Common Residential Key Services & Key Types

These are the most widely used key types for homes, apartments, and rental properties:

• KW1 / KW10 (Kwikset Keys) – Most common in residential locks and deadbolts

• SC1 / SC4 (Schlage Keys) – Popular for residential locks with higher security

• Weiser Keys – Often found in Canadian or older North American homes

• Yale Keys (Y1, Y2, etc.) – Occasionally used in older or specialty residential locks

• Mailbox Keys – For USPS-approved mailboxes or multi-unit housing clusters

• Padlock Keys – For backyard gates, sheds, or exterior lockers

Residential Key Services

These are the locksmith services homeowners most often need:

• Key Duplication – Making extra keys for family, roommates, or guests

• Lock Rekeying – Changing the pins inside a lock to fit a new key without replacing the whole lock (popular after moving or breakups)

• Key Extraction – Removing a broken key stuck in the lock

• Lock Repair or Replacement – For damaged, rusted, or outdated hardware

• House Lockout Service – Emergency service when locked out of home

• Master Key Systems – Often used in rental homes or duplexes (one key for landlord, different keys for tenants)

• Do Not Duplicate (DND) Keys – Used by landlords to prevent unauthorized copying

Smart & High-Security Residential Keys

More modern or secure key options for homes:

• Smart Lock Keys / Backup Keys – Most smart locks still come with physical keys for emergencies

• Keypad Entry Locks with Override Keys – Includes a hidden mechanical key

• Medeco / Mul-T-Lock Residential Keys – High-security, patented key control for homeowners concerned with break-ins

• Dimple Keys – Used in newer high-security residential locks

• Skeleton Keys – Found in vintage or antique homes with original hardware

Rekeying & Key Management Terms

Useful for owners, landlords, or property managers:

• Keyed Alike (KA) – One key opens all exterior doors

• Keyed Different (KD) – Each lock has a separate key

• Master Keyed – Allows a landlord key to work in all units while tenant keys only work in their own unit

• Lock Bumping Protection – Special keying to protect against bump key attacks

• Restricted Keyways – Prevent unauthorized key copies for high-value homes or Airbnb properties

Door Types & Related Key Services

Different residential doors = different lock/key needs:

• Deadbolt Keys – Primary for front/back entry doors

• Knob or Lever Handle Keys – Often paired with a deadbolt

• Sliding Glass Door Locks – May use keyed auxiliary locks

• Garage Door Keys (Manual) – For detached garages or older motorized models

• Interior Door Keys – Often skeleton or privacy keys for bedrooms, bathrooms

• Gate Keys / Shed Keys – Small format or padlock-style

Standard Commercial Key Services & Key Types

These are the most common types of keys used in business environments.

• SC1 / SC4 (Schlage Keys) – Very common in office and retail locks

• KW1 / KW10 (Kwikset Keys) – Found in some commercial and residential crossover locks

• Yale Keys (Y1, Y2, etc.) – Popular in institutional settings like schools or hospitals

• Best/Falcon IC Core Keys (A2, A3, A4 systems) – Used in interchangeable core systems (IC cores)

• Master Keys – A key that opens multiple locks within a master key system

• Change Keys – Standard keys that open individual locks in a master system

Key System Terms

These refer to how keys are organized in a building or across multiple sites.

• Master Key System – One key opens multiple doors, while other keys open individual doors

• Grand Master Key (GMK) – Opens all locks in multiple master key systems

• Sub-Master Key – Opens a group of locks within a master system

• Key Control System – A plan for tracking who has keys and what they open

• Restricted Keyway – A patented key profile only accessible through authorized locksmiths; prevents unauthorized duplication

• Do Not Duplicate (DND) Keys – Marked to discourage copying, but not legally restricted

Specialty & High-Security Keys

Used for enhanced security or unique applications.

• Medeco / Mul-T-Lock / ASSA Abloy Keys – High-security, pick-resistant, drill-resistant

• Biometric Keys / Key Cards / RFID Fobs – Used in electronic access systems

• Tubular Keys – Round keys, often used on vending machines or display cases

• Dimple Keys – Flat keys with cone-shaped dimples; used in higher-security systems

• Skeleton Keys – For antique locks, not typically found in modern commercial settings

Door & Lock-Specific Keys

Some keys are tied to specific lock functions.

• Keyed Alike (KA) – All locks use the same key

• Keyed Different (KD) – Each lock uses a unique key

• Classroom Function Keys – Often tied to locks with special functionality for emergencies

• Storeroom Function Keys – Key always required to open; automatically relocks

• Passage Function – No key required; allows free access

Industry-Specific Commercial Key Uses

Different industries use different locking mechanisms.

• Office Suite Keys

• Janitor Closet Keys

• Utility Room / Mechanical Room Keys

• Mailroom Keys

• Server Room Keys

• Elevator Keys

• Exit Device Keys (Panic Bars)

• Cam Lock Keys – Used on cabinets, drawers, lockers

Interchangeable Core (IC Core) Terms

For facilities that need fast rekeying without replacing entire lock hardware.

• Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) – Common in Best and Falcon systems

• Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC) – Used in Schlage and others

• Control Key – Used to remove and install IC cores