Blade of Key
The portion of the key that inserts into the keyhole — the part that sometimes breaks off inside the lock. Locksmiths can usually remove the broken piece and reconstruct the key.
↑ Back to topGlossary
A layman's guide to locksmithing & security.
Common locksmithing and security terms — including tips to increase your security and save you money.
Bow of Key
The portion of the key that does not insert into the keyhole — the part you hold and which often carries identifying information. A code number is sometimes stamped on the bow; keep a written record (especially for car keys) so a security professional can cut you a replacement from the code, with proof of ownership.
↑ Back to topCodes, Keys by
Keys can frequently be made by a locksmith from the code number of a lock — common with vehicles, padlocks, and filing cabinets. Requiring proof of ownership is standard procedure to safeguard security; additional requirements for car ignition keys may be mandated by state law.
↑ Back to topCombination
A sequence of numbers along with corresponding directions of rotation (clockwise / counter-clockwise) and iterations. If you have the numbers but have forgotten the rotation pattern, contact your local security professional — proof of ownership is required.
↑ Back to topCombination Lock
A lock operated by dialing the correct combination on a numbered dial. Digital keypad locks are also considered combination locks.
↑ Back to topGarage Door Remote Control Units
Never leave garage door remotes in your auto. Thieves break into cars (especially at theater lots), steal the remote and registration, drive to your home, and empty the house. Use a quality deadbolt on the door from the garage into the house.
↑ Back to topKey Lock
A lock requiring a key to operate, as contrasted with a combination lock.
↑ Back to topKeyed Alike
Locks are keyed-alike (KA) when one and only one key operates all of them — different from keyed-different (KD), and not the same as master-keyed.
↑ Back to topKeyed Different
Locks in a keyed-different group each require their own individual key. No single key operates more than one lock in the group.
↑ Back to topKeyway
The configuration of grooves and millings along the blade of a key. Just as you can't put a square peg in a round hole, the keyway of the key must coincide with the keyway of the lock. In a master-keyed group, all locks must share a keyway compatible with the master key.
↑ Back to topLocksmith Associations
Organizations committed to safeguarding the trust society places in security professionals — through accountability (background checks, fingerprinting, licensing), training (hands-on classes at local, state, and national levels), and education (journals, books, and manuals).
↑ Back to topLost Keys
If keys were lost near your residence or vehicle, or if there was identifying information on the ring, have your locks re-keyed by a security professional. If those were the last copies, your locksmith can generate new keys from scratch and re-key the locks at the same time — no need to buy new locks.
↑ Back to topMaster Key
A key designed to operate all the locks in a specific group. It is a myth that any single master key opens all locks. To master-key a group, the locks must be made by the same manufacturer or have interchangeable keyways.
↑ Back to topMaster-Keyed
In a master-keyed (MK) group, each lock is operable by both its own individual key and the master key. The master operates every lock in the group. Sub-masters and grand-masters allow more intricate hierarchies.
↑ Back to topPadlock Combinations
Forgotten the combination of a combination padlock? A locksmith with code books can recover it for a nominal charge — proof of ownership required. If your padlock has the code stamped on it, record it privately and obliterate the marking.
↑ Back to topRe-Keying
Replacing the tumblers (pin tumblers) of a lock cylinder with tumblers of different sizes, so a new key is required. Automotive locks can be re-keyed as well as door locks. Re-keying is usually significantly less expensive than replacing locks. Recommended after moving or losing keys; avoid putting any identifying info on your key ring.
↑ Back to topSkeleton Key
An old-fashioned key used in warded locks. While 3 or 4 basic configurations operate many warded locks, there is great variety in this type of key — and no, no single skeleton key opens all locks.
↑ Back to topTumblers
Parts inside a lock (key lock or safe lock) that must align to precise positions for the lock to operate. In a key lock the tumblers are aligned by the correct key; in a safe lock they are aligned by dialing the correct combination.
↑ Back to topQuestion we didn't cover?
Steve has been doing this since the 1980s — there's a good chance he's seen it. Just call or email.