North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the term for a keyway that has been enlarged to accept more than one key section?

1. Composite Keyway

2. Multiplex Keyway

3. Neuter Bow

4. Neck of Key

The correct answer is: Composite Keyway

The term "Composite Keyway" refers to a keyway that has been intentionally designed or enlarged to accommodate multiple key sections. This characteristic allows a particular lock to accept various types of keys, making it versatile and useful in scenarios such as master key systems. The construction of a composite keyway often involves modifications to the lock cylinder, enabling it to interact with keys from different corresponding sections or cuts. Such versatility is beneficial in situations where different keys need to operate the same lock, enhancing accessibility while maintaining a measure of security. While terms such as "Multiplex Keyway" and "Neuter Bow" may imply related concepts within locksmithing, they do not specifically denote the enlargement of a keyway to accommodate multiple key sections. The "Neck of Key" is a part of the key itself, contributing to the overall functioning, but again, does not define the concept of a keyway designed for multiple key types. Thus, "Composite Keyway" is the accurate term for a keyway modified to accept more than one key section.