Different Types of House and Office Keys

As a Locksmith in Vancouver, we get a lot of questions about the different types of house and office keys. Everyone assumes that their key is a “standard house key”. 80% of the time, our clients are right and they have the one of the three most common keys in Vancouver: Schlage SC1, Weiser WR5, and the Kwikset KW1. 

Take a look at your keys right now. If your key doesn’t say SC1, WR5 or KW1, they’re still a good chance you have one of these three. These keys are used by all Home Depot/Rona/Lowe and off-the-shelf brands like Facto, Defiant, Titan, etc.

The other 20% of house keys are a bit different. Even the popular 5 pin Schlage SC1 has a 6 pin cousin called the SC4. It is a common key found on locks installed by locksmiths.

Some locksmiths purposely use a slightly non-common keyway as their standard. It is a common business practice that ties the client to the locksmith to a higher degree. At Archer Lock Services, we do not do that as it tends to limit the client’s flexibility and choice. We would only do that at the client’s specific request. For example, so that employees cannot get store keys copied so easily. 

Most popular keys in Vancouver

You will typically encounter a variety of keys in Vancouver, including:

1. Kwikset key: This is a type of key that is used in Kwikset brand locks, which are most commonly found in residential properties. This company is well known for their “Smart Key” locks and are often stamped as KW1 or WR6.
2. Schlage key: This is a super common key found in Schlage brand locks, which are  found in residential and commercial properties. The most common Schlage variants we see in Vancouver are SC1/SC4, SC9, and SC10.
3. Yale key: This type of key is used in Yale brand locks which are common in very old buildings. This is one of the oldest lock companies still in existence so they have a huge number of legacy key types. It can be hard to find the right one even for a locksmith.
4. Sargent key: This type of key is used in Sargent brand locks, which are known for their high-end residential and commercial applications. You will not typically find Sargent house keys unless you live in a high-end condo in the Vancouver area. They are quite popular in commercial applications. The most popular Sargent key ways we see are LA, LB, LC, RA, RB, and RC. The off-brand version of the LA is sometimes stamped as S22.
5. Best key: Unlike most keys, the Best keys are shoulderless (explained below) and are tip

As a Locksmith in Vancouver, we get a lot of questions about different types of house and office keys. Everyone assumes that their key is a “standard house key”. 80% of the time, our clients are right and they have the one of the three most common keys in Vancouver: Schlage SC1, Weiser WR5, and the Kwikset KW1. 

Take a look at your keys right now. If your key doesn’t say SC1, WR5 or KW1, they’re still a good chance you have one of these three. These keys are used by all Home Depot/Rona/Lowe and off-the-shelf brands like Facto, Defiant, Titan, etc.

The other 20% of house keys are a bit different. Even the popular 5 pin Schlage SC1 has a 6 pin cousin called the SC4. It is a common key found on locks installed by locksmiths.

Some locksmiths purposely use a slightly non-common keyway as their standard. It is a common business practice that ties the client to the locksmith to a higher degree. At Archer Lock Services, we do not do that as it tends to limit the client’s flexibility and choice. We would only do that at the client’s specific request. For example, so that employees cannot get store keys copied so easily. 

Most popular keys in Vancouver

You will typically encounter a variety of keys in Vancouver, including:

1. Kwikset key: This is a type of key that is used in Kwikset brand locks, which are most commonly found in residential properties. This company is well known for their “Smart Key” locks and are often stamped as KW1 or WR6.
2. Schlage key: This is a super common key found in Schlage brand locks, which are  found in residential and commercial properties. The most common Schlage variants we see in Vancouver are SC1/SC4, SC9, and SC10.
3. Yale key: This type of key is used in Yale brand locks which are common in very old buildings. This is one of the oldest lock companies still in existence so they have a huge number of legacy key types. It can be hard to find the right one even for a locksmith.
4. Sargent key: This type of key is used in Sargent brand locks, which are known for their high end residential and commercial applications. You will not typically find Sargent house keys unless you live in a high end condo in the Vancouver area. They are quite popular in commercial applications. The most popular Sargent key ways we see are LA, LB, LC, RA, RB, and RC. The off-brand version of the LA is sometimes stamped as S22.
5. Best key: Unlike most keys, the Best keys are shoulderless (explained below) and are tip stopped like automotive keys. While there are a small handful of residential buildings in Vancouver that use the Best SFIC system, this company is more geared towards serving the commercial market sector. 
6. Mailbox keys: If you have a Cendrex or Wind mailbox keys, you are out of luck. We have never been able to copy the keys from those 2 brands. If you have CMC, Riopel, and etc, we should be able to copy those keys. The most popular mailbox keys in Vancouver are probably CO106, B01, ES9 and their variants.
7. Furniture keys: Keys for office and home furniture can come in thousands of different shapes and sizes. Many of them use proprietary key blanks that locksmiths won’t carry and will need to be ordered in. You would be best contacting us to discuss further.

