Keyblank Identification

LESSON TWO

KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION

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www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Lesson 2

KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION

Contents

What Do Most Locks Have in Common?........................................................................ 2
Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 3
Main Ideas....................................................................................................................... 3
Bit Type Key Blank ......................................................................................................... 4

Matching a Bit Key Blank to a Customer’s Key ......................................................... 5
Organize the Main Ideas.................................................................................................. 8
Check Your Knowledge 1................................................................................................ 8
Barrel Type Key Blank .................................................................................................... 9

Matching a Barrel Key Blank to a Customer’s Key .................................................... 9
Organize the Main Ideas................................................................................................ 11
Check Your Knowledge 2........................................................................................................ 11
Flat Type Key Blank................................................................................................................ 12

Matching a Flat Key Blank to a Customer’s Key ...................................................... 12
Organize the Main Ideas................................................................................................ 14
Check Your Knowledge 3.............................................................................................. 14
Cylinder Type Key Blank .............................................................................................. 15

Matching a Cylinder Key Blank to a Customer’s Key .............................................. 15
Now You Do It!....................................................................................................... 18
Organize the Main Ideas................................................................................................ 21
Check Your Knowledge 4.............................................................................................. 21
Using a Key Blank Directory......................................................................................... 22
Using Key Blank Identification Numbers ................................................................ 23

Now You Do It! ................................................................................................. 23
Using the Manufacturer’s Name .............................................................................. 26

Now You Do It! ................................................................................................. 26
Comparing the Shape and Size of the Blank ............................................................ 26

Now You Do It! ................................................................................................. 26
Organize the Main Ideas................................................................................................ 28
Check Your Knowledge 5.............................................................................................. 29
Now You Can Do It!..................................................................................................... 30
Stop for Review.............................................................................................. Online Test

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-1 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

What Do Most Locks Have in Common?

Keys! Although the keys may be different with each lock, almost all locks need some
type of key to open them.

Key Blank A piece of metal In this lesson, you’ll learn about identifying the types of key
manufactured to a specific shape, blanks and their parts. A key blank does not have any cuts
which allows it to enter a lock in it. That’s why it’s called a “blank.” It will enter a lock,
but it will not turn the lock. The key blank must be cut
before it can turn a lock. And to turn a specific lock, it
must be cut in a specific way.

Everywhere you look these days there are businesses duplicating keys! Hardware stores,
shoe repair stores, auto supply stores and pet stores are just a few. What exactly are
these stores doing when they duplicate a key? They are cutting a blank key to match an
already cut key. A skilled locksmith also duplicates keys. To do that correctly, you need
the ability to identify key blanks correctly.

Many kinds of locks and locking devices are used today. However, the four most
common are the bit, barrel, flat, and cylinder. Here’s your first look at these types of
keys. You see a side view and end view of each type. Notice the similarities and the
differences.

Now that you’ve had a good look at these types of keys, do this “at home” project.
Gather all the keys in your home. Look at them carefully. See if you can determine
which type each one is. How many bit keys do you have? Do you actually use any in
your home? How many flat keys do you have? What do you use them for?

Now test each type of key you do have in its lock. Notice how it operates the lock. This
will help you as we go along in the lessons.

This lesson is divided into sections. In the first four sections, you’ll learn about the types
of key blanks. Section 5 tells you about the Key Blank Directory.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-2 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Objectives

When you have completed this lesson, you should be able to

 Identify the four common types of keys in use today.
 Describe how to match a bit key blank to a customer’s bit key.
 List the critical measurements when matching a barrel key blank to a customer’s

barrel key.

 List the critical measurements when matching a flat key blank to a customer’s

flat key.

 Identify the parts of a cylinder key.
 List the three important factors to consider when matching a cylinder key blank

to a customer’s cylinder key.

 List the five common milling shapes and runouts used with cylinder keys.
 List the three most common methods to use when looking up a key or a key

blank in a key blank directory.

 Explain when you should use the cross reference section of a key blank directory,

such as the Ilco 60 Key Blank Directory.

