Skeleton key how does it work

In truth, it's not that simple it never is, right? So, I decided it's time to set the record straight, and once and for all explain - as best I can - the truth about Skeleton Keys. A long, long time ago, in the days of very simple warded locks, all you needed to open them was to bypass the wards, engage the cam at the end of the barrel and turn; the lock would then open. The reason this worked is because those locks were already unlocked, so to speak, and the wards merely provided an obstruction.

A Skeleton Key was known as such since it had been ground down to the bare bones. This diagram shows you the right key for the lock, and the skeleton key made out of that key. And although a modern lock, the principle is much the same. A pin cylinder for example moves the series of split-pin stacks so as to line up the split along the edge of the barrel the shearline allowing it to turn see diagram below. A lever mortice lock has a series of gates which prevent the stump from moving.

The stump is connected to the bolt. The gates all have a little gap in them, all in different places. The key with the correct combination of depths will align all of these gaps, allowing the stump, and therefore the bolt to move, thus opening the lock.

Tubular and dimple locks are really just slight variants on pin-cylinder locks. A dimple lock has the key turned 90 degrees, and a tubular lock has the series of pins in a circle — neither of which add much security, rather just a bit of novelty, which the market always appreciates. The split between the pins needs to run along where the cylinder meets the housing. Then the cylinder can turn.

The bottom line is — there are no such things as skeleton keys for these locks. All day every day we receive emails asking for skeleton keys, and research, experience and speaking to people has shown us, what people really want, is a key — or any tool — that will open a many locks of the same type. Thankfully, such tools do exist, and although not strictly 'Skeleton Keys', the result is the same.

Master the technique and you have access to many locks of the same type with the one tool or key. They are differentiated from picks and rakes since they do not require a separate tension tool. If you want more information - and frequently a video - click on the links and see them in our shop. Keys and locks originated in ancient civilizations, and have been dated as far back as BC.

Genuine antique skeleton keys are quite collectible, although their value varies greatly, depending upon their age, scarcity, embellishments or details, their weight, shape, and size. Niche antique skeleton key collectors narrow the scope of their collections according to a number of factors that determine the value of skeleton keys:.

Skeleton keys tend to make their appearance around Halloween in haunted houses. Commemorative keys, like the three large ornamental keys shown above, are popular in homes and offices as objects of art. While collectors seek genuine antique keys, fairly abundant at auctions and flea markets, they need to distinguish them from inexpensive reproductions, favored by artisans.

And, every autumn, skinny skeleton keys accessorize Halloween haunted houses and dungeon-themed props. Skeleton keys have become popular as necklaces or wearable art more generally. What does such a key symbolize in the context of a birthday, then?

As skeleton key fans, we try stay up to date on the latest key necklace trends. Take a peek at some of the photos! Beyond necklaces and jewelry, skeleton keys have made their way into the eyewear market too. I have to admit, the key felt a little squirrelly in the lock, and I was thankful we tried the key while the door was open, since it was easier to lock the door than unlock it.

It's not guarenteed one will work, but the odds are with you. Once you find the key s that work in your doors, you can buy more online or visit a salvage shop and get the matching vintage versions. You could leave one key in each lock or on a hook next to the door. These three keys available at Amazon in these two boxes notched and flat :. But I would like to pick one up for our guest bedroom in case someone wants the additional privacy.

We'd love to hear if this method works for you! Leave us a comment and let us know! Instead, each lock had to have a key fashioned that matched the projections inside the lock.

Despite the fact that locksmiths became very creative in the design of the projections even featuring crosses and other figures , warded locks were relatively easy to pick. Thus, the skeleton key in this form has pretty much become relegated to the past, except when lore, mystery, and intrigue bring them back in print and to the screen. The Master Key — Some people refer to a master key as a skeleton key.

A master key is one that fits into a number of different locks in one facility — all of the rooms in a specific hotel.

While individual keys are designed with channeling on them that enables them to open only one door, the master key has no channeling and can open any of the doors that have been designed to be opened by the single key. Another type of lock, the pin-and-tumbler-style lock, is designed to be opened by two different keys, the single key for that door and the master key for a group of locks.

This is accomplished by making a third pin next to a pair of pins.