Key (lock)
A key is a device which is used to open a lock. It usually consists of a specially-shaped shaft of metal, with teeth and/or grooves which fit the shape of the lock and can open the correct lock by (usually) being turned in the lock housing. A wider grip is found at the top of the key to facilitate the turn. Usually, there are only a small number of keys which can operate a certain lock. In most cases, all of the keys for a lock are given to the purchaser of the lock. Duplicates of the key can then only be made if that person has access to a key or the lock. However, some manufacturers assign an identification number to each lock and key combination. Knowing the identification number of such a lock allows a duplicate key to be made at certain places.
Most people in modern society use keys on a daily basis, to secure their home, their vehicle, or to access their workplace, among other uses. Those that use a number of keys will usually place them on a ring, often with other items such as key fobs.
A master key is designed to open a set of several locks. These locks also have keys which are specific to each one and cannot open any of the others in the set. Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. e.g. A pin tumbler lock will have two sets of shear points.
A skeleton key is a very simple design of key which usually has a cylindrical shaft and a single flat, rectangular tooth. As such, it is also the easiest type of key and lock to make. These locks for these keys provide minimal security and only a slight deterrence as any key with a shaft and tooth that has the same or smaller dimensions will open the lock. Many other objects which can fit into the lock may also be able to open it. Due to its limited usefulness, this type of key and lock fell out of use after more complicated types became easier to manufacture. In modern usage, it has come to describe a key, usually with minimal features, which can open all or most of a type of badly designed lock.
nl:Sleutel (slot)