Most of the keys discussed above can be copied by a professional locksmith like Archer Lock Services. Our key shop is stocked with hundreds of different types of keys. In addition, we add more as we clients bring in different types of keys.

How to identify the type of key

There are a few ways to identify the type of house key you have:

1. Look at the key’s shape: Each type of key has a unique shape, so you can often identify the type of key by looking at its shape and comparing it to pictures of different types of keys.
2. Check the key’s branding: Many keys have branding on them, such as the name of the lock manufacturer. If your key has branding on it, you can use that information to identify the type of key.
3. Compare similar keys: You can also compare your key to similar keys you have, or take it to a locksmith or hardware store and they may be able to identify it based on their experience.

Keep in mind that some keys may not have any branding or distinct shape and could be considered a “generic” key, and may not be able to be identified as a specific type of key. If in doubt, call or text us at 604-363-2760 or email at alex@locksmithvancouver.com with a picture of your key.

Parts of House Keys

A key typically has several different parts, including:

1. The Blade: The part of the key that is inserted into the lock. The blade is usually made of metal and has grooves and cuts, known as bitting, which interact with the internal pins and wafers of the lock to open it.

2. The Bow: The bow or the head is the handle or grip of the key. It is typically made of plastic or metal and can have a variety of shapes and designs. It serves as a way to hold and manipulate the key.
3. The Tip: The tip is the very end of the key blade, it is used to align the key into the lock before turning it.
4. The Shoulder: The shoulder is the part of the key blade that separates the blade from the bow. It is used to align the key in the lock, and prevent the key from going too deep into the lock.

Obviously, this is not important to 99% of non-locksmiths. In the old days, if you had an odd or unusual key, it helped to know a few technical terms so that you could describe your key easier to a locksmith. These days, we recommend just sending us a picture of the key. 

What if your key says “Do Not Copy”

If your key says “Do Not Copy” or something similar, it means that the key’s manufacturer or the owner of the lock wants to restrict unauthorized duplication of the key.

Back in the old days, most locksmiths or hardware stores wouldn’t make a copy of the key without proper permission from the key’s owner or the manufacturer. When I started in the business, we kept a log of all the people who requested “Do Not Copy” keys.

However, it quickly became apparent to us that this was pointless as the logs were anachronistic. No government agency checked them and the info recorded was totally useless.

Before the advent of high-security keys or restricted keys, this may have been worthwhile. These days, if you really want keys that cannot be easily copied, there are many choices available at all price ranges.

TLDR: Even if your keys are stamped “Do Not Copy”, most locksmiths will copy them for you. However, in our experience, most shoe stores and hardware stores will not for outdated reasons.

If you are a landlord or property manager and you do not want your tenants copying keys without your authorization, contact us to find out more about restricted or high-security keys. 

Where to get your keys cut or copied

There are a few differences between having your keys cut at a generic hardware store versus going to a professional locksmith:

1. Quality of the key cut: Professional locksmiths have specialized equipment and training to cut keys with precision. They can ensure that the key is cut to the correct specifications and will work properly in the lock. On the other hand, hardware stores may have less sophisticated equipment and training, which may result in a key that is not cut correctly, and may not work properly in the lock.
2. Expertise: Professional locksmiths have a lot of experience and knowledge about different types of locks and keys. They can help you identify the type of key you need and make sure that it is cut to the correct specifications. They can also help you with other locksmith services such as lock installation, repair or re-keying. Generic hardware store employees may not have the same level of expertise and may not be able to provide the same level of service.
3. Security: Some keys, such as high-security keys or restricted keys, may require specific authorization or special equipment to be copied. Professional locksmiths are authorized to copy these keys and have the necessary equipment to do so. On the other hand, generic hardware stores may not be authorized to copy these keys or may not have the necessary equipment to do so.
4. Cost: The cost of having a key cut at a professional locksmith may be higher than at a generic hardware store, but you are paying for the expertise and the quality of the key cut.
5. Speed: Professional locksmiths can cut keys quickly and efficiently, while a hardware store may take longer to cut a key, especially if they are busy. We can cut a standard key in about 10 seconds or less. So if you have a lot of keys to cut, a locksmith is the way to go.

