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When you buy a key and lock at the same time, there are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind.

A lot of people make the mistake of just going to the hardware store and picking out whatever lock they want without thinking about it too much. This can lead to a lot of problems down the road.

At King Door and Lock, we understand that buying a key and locks at the same time can be confusing. That’s why we have an expert staff who can help you pick out the perfect lock for your needs. We also offer a wide variety of locks so that you can find the perfect one for your home or business.

Key And Locks: The Basics Of What You Need To Know

 

A key and a lock both work together to provide security for a door.

The key part of the equation is two different things that allow the key and the lock to work together to keep out unwanted intruders: the key gives access while it also works as a physical barrier by keeping one side from entering into contact with another. This might not make much sense right now, so let’s go over it again.

The key part of the key and lock system is used to get access through a door, but it also provides protection between key sides. The key can only fit into the keyhole in one way so there’s no way for the pins inside the keyhole to touch each other if they don’t match.

If key sides were allowed to come together then this would ruin all of our security since keys are made to use an opposite force (a pin will push up against another pin) which means that any side could be pushed into any position without having an opposite side to push against.

The bottom line is that locks are very easy to understand when they are broken down into their most basic components. Locks are not designed to be confusing, but you can bet that they have been made more complicated by retailers looking to sell more products.

This kind of back and forth motion is what gives keys their ability to unlock locks, but it’s also what keeps locks safe from anything in the key.

 

The key works to keep key sides from touching key sides when it is in its keyhole, meaning that locks are kept safe when they are shut because they are unlocked

This is different than keys themselves which are locked into their keyholes when they are not being used to open locks or doors.

Unless you have a key and lock that you use for decoration purposes only, then every key should be locked inside of a keyhole if it’s not being used at that time. Being able to take keys out and put them back again only comes with practice and comfortability using certain kinds of locks and keys, so don’t worry too much about this part until you’ve had some experience with how your key needs work with your locks.

If you don’t have keys and locks that you use for decoration purposes then every key should be locked inside of a keyhole when it is not being used to open locks or doors.

 

Make Sure That The Kind Of Locks You’re Buying Are The Right Kind For Your Key

Different keys and keyless work differently depending on what key is being used with them, so it’s important to know which key you’re using before making a purchase.

 

There are 4 different kinds of keys that can be used for keys and locks:

 

1) Flat Keys

These are the kind of keys that keys might find when buying from a hardware store for your home or business. They are key-shaped like rectangles with cutouts on each side of the key. The key’s teeth are generally located around halfway the key handle along the length of the key.

They have a straight edge that goes left to right, which makes it easy for locksmiths to copy keys if they’re needed without too much difficulty.

 

2) Tubular Keys

These are key-shaped like thin canisters and kind of look like tubes when looking at them from above or below, but they’re rounder than tubes as you go through their center lengthwise.

Their edges curve slightly as if somebody had made cuts into both sides to make straight lines leading outwards towards flat edges that stretch up and down like an “L”. The key’s teeth are located around the key’s center lengthwise, which makes them ideal for use with key-in-the keyhole designs that key might discover anywhere.

 

3) Mortise Keys/Locks

These keys look like flat keys at first until you notice their cutouts. They have notches taken out of either side of the key allowing it to fit into keyholes where the keyhole is surrounded by wood or metal casing.

The reason these keys can fit into locks like this is that they work as both a key and a latch itself, so there is no room leftover in the lock for other keyholes to be put in place. Instead, mortise keys are placed into specially designed locks that allow for this key to replace the keyhole through it.

 

4) Core-Removable Keys

These keys are key-shaped like flat keys, but they have a different tooth design that allows for the key to be removed from its handle by inserting the key into keyholes on either side of the key. If done correctly, key teeth should line up with keyholes while the key is inserted and the key can be pulled out easily when the key is turned in the right direction.

These keys are designed to fit into special locks that allow for keyhole replacement or master key systems, so they allow for more than one key to fit into each lock at once by using the same design.

 

FAQs When Buying A Key And Locks At The Same Time

 

What is the difference between a deadbolt and a strike plate?

There isn’t too much of a difference between these two items. Both are designed to hold the key into the keyhole and both help keep your door protected from locksmiths who might use lock picks or key tools to open locks on doors.

The main difference between deadbolts and strike plates is that one uses a key to lock and unlock, while the other uses screws and nails driven into keyholes and around keyholes respectively to keep them in place. Strike plates also sometimes come with holes for light switches as well as electrical outlets, but those won’t be covered here because they don’t have anything to do with keys specifically.

 

Why would I need a mortise key/lock?

Mortise key locks are special key-shaped locks that require keys to remove themselves from their keyholes. This key is specially designed to fit into keyholes on either side of it, allowing key teeth to line up with keyhole tools while the key is inserted and removed when turned in the right direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on whether or not you’re locking or unlocking).

These locks generally have no room for any other keyholes inside them because they replace the entire keyhole itself, so this is why they require a different kind of lock.

These types of locks are generally used for master key systems because there isn’t any room left over once a mortise key has been inserted, so keyholes needed for other keys can’t be added in. Because of this, each key for each lock needs its keyhole in the master key system because there isn’t any room for more than one keyhole when using a mortise key with master locks.

 

What is the difference between a tubular key and a mortise key?

Tubular keys are also key-shaped like flat keys or traditional key designs, but they have rounded edges that curve slightly which makes the key appear to look like a tube from certain angles.

The teeth on these keys are located around their center lengthwise instead of at their flat edge, meaning these types of keys are designed to fit into keyholes surrounded by metal or another keyhole-sized hole.

 

What is a Kwikset key?

This is a key design made by one of the most popular lock manufacturers in America: Kwikset. This key has been used as an example for locksmith apprenticeships and other training programs because it is relatively simple, easy to make, and easily identifiable.

The key looks almost like a key from a child’s board game, with a zig-zag pattern on the outside. The keyhole is also designed to be square in shape, however, this key also works in keyholes that are compatible with different keys (such as flat keys). Because of this, the key only fits into keyholes where all sides of the keyhole are square instead of rounded or tapered rectangular shapes.

 

Are you looking to buy a new key and locks for your home?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place. King Door and Lock are here to help you find the perfect key and lock system for your home or business. We have over 50 years of experience in this industry, so we know what it takes to provide our customers with the best products at great prices.

Our team will work with you every step of the way from choosing a product that fits your needs through installation. We are confident that once you try us out, we will be able to become your go-to company when it comes time for future purchases as well!

 

You can purchase your new keys and locks from us today by calling (800) 231-5499 for our Maryland or (301) 363-2264 for our DC location. You can also email manager@kingdoorandlock.com if you have any questions about our products!

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