North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the term for the cut made into a key to enable it to bypass a throat ward?

1. Throat Cut

2. Shoulder Cut

3. Tip Cut

4. Master Cut

The correct answer is: Throat Cut

The term for the cut made into a key that allows it to bypass a throat ward is known as the "Throat Cut." This specific cut is designed to fit within the confines of the lock's internal mechanisms, enabling the key to navigate around obstructions such as wards that might otherwise prevent it from turning and unlocking the mechanism. Understanding the function of this cut is crucial for locksmiths, as it allows them to create or modify keys that can effectively operate within various locking systems. The other options refer to different cuts or alterations that serve different purposes in key design or function. For example, a "Shoulder Cut" typically refers to a cut made to accommodate the shoulder of the key, which impacts how the key fits into the lock. Similarly, the "Tip Cut" is related to adjustments at the end of the key, and the "Master Cut" might refer to specific cuts needed for master keying systems that allow one key to operate multiple locks. Each of these cuts serves distinct roles in key functioning but do not pertain to bypassing throat wards, making the "Throat Cut" the appropriate term for this scenario.