Overall, while a generic hardware store may be a convenient option, a professional locksmith may provide a higher level of service, expertise and security.

What if you have high-security keys?

There are several high-security lock brands that are commonly used in North America. We are just going to cover the most popular ones you will probably encounter in Vancouver in no particular order.

1. Medeco: This brand is known for its high-security locks that are designed to be difficult to pick and bump. They are one of the first modern high-security lock companies. They are fairly popular in the West End as the key for the building’s common front entrance door. 
2. ASSA: This brand is primarily known locally for their ASSA Twin. They are not as popular as they used to be. We personally do not know many locksmiths in Vancouver that still install these. 
3. Mul-T-Lock: This is another very popular high-security lock company on par with Medeco. Their keys are known for dimple design which looks like a small rectangular bar with craters drilled into them.
4. Schlage Primus: Schlage Primus is the high-security division of the probably one of the two most popular commercial lock hardware companies in North America. Not super popular, but we do see them more than ASSA.
5. Abloy Protec: Abloy is a very popular high-security lock that utilizes a rotating disc cylinder technology which is different from all the other pin and tumbler cylinders. This makes them completely bump proof as there are no springs to bump. 

There are several other lock brands that I did not include. For example, the GMS MX, Sargent Degree, or the Best Coremax system. However, these locks and keys are more restricted key systems that prevent unauthorized key duplication.

I also did not mention any of the electro-mechanical high security locks and keys like the Assa Abloy CLIQ system as it’s way beyond the needs of non-institutional clients like governments, hospitals, and prisons.

If you have any of the keys mentioned above, you will need to contact the locksmith that installed the lock as the key blanks themselves are tied to that specific locksmith. No one, including another locksmith, will be able to provide a key copy.

Why do some keys cost more to copy?

There are several reasons why some keys may cost more than others:

1. Type of key: Some keys, such as high-security keys or restricted keys, may require specialized equipment or authorization to be made, which can increase their cost. These keys are made to be more difficult to duplicate and are often more difficult to pick.
2. Material: Some keys are made of more durable or expensive materials, such as brass or stainless steel, which can increase their cost.
3. Brand: Some key brands are more expensive than others, due to factors such as brand recognition, marketing, and research and development costs.
4. Complexity: Some keys have more complex designs, such as keys for cars with transponder chips or laser cut keys, which can increase their cost.
5. Quantity: Some keys are sold in large quantities, and the cost per key may be lower than if they were sold individually, this is particularly true for master key systems or large buildings where many keys are needed.
6. Service: Some keys require special service, such as programming or specific cutting techniques, which can increase their cost.
7. Shipping: Some keys are rare or exotic, and may require special shipping or handling, which can also increase their cost.

If you are ever unsure of the cost to copy your key, please contact us and we will provide you an estimate over the phone, text, or email.

How to extend the life of your keys and locks

There are several ways to extend the life of your keys and locks:

1. Proper use: Make sure to use your keys and locks correctly and avoid using excessive force when turning or inserting them. This will help prevent wear and tear on the keys and locks.
2. Cleaning: Keep your keys and locks clean by wiping them down with a dry cloth. This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up, which can cause damage to the keys and locks over time.
3. Lubrication: Lubricate the locks and keyways with a light oil such as Tri-flow. This will help prevent rust and make it easier to insert and turn the keys. We sell small bottles of this lock lubricant at our Vancouver keystore. 
4. Replacing worn-out parts: If you notice that the key is getting worn out or the lock is difficult to operate, have it replaced before it fails completely.
5. Key control: Keep track of your keys, and make sure that you know who has access to them. This will help prevent unauthorized duplication of your keys and reduce the risk of break-ins.
6. Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance check-ups with a professional locksmith to ensure that your locks are working properly and to address any issues that may arise.
7. Storing the keys: Store your keys in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, humidity and extreme temperatures. This can help prevent the keys from rusting or becoming brittle.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your keys and locks last as long as possible, and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.

To summarize, there are many different types of keys. We have covered the most popular house and office keys you are bound to encounter in the Vancouver area and beyond. If you have any question about your key, please feel free to drop by our Vancouver keystore or call/text us at 604-363-2760 or email us at alex@locksmithvancouver.com. It would be our pleasure to help you.

