Key duplication

In the UK, the majority of the mobile locksmiths will have a dual key cutting machine on their van.

The slider is adjusted to match the corresponding measured depth and a lever is depressed, which cuts the entire notch at once.

As the lever is raised the key automatically advances to the next indexed position and the slider is adjusted appropriately to the next measured depth.

The vise carriage is then into such position by means of a lateral-feed clutch that the shoulders of both the pattern and blank keys just touch the guide disk and cutter respectively.

The lateral-feed clutch on the top of the machine is then thrown, and the vertical feed rod released into action and power applied through the combination hand-crank power wheel on the right of the machine, until the cutter has passed over the entire length at the blank.

These keys are typically used in high-security environments, such as government facilities, military bases, and certain businesses that require strict access control.

Overall, restricted keys are an important tool for maintaining security and controlling access to sensitive areas.

In many cases, customers must provide proof of ID before a locksmith will cut additional keys using restricted blanks.

Some companies, such as Medeco High Security Locks, have keyways that are restricted to having keys cut in the factory only.

These days, many restricted keys have special in-laid features, such as magnets, different types of metal, or even small computer chips to prevent duplication.