Types of Key Blanks

Flat Keys

• As the name suggests, flat keys are flat on both sides. These keys are usually made of steel or silver nickel. Flat keys are typically used for safety deposit boxes and luggage locks.

Corrugated Keys

• Corrugated keys are similar to flat keys but have corrugations or grooves along the length of sides. Corrugated keys are commonly used for padlocks and desk drawers.

Cylinder Keys

• Cylinder keys are one of the most popular keys in use today. They are typically used with pin tumbler locks as well as disc tumbler locks. These locks are found on the front door of your home, and on your car door and trunk. Car key blanks are categorized by car make.

Four-sided keys

• Four-sided keys are also called "cruciform" keys because they fit into a cross-shaped slot. Unlike other key blanks, the four-sided key is cut on four sides as the name suggests. You will need to use a special key duplicating machine capable of cutting this type of key in order to duplicate it.

Dimple Keys

• Dimple keys are used in pin tumbler locks. Dimple key blanks are usually flat and rectangular. They are called dimple keys because they are cut by means of cone-shaped indentations or holes drilled into the surface of the key.

Transponder Keys

• Transponder keys are car keys that have a computer chip embedded on the head of the key for added security. These chips are programmed to transmit a signal to the on-board computer of a car that will recognize the key's unique signal and allow the car to start. When duplicating, in addition to cutting the key, the transponder key chip must be programmed for the key to be used for that particular vehicle.