North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

What term is used for a keyway and corresponding key blank whose sale and/or distribution is limited by the manufacturer to control key proliferation?

1. Restricted

2. Public

3. Standard

4. Limited

The correct answer is: Restricted

The term "restricted" is specifically used to describe a keyway and its corresponding key blank that is controlled by the manufacturer. This means that access to the key and the means to duplicate it is significantly limited, typically requiring authorization to obtain additional keys or blanks. The restriction can include limits on where keys can be made, who can make them, and who can purchase them. This is a significant security feature for businesses and institutions that want to prevent unauthorized key duplication and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. This term distinguishes restricted keyways from public or standard keyways, which are more widely available and do not have specific limitations on their distribution. In contrast, a public keyway can be duplicated by a wide array of locksmiths and hardware stores without restrictions. Standard keyways also do not have the same level of control or security measures in place that restricted keyways do. Limited is a subjective term that may imply restrictions but does not specifically convey the established manufacturer-controlled meanings associated with a restricted keyway.