Main Ideas

1. Bit Type Key Blank
2. Barrel Type Key Blank

3. Flat Type Key Blank
4. Cylinder Type Key Blank
5. Using a Key Blank Directory

It is recommended that anyone taking this course should also
participate in the www.SecurityTechnicalInstitute.com online testing
resource. Also utilize the Ilco 60 Key Blank Directory, or use their
online version found at www.Kaba-Ilco.com.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-3 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Bit Type Key Blank

Of all keys, bit keys are the easiest to recognize. So even
though they are rarely used these days, they are most often
used as the symbol for “key.”

Skeleton Keys Bit keys made Bit keys are often called skeleton keys. But this is incorrect.
by key blank manufacturers that Bit keys are cut by a locksmith from a key blank, and they
will turn many bit key locks operate a specific lock. Key blank manufacturers make
skeleton keys. They do not have to be cut. Due to the
simple design of older locks, skeleton keys will often turn
many bit key locks. Skeleton keys are sold prepackaged in
hardware and discount stores.

You’ll usually find locks that use bit keys in the inside doors
of older homes. Today bit keys and locks are often used for
convenience or as a novelty.

Bit keys are not very secure and should not be used to
protect lives or property. They should never be used to
open any door in a business or institution. Bit keys should
be used for privacy only.

You probably will be asked to duplicate very few bit keys.
However, for those rare occasions, you need to know the
right way to match a bit key blank to a customer’s key.
Remember that the customer’s key has cuts in it. The blank
key does not.

Skeleton Keys are bit keys
made to turn many
different bit locks.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-4 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Matching a Bit Key Blank to a

Customer’s Key

Unlike other key blanks, two bit keys that operate the same
lock may look entirely different. The reasons for this are

 the simple design of the bit locks and

 the parts that must be similar are located only
between the key shoulder and the tip of the post.

The parts that must be similar are the critical
measurements. The length of a bit key is not a critical
measurement. The critical measurements of a bit key are

 the diameter of the post,

 the length of the post from shoulder to post tip, and

 the bit size.

The Diameter of the Post

First, measure the diameter of the post. The simplest way to
do this is to wrap a piece of wire around the tip of the post
on the customer’s key. Doing this forms the wire into a
mold. Then remove the wire from the customer’s key and
begin to insert key blanks into this mold. Do this until you
find a key blank in which the tip enters the mold freely, but
not loosely.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-5 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

The Length of the Post from Shoulder to Tip

Next, measure the length of the post from the shoulder to
the post tip. Do this by holding the blanks together and
looking to see if the lengths are close. It is okay if the key
blank has a slightly longer post than the customer’s key.
You can easily file the blank key post down to the correct
size.

The Bit Size

For bit size, you must
 determine bit shape and
 measure the height and width of the bit.

Determine Bit Shape
First, hold the customer’s key so that the tip is facing you
and determine if the bit has a wedge shape or a flat shape.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-6 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Next, look for a key blank with a similar front view. Do not
choose a key blank that has a bit thicker than the
customer’s key. It is very time consuming to file down the
bit of a key to the correct thickness.
Tip: Many keys with a flat bit will operate the same lock as
a key with a wedge bit. However, a key with a wedge bit
rarely will turn a lock designed to accept a flat bit.

Measure the Height and Width of the Bit

Hold the two keys together. Again, if the bit size on the key
blank is slightly larger, you can file it to match.

Once you have finished with these measurements and
everything matches, you have a key blank that can be used
to duplicate the customer’s key.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-7 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Organize the Main Ideas

This outline will help you organize the information in this section of
the lesson. Read through the outline and jot down what you remember
about each of the topics listed. If you can't remember details related to one or more of
the topics, you may wish to reread the text before you go on.
1. Bit Type Key Blank

a. Matching a Bit Key Blank to a Customer’s Key

1) The Diameter of the Post

2) The Length of the Post from Shoulder to Tip

3) The Bit Size
(i) Determine Bit Shape

(ii) Measure the Height and Width of the Bit

Check Your Knowledge 1

This quiz will help you check what you’ve learned in this section of the
lesson. Read through the questions and jot down your answers. Then
check those against the suggested answers at the end of this lesson. If your
answers differ greatly from the suggested answers, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.
1. Locks operated by a bit key should be used to protect lives and property. (True or
False?)
2. When matching a bit key blank to a customer’s key, the critical measurements are
the diameter of the __________, the length of the post from the __________ to the
__________ __________, and the __________ size. (Fill in the blanks.)

