North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the term for the portion of a bit key between the tip and the shoulder, to which the bit(s) is attached?

1. Blade

2. Post (of key)

3. Shank

4. Ridge

The correct answer is: Post (of key)

The term that refers to the portion of a bit key between the tip and the shoulder, to which the bit(s) is attached, is known as the "shank." The shank is the long, flat part of the key that provides the leverage needed to turn the lock. This portion contains the key's profile and often includes the notches or cuts that correspond to the internal pins or tumblers of the lock, allowing the key to engage the locking mechanism effectively. Interestingly, the term "blade" applies to the entire cutting area of the key. It includes both the shank and the part where the bit is attached, but specifically refers to the section that interacts with the lock. The shoulder, which marks the stop point of the key when it is inserted into the lock, is where the key transitions from the flat shank to the more pronounced head or grip area of the key. The term "post" as it pertains to keys is less commonly used and may be misleading in this context, while "ridge" generally refers to the raised portions on a key that help align it within the lock mechanism, not the specific area described in the question. Understanding these definitions is essential for clarity when discussing key anatomy in locksmithing.