North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What term is used for the portion between the shoulder and the bow of a cylinder key?

1. Neck of Key

2. Multiplex Key System

3. Multi Section Key Blank

4. Composite Keyway

The correct answer is: Neck of Key

The term "neck of key" refers specifically to the section of a cylinder key that lies between the shoulder and the bow. This area is crucial in the design of a key as it serves to provide structural support while ensuring that the key is properly aligned when inserted into a lock. The shoulder defines the upper limit of insertion, providing a stop, while the bow is the part of the key that the user grips. Understanding this anatomy of a key is essential for locksmiths, as it relates to both key manufacturing and the operation of locking mechanisms. The other terms, while relevant in different contexts, do not describe the specified portion of a key. A multiplex key system pertains to a method of keying that involves multiple levels of security, rather than a physical part of a key. A multi-section key blank refers to a type of key blank that can be cut into various shapes for different locks, but it does not specifically denote the neck. Lastly, a composite keyway describes a lock design that accommodates multiple types of key profiles but again does not relate to the physical features of a key itself.