3. For bit size, you must determine bit ________________ and measure the
_____________ and the _______________ of the bit. (Fill in the blanks.)

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-8 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Barrel Type Key Blank

The barrel key is similar in design to a bit key. A major
difference between the two is that a barrel key has a hole
drilled into the tip of it. The hole in the tip of the key fits
over a post in the lock. Types of locks that use barrel keys
include furniture, luggage, clocks, and handcuffs.

Locks that use barrel keys are not complicated.
Manufacturers produce several types of pre-cut barrel keys.
These keys will operate most barrel locks without cutting or
filing. In many cases, keys purchased from key blank
manufacturers already have a ward cut in the tip edge or the
top of the bit. So even these may not require cutting or
filing.

Matching a Barrel Key Blank to a

Customer’s Key

Matching a barrel key blank to a customer’s key is a fairly
simple task. You probably will be able to choose the correct
key blank by simply looking at and comparing the
customer’s key and the blank.

However, a barrel key does have two critical measurements.
1. The diameter of the hole in the tip of the key
2. The depth of the hole in the tip of the key

Insert different sized roll pins into the hole on the tip of the
customer’s key to determine these measurements. You can
also use nails, machine screws, or drill bits. Whatever you
choose to use acts as a substitute for the post in the lock.

Find a roll pin that enters the tip of the customer’s key
freely, but not loosely. Then insert this roll pin into various
key blanks until you find one that fits correctly.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-9 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

The Power of the Key

As you know, bit keys are often used as a symbol for keys in general.
Keys themselves are symbols, too. Throughout the centuries, the
person holding the key is the person with authority or power. That is
the person who can provide security. Just think of who has the “key.”
Gods, goddesses, and saints are often shown holding a key. The key
may open the gates of heaven or hell. You often see a key in
banners, seals, coats of arms, and official seals. These are the keys
to cities, tribes, families, and organizations with power. In modern
times, we often present a powerful or famous person with the keys to
our city. In this case, we use the symbol of the key to show our
respect for the person.

The ILCO Presentation Key

703-03-41 - Polished Brass
703-27-41 - Satin Chrome

An impressive award or gift.
8 ” long, weighing about 1lb.
Comes with a jewelry type case
and a plate for engraving.

(courtesy of Ilco Unican)

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-10 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Organize the Main Ideas

This outline will help you organize the information in this section of
the lesson. Read through the outline and jot down what you
remember about each of the topics listed. If you can't remember
details related to one or more of the topics, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.

1. Barrel Type Key Blank
a. Matching a Barrel Key Blank to a Customer’s Key

Check Your Knowledge 2

This quiz will help you check what you’ve learned in this section of the
lesson. Read through the questions and jot down your answers. Then check
those against the suggested answers at the end of this lesson. If your answers
differ greatly from the suggested answers, you may wish to reread the text
before you go on.
1. What is the major difference between a bit key and a barrel key?

2. What does the hole in the tip of a barrel key do?

3. What are the two critical measurements of a barrel key?

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-11 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Flat Type Key Blank

Flat keys are commonly used for safes and safe deposit
boxes, lockers, mailbox locks, padlocks, cash box locks, and
luggage locks. The name comes from the fact that this type
of key is completely flat.

Except for the locks on safes and safe deposit boxes, these
types of locks are not very secure.

Matching a Flat Key Blank to a
Customer’s Key

You can find the correct blank for a customer’s flat key by
looking at the customer’s key and comparing it to various
flat key blanks.
The critical measurements for flat keys are the

 thickness,
 width, and
 length
of the tip and the blade. The shape of the key bow does not
matter.

Notice the thickness
of this key blank is
not appropriate for
the keyway.

The Thickness

The key blank cannot be thicker than the customer’s key.
If the key blank is thicker, it will not fit into the lock. If the
key blank is much thinner than the customer’s key, it may
not turn the lock. So you want to make sure that the
thickness is correct.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-12 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

To find a blank key that has the correct thickness, lay the
keys next to each other and look at them. Find a blank that
is the same thickness or only slightly thinner. Filing down
the key blank to match the thickness of the customer’s key
is very time consuming.

The Width

The blank key blade must be at least as wide as the
customer’s flat key blade. If the customer’s key blade is
wider than the blank blade, the blank will not work.