1. Stopped like automotive keys. While there are a small handful of residential buildings in Vancouver that use the Best SFIC system, this company is more geared towards serving the commercial market sector. 
2. Mailbox keys: If you have a Cendrex or Wind mailbox keys, you are out of luck. We have never been able to copy the keys from those 2 brands. If you have CMC, Riopel, and etc, we should be able to copy those keys. The most popular mailbox keys in Vancouver are probably CO106, B01, ES9 and their variants.
3. Furniture keys: Keys for office and home furniture can come in thousands of different shapes and sizes. Many of them use proprietary key blanks that locksmiths won’t carry and will need to be ordered in. You would be best contacting us to discuss this further.

Most of the keys discussed above can be copied by a professional locksmith like Archer Lock Services. Our key shop is stocked with hundreds of different types of keys. In addition, we add more as we clients bring in different types of keys.

How to identify the type of key

There are a few ways to identify the type of house key you have:

1. Look at the key’s shape: Each type of key has a unique shape, so you can often identify the type of key by looking at its shape and comparing it to pictures of different types of keys.
2. Check the key’s branding: Many keys have branding on them, such as the name of the lock manufacturer. If your key has branding on it, you can use that information to identify the type of key.
3. Compare similar keys: You can also compare your key to similar keys you have, or take it to a locksmith or hardware store and they may be able to identify it based on their experience.

Keep in mind that some keys may not have any branding or distinct shape and could be considered a “generic” key, and may not be able to be identified as a specific type of key. If in doubt, call or text us at 604-363-2760 or email at alex@locksmithvancouver.com with a picture of your key.

Parts of House Keys

A key typically has several different parts, including:

1. The Blade: The part of the key that is inserted into the lock. The blade is usually made of metal and has grooves and cuts, known as bitting, which interact with the internal pins and wafers of the lock to open it.

2. The Bow: The bow or the head is the handle or grip of the key. It is typically made of plastic or metal and can have a variety of shapes and designs. It serves as a way to hold and manipulate the key.
3. The Tip: The tip is the very end of the key blade, it is used to align the key into the lock before turning it.
4. The Shoulder: The shoulder is the part of the key blade that separates the blade from the bow. It is used to align the key in the lock and prevent the key from going too deep into the lock.

Obviously, this is not important to 99% of non-locksmiths. In the old days, if you had an odd or unusual key, it helped to know a few technical terms so that you could describe your key easier to a locksmith. These days, we recommend just sending us a picture of the key. 

What if your key says “Do Not Copy”

If your key says “Do Not Copy” or something similar, it means that the key’s manufacturer or the owner of the lock wants to restrict unauthorized duplication of the key.

Back in the old days, most locksmiths or hardware stores wouldn’t make a copy of the key without proper permission from the key’s owner or the manufacturer. When I started in the business, we kept a log of all the people who requested “Do Not Copy” keys.

However, it quickly became apparent to us that this was pointless as the logs were anachronistic. No government agency checked them and the info recorded was totally useless.

Before the advent of high-security keys or restricted keys, this may have been worthwhile. These days, if you really want keys that cannot be easily copied, there are many choices available at all price ranges.

TLDR: Even if your keys are stamped “Do Not Copy”, most locksmiths will copy them for you. However, in our experience, most shoe stores and hardware stores will not for outdated reasons.

If you are a landlord or property manager and you do not want your tenants copying keys without your authorization, contact us to find out more about restricted or high-security keys. 

Where to get your keys cut or copied

There are a few differences between having your keys cut at a generic hardware store versus going to a professional locksmith:

1. Quality of the key cut: Professional locksmiths have specialized equipment and training to cut keys with precision. They can ensure that the key is cut to the correct specifications and will work properly in the lock. On the other hand, hardware stores may have less sophisticated equipment and training, which may result in a key that is not cut correctly, and may not work properly in the lock.
2. Expertise: Professional locksmiths have a lot of experience and knowledge about different types of locks and keys. They can help you identify the type of key you need and make sure that it is cut to the correct specifications. They can also help you with other locksmith services such as lock installation, repair or re-keying. Generic hardware store employees may not have the same level of expertise and may not be able to provide the same level of service.
3. Security: Some keys, such as high-security keys or restricted keys, may require specific authorization or special equipment to be copied. Professional locksmiths are authorized to copy these keys and have the necessary equipment to do so. On the other hand, generic hardware stores may not be authorized to copy these keys or may not have the necessary equipment to do so.
4. Cost: The cost of having a key cut at a professional locksmith may be higher than at a generic hardware store, but you are paying for the expertise and the quality of the key cut.
5. Speed: Professional locksmiths can cut keys quickly and efficiently, while a hardware store may take longer to cut a key, especially if they are busy. We can cut a standard key in about 10 seconds or less. So if you have a lot of keys to cut, a locksmith is the way to go.

