What Type of House Key Do I Have

There are tons of locks and keys in the world all geared to keeping our homes secured. With the way locks play a crucial role in keeping our properties safe, it is best if you have adequate knowledge about the type of house key you currently use. Knowing this will help you determine whether your home has maximum security protection or if you need to speak to a professional locksmith for a key replacement.

What type of key am I using?

There are various types of keys but six of them are commonly used in houses and commercial centers. There are high possibilities that your house key will fall into one of these six categories. Let’s get right into it.

Mechanically-Cut Keys

Mechanically-cut keys are one of the oldest types of house keys found in older cars and buildings. These types of keys are made from a die-cast or a mechanical cutting machine, hence their name. Mechanically-cut keys are only cut on one side with a ridge that connects to its lock. However, these keys are the easiest to decode and duplicate. Therefore, it is the least safe key for a property. If you are still using a mechanically-cut key, it is best to talk to a locksmith for lock and key replacement.

Four-Sided Keys

Four-sided keys are one of the safest keys to use in buildings, thanks to their intricate design. Four-sided keys have four sets of teeth on each side which makes them harder to duplicate. The locks that come with four-sided or double-sided keys also have a technical mechanism that is harder to pick. If you are looking for a key that will give your home optimum security protection, a four-sided key is a great choice.

Dimple Keys

Dimple keys contain a set of identical dimples at each side of the key that only opens the lock when the lock pins align with each dimple. Because of the identical dimples at each side, a dimple key can unlock its lock regardless of the side that was inserted. Dimple keys are a great choice if you are looking to add an extra layer of security to your home.

Abloy Keys

Abloy keys are a unique set of keys that open a disc-tumbler lock. When inserted, the key turns the internal disc of the locks to open the lock. Abloy locks are impossible to pick because the lock doesn’t make use of a spring-loaded mechanism. However, Abloy keys are unknown in some parts of the world and popular in other parts, like Finland.

Magnetic Keys

A magnetic key contains a magnet that causes the tumblers in a lock to align and unlock. Magnetic keys are considered extremely secure because you have to break the lock before you can align the tumblers. Also, magnetic keys are harder to duplicate because of the precision of each magnet, making them a great choice for safety.

Primary Keys

A primary key is the main key to every door in a building. It can unlock any door in a building and it is usually used in commercial buildings and apartments in case of emergencies. However, it is only used if there’s a need to access a particular section in the building.

Knowing the type of key your home uses is a great way to find out security loopholes and enhance your locks, in case it is necessary. You can consult Tampa Locksmith to learn more. We also offer all kinds of key replacement, repair and installation services.