If the key blank blade is a little wider than the customer’s
flat key blade, file the blank blade down to the correct size.
If the blank key tip is wider than the customer’s key tip, file
the blank tip down to the correct size.

The Length

If the key blank blade is a little longer than the customer’s
flat key blade, file the blank blade down to the correct size.
If the blank key tip is longer than the customer’s key tip, file
the blank tip down to the correct size.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-13 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Organize the Main Ideas

This outline will help you organize the information in this section of
the lesson. Read through the outline and jot down what you
remember about each of the topics listed. If you can't remember
details related to one or more of the topics, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.

1. Flat Type Key Blank
a. Matching a Flat Key Blank to a Customer’s Key

1) The Thickness

2) The Width

3) The Length

Check Your Knowledge 3

This quiz will help you check what you’ve learned in this section of the
lesson. Read through the questions and jot down your answers. Then check
those against the suggested answers at the end of this lesson. If your answers
differ greatly from the suggested answers, you may wish to reread the text
before you go on.
1. The critical measurements for flat keys are the __________, __________, and
__________ of the __________ and the __________. (Fill in the blanks.)

2. If a flat key blank is thicker than the customer’s key, it will not __________
__________ __________ __________. (Fill in the blanks.)

3. If a flat key blank is much thinner than the customer’s key, it may not __________
__________ __________. (Fill in the blanks.)

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-14 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Paracentric KeyA key with one Cylinder Type Key Blank
or more millings one each side
that project beyond the vertical The cylinder type is the most popular key used today. The
centerline of the key blank cylinder key is sometimes referred to as a paracentric key. It
began with the Yale pin tumbler cylinder, which was
invented more than 150 years ago. The pin tumbler
cylinder provided much higher security than other locks
available then. And it used a much smaller key.

Cylinder keys are used on almost every type of lock
manufactured today including door locks, automobile locks,
office equipment locks, and quality padlocks.

Matching a Cylinder Key Blank to a

Customer’s Key

Cylinder key blanks are the most difficult to identify.
Cylinder keys come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. But
don’t let that bother you. After completing this lesson, you
will know how to identify cylinder keys.

Later in this lesson, you will learn how to use a key blank
reference catalog. This catalog will help you identify
marked key blanks very quickly.

However, locksmiths come across many cylinder key blanks
that have no identification markings on them at all. So you
should be able to visually identify cylinder key blanks.

Parts of a Cylinder Key

First, you must be able to name the parts of the cylinder
key.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-15 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Comparing the Parts

Now you must compare certain parts of the cylinder key
blank to the customer key. Whenever you match a cylinder
key to a key blank, you should compare the

 the design of the bow,

 the length and width of the blade, and

 the shape of the millings (Keyway Section).

Design of the Bow

Most lock manufacturers use a distinctive bow design to
identify their keys. This allows us to quickly identify many
common key blanks.

Length of the Blade

Keys that have identical bows may have blades that differ in
length. To compare length, place the keys into your hand
and with the tops of the blades facing up. Then line up the
shoulders of the keys.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-16 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Shape of the Millings
Now the fun starts! If you look at two keys that have
identical bows and lengths, you may still see a difference.
What difference? The milling shapes.

Although lock manufactures tend to use similar bows for
their key blanks, most have dozens of distinctive milling
shapes. Matching key blanks by their bows only is not
enough. You must always match the milling shape.

What’s more, many key blanks have different bow designs,
but the same milling shape. You must always match the
milling shape.

Five Common Milling Shapes and How To Compare Them
The five common milling shapes are listed below.

1. Square
2. Round
3. Right Angle
4. Left Angle
5. “V” Groove.

By placing the keys in your hand as illustrated below, often
you can compare and match milling shapes.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-17 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

If you have a difficult time comparing the milling shapes
from this angle, there is another way. The milling runout of
a key blank can sometimes tell us the milling shape. The
shape of the milling runout will indicate the milling shape.

(courtesy of Ilco Unican)

Knowing the milling shapes lets you identify key blanks very
quickly.

Now You Do It!

Please locate the envelope marked 2-1. Inside this
envelope, you will find fourteen cylinder key blanks. We
are going to visually compare these blanks and separate
them into pairs.

