Locks/ Keys

A key is a device which is used to open a lock. It usually consists of a specially-shaped piece of flat metal, with cut notches (forming teeth), and/or milled grooves which fit the shape of the lock and can open the correctly combinated lock by (usually) being turned in the lock housing. more...

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This portion of the key is referred to as the blade. The wider grip, referred to as the bow, is found at the top of the key to facilitate turning. Usually, there are only a small number of keys which can operate a certain lock. In some residential locks, all of the keys for a lock are given to the purchaser of the lock. Duplicates of the key can normally be made by anyone with the correct key blank and key machine. Some manufacturers assign an identification number to each lock and key combination. Knowing the identification number of such a lock allows a duplicate key to be made at certain places. Many residential keys are identified by the key cuts stamped on the key bow.

Most people in modern society use keys on a daily basis, to secure their home, their vehicle, or to access their workplace, among other uses. Those that use a number of keys will usually place them on a ring or key chain, often with other items such as key fobs.

Special types of keys

House key

A house key is the most common kind of key. When held upright as if to open a door, a series of grooves on either side of the key limits the type of lock cylinder the key can slide into. As the key slides into the lock, a series of notches allow the pins to move up and down until those pins are in line with the shear line of the cylinder, allowing that cylinder to rotate freely inside the lock and the lock to open.

Car key

A car key or an automobile key is a key used to open or start an automobile, often identified with the logo of the car company at the head. Modern key designs are usually symetrical, and some use grooves on both sides, rather than a cut edge, to actuate the lock. It has multiple uses for the automobile with which it was sold. A car key can open the doors, as well as start the ignition, open the glove compartment and also open the trunk (boot) of the car. Some cars come with an additional key known as a valet key that starts the ignition and opens the drivers side door but prevents the valet from gaining access to valuables that are located in the trunk or the glove box. Recently, features such as coded immobilizers have been implemented in newer vehicles. More sophisticated systems make ignition dependent on electronic devices, rather than the mechanical keyswitch. Ignition switches/locks are combined with security locking of the steering column (in many modern vehicles) or the gear lever (Saab Automobile). In the latter, the switch is between the seats, preventing damage to the driver's knee, in the event of a collision.

Read more at Wikipedia.org