North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the function of the tip cut on a key?

1. To align the key in the lock

2. To enter the keyway first

3. To provide the primary bitting

4. To support the key's structural integrity

The correct answer is: To enter the keyway first

The tip cut on a key serves an important role in relation to the key's interaction with the lock mechanism. The primary function of the tip cut is to enter the keyway first, which ensures that the key is properly positioned to engage the locking pins or tumblers within the lock. When you insert the key, the tip cut helps guide the key into the correct orientation, allowing for a smooth and efficient entry into the lock. This is crucial because if the key does not enter the lock aligned correctly, it may not be able to turn, or it could potentially cause damage to either the key or the lock. Proper engagement of the key is necessary for unlocking or locking mechanisms to function as intended. The other options, while they may discuss various aspects of key function, do not accurately describe the primary role of the tip cut. For instance, aligning the key generally refers to the overall positioning of the key within the lock and not the specific purpose of the tip cut. Bitting refers to the specific cuts that allow the key to engage with the internal locking mechanisms, and structural integrity relates to the design of the key itself rather than its function within the locking action.