Design of the Bow

Lay the key blanks flat on a table or work bench. Place the
key blanks with the same bow design into separate stacks.
When you are finished, you should have four stacks of keys.
Two stacks have two key blanks each, one stack has four
key blanks, and one has six key blanks.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-18 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Length of the Blade

Next, look at the stack of four key blanks. These four keys
have identical bows, but their blades differ in length. Place
the four keys into your hand and with the tops of the blades
facing up. Then line up the shoulders of these keys. Two
of these keys have longer blades than the other two.
Separate these into a stack.

Now you should have four stacks of one pair each and one
stack of six key blanks.

Shape of the Millings

Now the fun starts! Look at the stack of six key blanks. All
have identical bows and are the same length. What’s the
difference? The milling shapes.

Remember, you must always match the
milling shape.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-19 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

If you have a difficult time comparing the milling shapes
from this angle, remember there is another way. The shape
of the milling runout will indicate the milling shape.

(courtesy of Ilco )

Now let’s separate keys in the stack of six blanks by the
shape of the millings.

First, place the six remaining keys into your hand and put
them into the proper position to compare the millings as
shown in the illustration below.

As you look at the blanks in your hand, notice that two
have a milling shape that is very different from the other
four. These two blanks have a square milling on the bottom
of the left side of the keys as you are looking at the edge.
Separate these two keys and place them on your work
bench.

Many experienced locksmiths would have trouble
determining the milling shapes the remaining four keys. But
let’s give it try anyway!

Look at the millings on the four remaining key blanks. Do
you see that the bottom milling on the right-hand side of the
blanks is different? Two are located closer to the bottom of
the blank. Can you locate these two keys? Take your time.
When you locate these two keys, put them in a separate
stack.

Great job! At this time you should have seven pairs of keys.
You have now completed an important step in
understanding key blank identification.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-20 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Organize the Main Ideas

This outline will help you organize the information in this section of
the lesson. Read through the outline and jot down what you
remember about each of the topics listed. If you can't remember
details related to one or more of the topics, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.

1. Cylinder Type Key Blank
a. Matching a Cylinder Key Blank to a Customer’s Key
1) Parts of a Cylinder Key

2) Comparing the Parts
a) Design of the Bow

b) Length of the Blade

c) Shape of the Millings

Check Your Knowledge 4

This quiz will help you check what you’ve learned in this section of the
lesson. Read through the questions and jot down your answers. Then
check those against the suggested answers at the end of this lesson. If your
answers differ greatly from the suggested answers, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.

1. The only way to identify the correct cylinder key blank when matching a key blank
to a customer’s cylinder key is by visual comparison. (True or False?)

2. The three most important considerations when identifying cylinder key blanks are
the design of the __________, the length and width of the __________, and the shape
of the __________. (Fill in the blanks.)

3. List the five common milling shapes.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-21 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Original Key Blanks Blanks Using a Key Blank Directory
sold through lock manufacturing
companies Key blank directories are important locksmith tools for
three major reasons. One, they let you identify key blanks
Non-original Key Blanks you could not otherwise easily identify. Two, they help you
Blanks sold through key blank be more accurate even with keys you could easily identify.
manufacturing companies Three, they save you lots of time.

These directories are produced by major key blank
manufacturers. They let you compare the customer’s key
with actual size illustrations of key blanks. The illustrations
include the shape of the bow, the length of the blade, the
configuration of the millings, and the view of the key
section.

These directories usually include bit, barrel, and flat key
blanks, but they focus on cylinder key blanks. That is what
we will concentrate on during this portion of the lesson.

When using a directory to identify cylinder key blanks, you
must know the difference between original key blanks and
non-original, or replacement, key blanks. Original key
blanks are sold through the lock manufacturing companies.
Non-original key blanks are sold through key blank
manufacturing companies.

For the purpose of this lesson, we will be using the Ilco No.
60 Key Blank Directory. This directory is one of the most
comprehensive directories in the industry.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-22 (courtesy of Ilco )

Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

The three most common methods to use when looking up a
key in a key blank directory are

 using the key blank identification number,

 using the manufacturer’s name, and

 comparing the shape and size of the blank.

Using Key Blank Identification Numbers

The easiest method is to use the identification number on
the key, if there is one.

