Key Basics
Common keys are available in three different styles
Ready-Cut Keys
These keys require no cutting/copying. They are manufactured with pre-determined cuts. Each combination of cuts is named. The names are molded into the head of the key and are used to identify the key.
Mortice Keys
This style of key is supplied as a blank. Blanks vary in size and shape. The original key is required to select a suitable blank and is used to determine the size and shape of the cuts required. Examples include rim keys, gate keys & safe keys.
Latch Keys
Latch keys are supplied as blanks in a wide variety of profiles. The original key is used to select the correct profile and determines the depth of the cuts required.
A note on copying keys – keys made from worn or broken originals cannot be guaranteed
Lock Basics
Locks can be keyed in three ways
Keyed to Differ
This is the default for most locks; each lock has a unique key which cannot be used with any other lock.
Keyed Alike
Keyed alike locks share one key amongst multiple locks. This is useful when multiple locks are used by one person.
Master Keyed
Master keyed locks will accept their unique key as well as the master key, but will not accept any other key. This is useful for supervisors or managers should individual unique keys go missing.
A few more things we’re great at
We do more than just key cutting