Working with locks and keys often presents challenges that require a seasoned eye and years of experience to overcome. One such challenge that every locksmith will face at some point in their career is the enigma of the reverse key blank. It's that moment when you pick up a key and it looks familiar, yet upon closer examination, you realize it's the reverse of a keyway you recognize.
So, to make your job easier, here's a compilation of five reverse keyways you should familiarize yourself with:
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Key Takeaways:
Often, the reverse of a key can be one number above or below the original key blank. However, this isn't a strict rule and there are exceptions.
Familiarizing yourself with these key reverses can save time, reduce mistakes, and increase your service quality to clients.
While it might seem logical for manufacturers to label reverse keyways with an "R" suffix, this isn't always the case, adding a layer of complexity to the task.
In summary, the world of locks and keys is ever-evolving, and as professionals, constant learning is key (pun intended). Whether you're a seasoned locksmith or a newbie in the trade, getting to grips with these reverse key blanks will undoubtedly come in handy. Don't get caught out – familiarize yourself with these key reverses and stay a step ahead!
Article by PJ Slauson
In 2004, PJ Slauson (then only 19 years old) was working as a locksmith for his dad’s locksmith company and going to college. His dad had a little DBA side business selling locksmith supplies to locals. He had a few shelves in the back of his key shop with some keychains and padlocks which PJ started selling online to make a little extra money.He quickly sold out, eventually PJ decided to setup his own website, and clksupplies.com took off immediately.