Types of Keys
Are you trying to work out your key type? There are many types of keys in the UK and understanding your key type is very important when it comes to getting spare keys cut or a door lock replaced. In this blog we will investigate all the different UK key types and how you can identify them.
What are the Different Types of Keys?
There are many types of keys, including standard house keys, mortice keys, cylinder keys, car keys, transponder keys, and specialist security keys, each designed for specific locks and security needs.
Keytek locksmiths work with a wide range of key types and can identify the correct key for most residential, commercial, and vehicle locks.
Different Types of Keys
Some of the different kinds of keys are as follows: cylinder, mortice, pad lock, safe and tubular.
Whilst there are various other types of keys, these are just a select few that are the most popular and common. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
- Flat Key
- Corrugated Key
- Tubular Key (or Barrel Key)
- Warded Key
- Dimple Key
- Cylinder Key
- Mortice Keys
- Padlock Keys
- Safe Keys
Different Types Of Keys
1. Flat Keys
Keys that are flat fronted are often found on older pin tumbler locks. They tend to be flat, thin and rectangular, they are not cylindrical like other keys. You won’t find flat keys given out by the manufacturer, its common that a blank flat key will be given to a locksmith and they will cut it to fit an individual lock.
You’ll often find flat keys tend not to be for door locks, they are for things like padlocks, desk or filing cabinet locks, or cash boxes. The way they are cut means that the cuts will on the blade will match up with each tumbler to enable it to turn the key and open the lock.
2. Corrugated Key
Also known as jagged or paddle key, because it is paddle shaped. A corrugated keys are often designed with a pre-shaped cross-section, commonly wavy or grooved. This unique shape means that corrugated keys can fit into specific types of locks with the matching internal profile. Corrugated keys are mostly used in things like vending machines, coin-operated devices, payphones or industrial locks.
They are used for public facing locks such as parking machines and public telephones because the corrugation makes it harder to use fake or other keys to break in. The ridges on the key blade help to prevent jamming which is useful for high use locks. Corrugated keys are mostly used as part of a restricted key system, as they are harder to copy and protected by patents.
3. Tubular Keys
Also known as a barrel key, a tubular key is a round, cylindrical key that is used to lock and unlock a tubular lock. Often used for medium level security on high use locks, they are good for durability. A tubular key has a hollow, cylindrical shaft and contains notches around the edge that correspond to the pins inside a tubular lock. Unlike traditional flat keys tubular keys push the pins, that are in a circular configuration in the lock, to the correct depth to open it.
Tubular keys are designed to unlock a tubular lock, which are used in many different ways, such as for elevator use, coin-operated washing machines, vending machines, ATM’s, money boxes, arcade machines, glass store displays and bicycles, etc. The compact design means its good for machines and electronics, although tubular locks can be picked and bypassed with the right tools and knowledge.
4. Warded Keys
Warded keys, more commonly known as skeleton keys, are master keys that are designed to open multiple warded locks. Warded keys can open any lock regardless of their specific warding patterns and gets its name because the key has been ‘stripped down to the skeleton’ because all unnecessary parts have been removed leaving only the notches needed to bypass the wards in the lock.
A warded lock has internal wards that block incorrect keys from opening it. A warded or skeleton key is shaped to avoid the non-essential wards within the lock, meaning it can turn the lock, regardless of its unique key cuts. Warded keys don’t use the locks pins or levers to open it; it navigates the internal wards.
5. Dimple Key
Dimple keys and flat keys are very similar because they have the exact same shape, however dimple keys have small depression or dimple rather than cut edges. Dimple keys are used for cabinet and tool locks, bike locks, safes and access controls and on some occasions, vending machines.
Dimple keys are made to unlock door locks with a spring loaded pin that can be pressed down to release the lock. They provide medium to high security depending on the lock system. Locks that use dimple keys are harder to pick and can incorporate extra security measures. Not every locksmith will be able to cut you a dimple key, its only specialised key cutting machines that can cut you one successfully
6. Cylinder Keys
Cylinder keys, also know as pin tumbler keys are designed to unlock a cylinder lock, which is one of the most used lock profiles due to their great use in protection and security.
