When it comes to locks and keys, there are many different kinds of mechanisms out there to secure your belongings and protect your property. Some types are incredibly common in everyday life, such as padlocks and keyed door handle locks, while others are used only in specific situations, such as in high-security safes or vaults. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade the security level of your home or business, consider changing the locks and upgrading the keys. These new types of locks and keys are often smarter, more durable and can be opened by a variety of methods, including keypad combinations or biometric data such as fingerprints or eyes.

There are a number of different types of keys that can be used with cylinder locks, some of which are very popular and easily found in hardware stores and sheds around the country. One of the most common types of lock keys are flat keys, also known as pin tumbler keys or tubular keys. These are easy to identify by their shape, which is a half-cylinder with several indentations that align with the pins inside of the lock. This type of key is very easy to duplicate, making it a favorite for thieves and vandals to use on cheap or unsecured locks.

Another type of key that can be used with cylinder locks is a jagged key, which is also known as a skeleton key, scrub key or zipper key. This type of key has teeth that are positioned at different angles and depths, making them harder to pick up or insert into the wrong lock. This type of key is also more durable, which can help to reduce the risk of it snapping or breaking if it becomes stuck inside of a lock.

A warded key is another type of lock that uses obstructions, called wards, to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key inserted. These wards are located in the grooves on the base of the lock and have notches that match up to the wards on the key. Warded keys are usually reserved for low-security applications, as a well-designed skeleton key can open most warded locks.

A disc tumbler lock is a type of lock that works on the same principle as a pin tumbler lock but is more durable and difficult to break. These locks are often found in office doors or sheds and are more secure than other types of cylinder locks. These locks are also more expensive, and they require a special key to open them.