don't have the usual complex pin systems used in most external locks today. Thus these keys are useful for burglars and for locksmiths who want to open warded locks, but as these are rarely used apart from on gates and cupboards, skeleton keys are largely obsolete today. Skeleton keys can be identified by looking at the handles which are usually either very decorative and ornate, or very plain.
Tubular Keys: Tubular keys are keys that look like hollow cylinders with notches and divots around the edge. This allows the pins to be operated at 360 degrees and makes them difficult to pick as a result. At the same time they are also very durable. These keys in their modern form are difficult to duplicate and are often found in bike locks and safes.
