“Key” seems to be an all too familiar item for all of us. They are useful in unlocking and relocking places where security or a start is needed, such as cars, cabinets, doors, and more.
Usually, each part will have different detailed structures and designs, but they will all share a common definition of parts. If you wonder what parts of a key include, please refer to the following details immediately!

Nine Central Parts of a Key
Right here, let’s explore what each component will include!
The Bow
The “Bow” is the largest component of the key, and you can easily see it because of the large design. This function will be the component you hold during the turn/control. Usually, in this bow, you will see symbols, codes, the name of the company or manufacturer.
Each manufacturing company will produce different bows, so they are almost exclusive to each line. In addition, the shapes of the bow will vary greatly and according to the type of safety. In addition, the bow is also used to help you determine the method to open the lock.
The Blade
The “blade” is the lengthiest component, and it is used to fit into the socket of the lock. You will easily see that the blade accompanies other parts such as the tip, the cut, and the biting.
Looking at the blade as a whole, you can see that it is close to the long cutting edge and then the short or small cutting edges.
The Tip
The tip is the first part, and it will also be the part inserted into the first lock. There will be some types that do not use the shoulder for alignment but use the tip.
When the tip is inserted, they will help lift the internal pins to insert the following sections easily. Because of this feature, the tip must have an angled design and a smooth surface. If the tip is designed without an angle, it will not enter and open the latch.
The Biting
Biting is the part of the blade that has unequal cuts. Its essence is designed to be a combination that has been calculated in advance, and it matches the part of the lock that helps to open the safe.
During the insertion in a pin tumbler lock, the bitting lifts the key pins into the proper position, allowing the safety to operate.

The Shoulders
The shoulder is seen as a limiting and separating point that helps the key stop in its right place. If there is no shoulder, the body will likely go too far inward and cause a lot of dislocation.
Moreover, you will not know how much should be banned without this section. Some buckles don’t have a shoulder, so the blade will be the one that stops and acts as a replacement for the shoulder.
The Keyway
It is known as the keyway that encompasses both the wards and the key’s blade. This factor is in a reverse of the keyway of the lock.
The Code
On the bow, the part will be the position to represent or engrave the relevant information of a related object. Usually, the details, symbols, or letters printed are:
- The bitting
- Manufacturer’s logo, name, or sign
- Indicator or keyway type
Where codes are required to facilitate decryption, referred to as indirect encryption.
The Warding
The formation of warding mostly comes from the keyway. Moreover, the warding will be the outstretched part of the whole lock.
Manufacturers have pre-measured and pre-set these types of shapes, and you need to fit them in the correct area and type to open them. In addition, warding also helps keep parts snug and close to the socket.
In particular, manufacturers can add warding variations such as adding another layer, paracentric keyways, or even extreme warding. Adding more layers of security adds more difficulty to your locks.
The Cuts
The cuts are an important highlight. Before manufacturing, the manufacturer has calculated, and after completion, the cuts will match the mechanisms of the locks.
It is worth evaluating that the cut’s design, size, height, and depth are extremely important because the type is only suitable for a drive of the same variety.

Conclusion
Although this type is one thing that is too familiar to us, not everyone knows what the parts of a key are called. Surely the above information will be a great help for you. Knowing the parts well helps you better understand applying and improving your knowledge of life tools. You can learn more about our related articles if you love this topic!