They are used on doors, sheds, garages etc, and every cylinder comes with its own set of keys unique to that cylinder. They are typically found on uPVC (plastic) and aluminium doors.
7. Mortice Keys
There are two main types of mortice locks: sashlocks and deadlocks, each operating in a different fashion.
Mortice keys are stereotypically used on external doors to ensure maximum security. They can also be used on internal doors, to have control over who has access to certain parts of the building. They are most commonly found on wooden timber doors.
8. Padlock Keys
Padlock keys are detachable locks that open with a unique key, and the typical padlock is supplied with two keys.
Padlock keys are a popular type of key as they can be used for various items to prevent theft and unauthorised use and are normally found protecting a shed or an outbuilding. The actual padlock itself normally consists of a U-shaped bar that’s designed to protect against theft, vandalism, and harm.
9. Safe Keys
Safe keys come in three styles:
- Chubb-style keys (a long cylindrical stem),
- Side-cut keys (a flat key)
- Tubular keys (hollow cylinders with cuts around the edge).
As with the majority of keys, safe keys need to be cut by a professional locksmith, which Keytek are more than happy to do for you!
Safe keys are essentially a backup for trying to unlock a safe, if the battery that powers the safe’s keypad dies or doesn’t work, or in the case that you have forgotten your safe’s code, they may have the option of a recovery key to gain entry.
Types of Keys
If you are still unsure on the kinds of keys you need for the locks in your home, contact us a Keytek as our engineers travel with fully stocked vans so even if you are unsure what type of key you need, it is likely our locksmiths will be able to identify the kind of key you need and replace your lock and keys for you there and then.
Jim Lockwood
Jim Lockwood is a fully qualified locksmith with over 10 years of hands-on experience in domestic, commercial, and emergency locksmith services across the UK. Holding a Level 4 NCFE Locksmithing accreditation—Jim is a trusted authority in lock security, key systems, and burglary prevention.
As Keytek’s lead technical content specialist, Jim draws on real-world experience to create detailed, trustworthy resources that help homeowners, tenants, and professionals make informed decisions about their security. From guiding readers through emergency lockout procedures to explaining locksmith pricing, his content combines expert knowledge with practical, easy-to-follow advice.
Throughout his career, Jim has tackled a wide range of locksmithing scenarios—including uPVC door lock failures, snapped keys in locks, and high-security upgrades and remains actively engaged in the locksmith industry, staying up to date on emerging technologies, British Standards, and security legislation. This ensures that every guide, article, and tutorial he authors is not only accurate and actionable but also aligned with the latest best practices.
Kim Freeman
Kim is Keytek’s longest-serving security blogger, with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the security industry. Over the past 9 years, she has built trusted relationships with locksmiths and security professionals across the UK, giving her exclusive insight into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in home security.
From traditional burglary prevention methods to cutting-edge smart home solutions, Kim covers it all. As part of her role, she regularly reviews the newest home security gadgets on the market—including smart doorbells, security cameras, and more—bringing readers honest, practical advice on how to protect their homes.
Kim’s passion for security was sparked during her time at the University of Chester, where she learned first-hand how vulnerable student housing can be to break-ins. That early experience inspired a lifelong interest in home protection, eventually leading her to join the team at Keytek.
Today, Kim combines her deep industry knowledge with a love for writing to deliver helpful, accessible content for homeowners across the UK. You can read all of her expert advice and top security tips at Keytek.co.uk, where she shares everything from seasonal safety guides to reviews of the best security products on the market.
Related articles
Standard flat keys are the most common and are typically used for household door locks and padlocks.
No. Keys are cut differently depending on the lock mechanism, with variations in grooves, notches, and security features.
Modern locks often use cylinder keys or security keys designed to resist picking, snapping, or duplication.
Some systems allow keyed-alike locks, but most keys are unique to a specific lock or set of locks.
Keytek locksmiths can advise on keyed-alike systems and security key options.