Overall, while a generic hardware store may be a convenient option, a professional locksmith may provide a higher level of service, expertise and security.

What if you have high security keys?

There are several high-security lock brands that are commonly used in North America. We are just going to cover the most popular ones you will probably encounter in Vancouver in no particular order.

1. Medeco: This brand is known for its high-security locks that are designed to be difficult to pick and bump. They are one of the first modern high security lock companies. They are fairly popular in the West End as the key for the building’s common front entrance door. 
2. ASSA: This brand is primarily known locally for their ASSA Twin. They are not as popular as they used to be. We personally do not know many locksmiths in Vancouver that still install these. 
3. Mul-T-Lock: This is another very popular high security lock company on par with Medeco. Their keys are known for dimple design which looks like a small rectangular bar with craters drilled into them.
4. Schlage Primus: Schlage Primus is the high security division of the probably one of the two most popular commercial lock hardware companies in North America. Not super popular, but we do see them more than ASSA.
5. Abloy Protec: Abloy is a very popular high security lock that utilizes a rotating disc cylinder technology which is different from all the other pin and tumbler cylinders. This makes them completely bump proof as there are no springs to bump. 

There are several other lock brands that I did not include. For example, the GMS MX, Sargent Degree, or the Best Coremax system. However, these locks and keys are more restricted key systems that prevent unauthorized key duplication.

I also did not mention any of the electro-mechanical high security locks and keys like the Assa Abloy CLIQ system as it’s way beyond the needs of non-institutional clients like governments, hospitals, and prisons.

If you have any of the keys mentioned above, you will need to contact the locksmith that installed the lock as the key blanks themselves are tied to that specific locksmith. No one, including another locksmith, will be able to provide a key copy.

Why do some keys cost more to copy?

There are several reasons why some keys may cost more than others:

1. Type of key: Some keys, such as high-security keys or restricted keys, may require specialized equipment or authorization to be made, which can increase their cost. These keys are made to be more difficult to duplicate and are often more difficult to pick.
2. Material: Some keys are made of more durable or expensive materials, such as brass or stainless steel, which can increase their cost.
3. Brand: Some key brands are more expensive than others, due to factors such as brand recognition, marketing, and research and development costs.
4. Complexity: Some keys have more complex designs, such as keys for cars with transponder chips or laser cut keys, which can increase their cost.
5. Quantity: Some keys are sold in large quantities, and the cost per key may be lower than if they were sold individually, this is particularly true for master key systems or large buildings where many keys are needed.
6. Service: Some keys require special service, such as programming or specific cutting techniques, which can increase their cost.
7. Shipping: Some keys are rare or exotic, and may require special shipping or handling, which can also increase their cost.

If you are ever unsure of the cost to copy your key, please contact us and we will provide you an estimate over the phone, text, or email.

How to extend the life of your keys and locks

There are several ways to extend the life of your keys and locks:

1. Proper use: Make sure to use your keys and locks correctly and avoid using excessive force when turning or inserting them. This will help prevent wear and tear on the keys and locks.
2. Cleaning: Keep your keys and locks clean by wiping them down with a dry cloth. This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up, which can cause damage to the keys and locks over time.
3. Lubrication: Lubricate the locks and keyways with a light oil such as Tri-flow. This will help prevent rust and make it easier to insert and turn the keys. We sell small bottles of this lock lubricant at our Vancouver keystore. 
4. Replacing worn out parts: If you notice that the key is getting worn out or the lock is difficult to operate, have it replaced before it fails completely.
5. Key control: Keep track of your keys, and make sure that you know who has access to them. This will help prevent unauthorized duplication of your keys and reduce the risk of break-ins.
6. Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance check-ups with a professional locksmith to ensure that your locks are working properly and to address any issues that may arise.
7. Storing the keys: Store your keys in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, humidity and extreme temperatures. This can help prevent the keys from rusting or becoming brittle.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your keys and locks last as long as possible, and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.

To summarize, there are many different types of keys. We have covered the most popular house and office keys you are bound to encounter in the Vancouver area and beyond. If you have any question about your key, please feel free to drop by our Vancouver keystore or call/text us at 604-363-2760 or email us at alex@locksmithvancouver.com. It would be our pleasure to help you.