Now You Do It

Please open the envelope marked 2-2 and remove the five
key blanks. Notice that all of the keys have a
manufacturers’ name. It may be Ilco, ESP, or Master.
Notice that all have identification numbers. We will use the
numbers to perform the tasks listed below.

1. Locate the illustration of the key in the directory.
2. Determine the lock manufacturer.
3. Identify other key blanks that could be used.

Locate the Illustration

Look first at the key labeled: Ilco 1010N. You can see two
identification numbers. The first number (1010N) is the
Ilco identification number. The second number (S68) is the
Ilco/EZ identification number. We will use the Ilco number.

Take out your Ilco 60 Key Blank Directory. Turn to the
index. It’s at the beginning of the catalog. Look under
1010N. It is listed on page 16, in the last column, down at
the end of page. This index indicates that we will find
information for this key blank in section 2, on page 62.

Let’s try it! Turn to Section 2, page 62. Begin looking for a
key that has a similar shape and size. Lay the key on top of
each illustration. Make sure that the bottom edge of the
blade faces left. Line up the shoulder of the key with the
shoulder on the illustration. The illustration for this blank
is in the bottom row, on the left.

Determine the Lock Manufacturer

The lock manufacturer is listed in bold print, in the border
between each row. The Ilco 1010N will operate a Sargent
Lock. Notice that the illustration shows a 5-pin (1010N)
and a 6-pin (L1010N) key blank. When you lay the blank
on the illustration and line up the shoulders, you can see
that the key blank you have is the shorter version.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-23 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Keyway (courtesy of Ilco )
Section

Identify Other Key Blanks that Could Be Used

The final step is to match the blank to the keyway section,
which appears directly under each key illustration. This will
tell you what other key blanks you could use.

To match the key to the keyway illustration, hold the key
blank so that the bottom of the blade is facing left. Place
the tip of the key onto the key section illustration.
Remember the key section drawing is an illustration of the
keyway on a lock cylinder. To get a better feel for this, you
may want to turn the directory sideways so that the key is
straight up and down. Can you see how it lines up, as it
would when it would enter a lock?

Below the key sections you may find key blank numbers
other manufactures such as, Dominion 10N, and Taylor
51S or an Ilcoo EZ#

Let’s review what we have learned about the Ilco 1010N key
blank.

1. The illustration is in Section 2 on page 62.

2. It operates a Sargent Lock.

3. You can use a Dominion 10N or a Taylor 51S as
substitutes if shown below the Ilco number.

Easy, wasn’t it? So let’s try another one!

Locate the Ilco 1001EH. This blank is listed in the index on
page 16 in the first column. The index indicates the
illustration is located in Section 2 on page 15. Using the
same identification process, we can determine:

1. The illustration is in section 2 on page 16.

2. It operates a Corbin Russwin Lock.

3. You can use a Dominion 00Z and a Taylor 22Z2 as
substitutes. (Not Shown)

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-24 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Now, try the to locate the Ilco 1123 key without any
help!

1. The illustration is in section _____ on page _____.

2. It operates a ___________________.

3. You can use _____________________________
_________________________________
as substitutes.

Using the Cross Reference Section

What do you do if your customer’s key is not an Ilco blank?
Easy! You use the Cross Reference Section, Section 11 of
the catalog.

Let’s identify the last two keys in the envelope by looking in
Section 11, the Cross Reference Section. Using this section
lets you convert the customer’s key blank number to an Ilco
number.

First, locate the Master 1K key blank. Look up Master in
the Cross Reference Section. It begins on page 10. The 1K
listing is on page 10. The listing indicates that the Ilco
number for this Master 1K key blank is 1092.

Now that you have the Ilco number, locate the illustration,
determine the manufacturer, and find the substitute blanks.

1. The illustration is in section _____ on page ____.

2. It operates a ___________________.

3. You can use_______&________ as substitutes.

Locate the ESP DE6 without any help!

1. The Ilco number is ______________________.

2. The illustration is in section _____ on page _____ and
section and on page/section______

3. It operates a ___________________.

4. You can use ____________________________
_________________________________
as substitutes.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-25 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Using the Manufacturer’s Name

Often customers will bring you a key that has a
manufacturer’s name, but no identification number. In
many cases, these are original blanks. They are produced by
the lock manufacturer.

