Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

The distance from the key blank shoulder to the center of the first cut indicates?

1. Key length

2. Cut spacing

3. Key depth

4. Key width

The correct answer is: Cut spacing

The distance from the key blank shoulder to the center of the first cut is crucial in determining cut spacing. Cut spacing refers to the specific distances between cuts on a key. Each cut corresponds to the pin height in the lock, enabling the correct engagement of the pins and ensuring the key functions properly. Accurate cut spacing is essential for producing a key that will fit into the lock and operate smoothly; any deviation or error in spacing can lead to a key that doesn't work. Understanding cut spacing helps locksmiths create and duplicate keys accurately. In contrast, key length refers to the overall size of the key, key depth pertains to how deep each cut is, and key width deals with the thickness of the key. Each of these other definitions plays a role in the overall design and functionality of a key, but they do not directly concern the distance from the shoulder to the first cut. Thus, recognizing that this specific measurement relates to cut spacing is fundamental in locksmithing practices.