Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

What is an essential consideration when cutting a duplicate key?

1. The color of the key

2. The depth of cuts

3. The material of the key

4. The brand of the lock

The correct answer is: The depth of cuts

When cutting a duplicate key, the depth of cuts is an essential consideration because it directly impacts the key's ability to operate the lock effectively. Each cut on a key must be made to a precise depth that corresponds to the internal pins of the lock. If the cuts are too shallow or deep, the key may not engage the pins in the correct manner, which can lead to the key failing to open the lock or potentially damaging the locking mechanism. Additionally, factors like the color of the key, the material, and the brand of the lock, while they might have some relevance in certain contexts, do not have the same direct impact on the functional performance of the duplicate key. The key's depth of cuts is critical in ensuring that it will function seamlessly like the original key, making it the most important consideration in the key duplication process.