Keyway

Keyway

A keyway is the shaped channel in a lock cylinder into which the key slides to gain access to the lock tumblers.

Lock keyway shapes vary widely with lock manufacturer, and many manufacturers have a number of unique profiles requiring a specifically milled key blank to engage the lock's tumblers.

Most people refer to lock keyways as keyholes, a linguistic carryover from the days when locks utilized bit keys that actually entered the lock through a hole in the door.

ee also

*Key (lock)


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Keyway — Key way , n. See {Key way}, under {Key}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • keyway — [kē′wā΄] n. 1. a groove or slot cut in a shaft, hub, etc. to hold the key 2. the keyhole in a lock for a flat key …   English World dictionary

  • keyway —   n.    1. the opening in a lock or cylinder which is shaped to accept key bit or blade of a proper configuration    2. the exact cross sectional configuration of a keyway as viewed from the front. It is not necessarily the same as the key… …   Locksmith dictionary

  • keyway — A slot cut in a shaft, pulleyhub, wheel hub, etc. A square key is placed in the slot and engages a similar keyway in the mating piece. The key prevents slippage between the two parts. Also called keyseat …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • Keyway (engineering) — A keyway is a longitudinal slot milled along the side of a cylindrical machine shaft, or a notch cut into the inside hole of a pulley or gear, all of which indentations are intended to accept a small rectangular or semi circular bit of metal… …   Wikipedia

  • keyway — noun Date: circa 1864 1. a groove or channel for a key 2. the aperture for the key in a lock having a flat metal key …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • keyway — /kee way /, n. 1. Mach. a groove in a shaft, the hub of a wheel, etc., for receiving part of a key holding it to another part. 2. a slot in a lock for receiving and guiding the key. 3. (in poured concrete construction) a longitudinal groove in a… …   Universalium

  • keyway — noun A slot into which a precision attachment (a key) is fitted …   Wiktionary

  • keyway — The female portion of a precision attachment. * * * key·way (keґwa) the slot into which the male portion of a precision attachment fits …   Medical dictionary

  • keyway — n. slot or channel for a key; keyhole of a cylinder lock …   English contemporary dictionary

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