Lock and keys are a part of our daily life. But we barely know about their mechanism and types. You will be astonished to know that there are more than 15 types of keys. And I can tell you confidently that you have not seen most of them.
Or though you have seen them, you do not know much about them. Today we will introduce you with varieties of keys. And let you enrich your knowledge and bless your eyes. Moreover, you will know their roles in the access control system and their significance. Let’s go inside.
Types of Keys for Locks And Their Uses
It is assumed that the lock and key system were invented first in 4000 BC. People of ancient Babylon civilization and Egyptians both made this system for security or hidden paths. Later, Roman engineers developed it and made them with bronze, iron, etc. In the eighteen century, an American engineer Linus Yale and his son designed and made the modern flat keys.
Later in need of enhanced security and different purpose, various types of keys we’re invented. Some of them are used for home and industrial locks, whereas others are made for automotive vehicles (See here Controle technique Onhaye). Here are different types of keys and their specialities.
Type 1: Skeleton Key
Let’s start with the most ancient type of keys. Romanians are credited for designing and making these cotters. Skeleton keys are also known as a passkey because these types of hitters only have the essential arts.
Like a few teeth at the end and a handle for applying torque. These cotters can open several different locks too. Nowadays, this term is used to mention the keys that have toothed keys and used for many locks.
Type 2: Double or Four Sided Key
These types can be differentiated easily. They have 4 blades, and each blade has teeth on it. Sometimes only two blades have the hash, and other ones do not have. So they are much more unique than normal keys.
It is a little bit hard to duplicate them. So it is hard to pick them for burglars. These cotters are durable too. So you can use these to develop your security system without any large investment.
Type 3: Abloy Key
Now we are introducing you with the safest lock and key system, the Abloy key. These keys are used for disc tumbler locks. These are similar to tumbler keys, and these cotters turn the disc and align it and let the lock open.
But in addition, it does not use any spring. So it is found nearly impossible to pick these. And no way for entering without breaking it. Almost all around the world, a lot of keys are used for enhanced security.
Type 4: Dimple Key
Dimple keys have cone-shaped smiles on its flat surface. The dimples are aligned in two rows. To open the lock, two sets of one of the lock have to be matched. When the cone-shaped dimple holes match with the pins with dimple head, the lock will be open.
The dimples are aligned in the same way on both sides of the cotter. So you can insert the in both ways. And that is why this type is user friendly.
Type 5: Para-centric Key
Para-centric locks use para-centric keys. These are easy to recognize and have unique shapes. There are some small teeth at the end of the contorted blade that fit tightly between the keyhole and cylinder.
The key can be entered in only one way. Because of the one way escutcheon, this key can not be brought out while the lock is own. All these features have made it extremely safe. And that is why these are used all over the world in prisons. So lock picking is avoided.
Type 6: Barrel Key
Barrel keys are also known as tubular cotters and are used for tubular tumbler locks. These are short and thick than general keys. The cylindrical shaft has a hollow in it. This type of hitters is mainly used for motorbikes. Vending machines also use this type of key because of high security. It is tough to make a replica of these keys.
Type 7: Key Card
Key cards look similar to credit cards. They have magnetic strips on them. When they are brought near to the card reader, they pass the information under the electromagnetic field made by the reader. These types of locks are used in places where you have to change the access frequently. Key cards are mostly used in hotels. So the managers can change and program the system at any time. And access to the rooms can be controlled and change at any time.
Final Words
Different kind of keys for locks is invented for many reasons. In most cases, they are developed to improve the security system. In our daily life, we mostly use pin tumbler keys. But Abloy keys are more secure are becoming more popular. Pancentric keys are for prisons. Know keys and lock mechanism and to be the security master of your own.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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