Now You Do It!

Please remove the three key blanks from the envelope
marked 2-3. Each of these key blanks is labeled with a
manufacturer’s name. Let’s locate all three of these blanks
in the directory.

Let’s start with the Chicago Lock key blank. It’s a cylinder
key, so turn to Section 2. The lock manufacturers are listed
in alphabetical order. Chicago blanks begin on page 7.
Start looking there for a key that has a similar shape and
size.

Lay the key on top of each illustration. Make sure the
bottom edge of the blade faces left. Line up the shoulders.
The matching key blank for this key is an Ilco 1041Y. It is
located on page 7, in the lower section. Notice that it is
exactly the same size. Directly underneath the illustration is
the key section illustration and below the key section is the
Ilco number and substitute blank numbers.

See if you can locate the other two key blanks in the
envelope. You have now completed an important step in
understanding key blank identification.

Comparing the Shape and Size of the Blank

If there is no identification number or manufacturer’s name,
we must use the size and shape of the key as a guide. Start
with the bow design. Until you become familiar with
manufacturers’ bow designs, you will have to leaf through
the catalog looking for a similar bow design.

Now You Do It!

Please remove the two key blanks from the envelope
marked 2-4. We will identify these two key blanks by their
size and shape.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-26 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

As you know these key blanks are cylinder key blanks, so
let’s turn to Section 2 to begin our search. Since section 2
has 78 pages of cylinder key blank illustrations and this may
be your first attempt at identifying keys by their bows, I will
give you a head start. One is on page 2-1, and the other is
on page 2-76.

Begin by locating the keys that have a similar bow. Next lay
the key blank on top of the illustrations and align the
shoulders to match the length and millings of the key.

Determine the key identification number for each key
blank. You have now completed an important step in
understanding key blank identification.

Learning how to identify key blanks is very important. If
your desire is to become a professional locksmith, practice
using a key blank directory as often as possible. Practice
identifying all the different types of blanks: bit, barrel, flat,
and cylinder.

. . . if your desire is to become a
professional locksmith, practice using a
key blank directory as often as possible.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-27 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Organize the Main Ideas

This outline will help you organize the information in this section of
the lesson. Read through the outline and jot down what you
remember about each of the topics listed. If you can't remember
details related to one or more of the topics, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.

1. Using a Key Blank Directory
a. Using Key Blank Identification Numbers

1) Locate the Illustration

2) Determine the Lock Manufacturer

3) Identify Other Key Blanks that Could Be Used

4) Using the Cross Reference Section

b. Using the Manufacturer’s Name

c. Comparing the Shape and Size of the Blank

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-28 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Check Your Knowledge 5

This quiz will help you check what you’ve learned in this section of the
lesson. Read through the questions and jot down your answers. Then
check those against the suggested answers at the end of this lesson. If your
answers differ greatly from the suggested answers, you may wish to reread
the text before you go on.
1. Name three reasons why key blank directories are important locksmith tools.

2. What is the difference between original key blanks and non-original key blanks?

3. What are the three most common methods to use when looking up a key in a key
blank directory?

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-29 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

Now You Can Do It!

You've reached the end of the lesson, but what have you
learned? Let's find out. First complete the exercise
below using only your memory. Next go back to the text
to complete and/or check your answers.

1. Identify the four common types of keys in use today.

2. Describe how to match a bit key blank to a customer’s bit key.

3. List the critical measurements when matching a barrel key blank to a customer’s
barrel key.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-30 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

4. List the critical measurements when matching a flat key blank to a customer’s flat
key.

5. Identify the parts of a cylinder key. (Write the name of the parts on the blanks
provided.)

6. List the three important factors to consider when matching a cylinder key blank to a
customer’s cylinder key.

7. List the five common milling shapes used with cylinder keys.

8. List the three most common methods to use when looking up a key or a key blank in
a key blank directory.

9. Explain when you should use the cross reference section of a key blank directory,
such as the Ilco 60 Key Blank Directory.

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-31 Locksmith Training Program

www.securitytechnicalinstitute.com Lesson 2: Key Blank Identification

STOP!
TAKE THE ONLINE TEST

www.LockQuiz.com

Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved 2-32 Locksmith Training Program