We Americans utilize different types of keys each day. Most of the time we only use two primary keys. One for the main door of our homes and one for our cars and vehicles. Do you know that there are literally hundreds of types of keys! There is no doubt that these keys serve a meaningful function in our day-to-day lives.
We put our trust in these little keys to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our possession from intruders and thefts. But do you really know what type of key you have or is there any duplicate key to your house that should not be in a stranger's access?
If you have questions like this in your mind and thinking about "what type of house key do I own" then this is the right piece of text for you. So, grab a cup of tea and read the article below.
Mechanically Cut Keys – House Key Types
Have you ever felt confused while thinking “what type of house key do I own?” There are different house key types but the most common type of key is the mechanical key. These are keys that are common house keys and even car doors and ignition keys. They are simple, fairly easy to replicate, and have a rather bland and nondescript design.
These keys get their name from the fact that they are made using a mechanical cutter or cutter. Mechanical keys are cut only at one end, with a bold design that is tied to the corresponding strand. These keys have precise grooves cut into one side, making them easy to copy.
These keys are robust, but they are very easy to replicate as well, which can be a problem for some. This is the main disadvantage of mechanical cut keys because they are very easy to duplicate. That is why they do not offer much security and protection. If you have a mechanical key, you need to be careful about who you trust with your keys. Someone could access your home to identify a key type by duplicating it in minutes for less than a few cents.
Four/Double-Sided Keys
This type of key is the most common house key type used in homes. You can identify key types with the help of its four sides. These keys are eminent by the two or four sets of teeth on each side of the key blade. These keys can be used in virtually any home or building. In fact, these types of keys are more common in commercial premises than in private homes.
For optimal security, choose the four-sided option. These keys are the most problematic to replicate and therefore an unlikely target for thieves. Having multiple teeth on both sides means that the lock that matches the key is more complicated and harder to pick.
The draw here is that the extra sides and cuts make the lock very difficult to pick, and the more sides, the harder it is to duplicate the key.
Dimple Or Doted Keys
Thinking about “what type of house key do I own?” A dimple or dotted keys are not much different from flat keys because they are exactly the same shape. The way the dimple/doted key works is that once inserted into the lock, the dotes on the key must align correctly with the pins in the lock, and then the lock is released. Dimple keys are exactly the same on both sides, which means the key will work whichever way you choose to insert it into the lock. When you think to identify key types the difference is that dimple keys have a small depression or dimple.
These keys are used specifically for home and car locks and sometimes in vending machines. This makes it easier and faster to open doors because you don't have to waste time figuring out the correct way to hold the key before you can insert it.
Doted keys are designed to open certain door locks that have a spring jot that can be pushed in to release the lock. These keys are mostly cast-off for home security as they provide an extra level of protection against potential thefts and lock breakings.
Jagged Or Serrated Keys
A jagged or saw-toothed key is an irregularly shaped, double-sided key that allows a lock to be twisted in any direction, even if that type of key does not have the correct jiff for the preferred purpose. The teeth of a serrated or jagged key are set at different angles and depths to allow the user to pick it up and insert it into different types of locks.
Jagged keys are also sometimes called skeleton, scrub, or rack keys. The teeth of the serrated keys are set at altered angles and depths to allow them to be picked up and inserted into diverse types of locks.
One-Sided Keys
Also known as a single-sided key, the profile on one side of the blade precisely matches the corresponding tip on the other. The most common example is keys used for padlocks or cabinet locks. If you are installing locks, you may want to make sure you have locks for your doors that use one-sided keys. One or single-sided keys usually have two slots cut on the inside to insert and turn back and forth to open/unlock the lock.
Laser Cut Keys
Almost comparable in style to mechanically cut keys, these keys are much more precise and composite, which will provide the owner with additional security. They are also commonly known as "side keys" and have patterns and edges that are cut into the key on both sides. This thing makes it much tougher for people to duplicate, which is ideal.
To duplicate this type of car key, a person must have access to specialized machines. If you're looking for a way to secure your home, but don't want anyone breaking in without the correct key, then an electronically cut key is what you need. Moreover, this type of lock key identification is not that hard and you can easily tell by holding a laser-cut key.
Preliminary Keys
Preliminary keys are very different from most other types of keys because they are specifically designed to open multiple locks, not just one. These locks were specifically locked with their separate keys to allow a master key to unlock them as well. Discussing different house key types these keys are useful if you find yourself in a situation where you grant keys to several different domains.
Combo Keys
A combination or simply a combo key is like a double-sided key that is used to open the doors. The difference is that the cutouts are in the wrong places to fit a standard lock. It is used to operate different types of locks. Ever felt confused regarding “what type of house key do I own?” combo keys are sometimes also called knob locks because they can be used in a knob lock to work when the correct combination is applied.