Keys form the backbone of the locksmith business. One sure fact is that there has been a gradual change in key types since the first known key during biblical Egyptian times. As example, locks using bit or skeleton keys were very popular 100 years ago. Flat steel keys for cabinet locks also had their day. While bit keys may still be popular in many parts of the world, the North American market changed almost 100% to pin tumbler locks for buildings and wafer locks for utility locks following WWII. Pin tumbler and wafer tumbler lock and key systems have changed very little during the last 50 years. With few exceptions, lock manufacturers have chosen KW1 and SC1 keyways as a standard and introductions of new keyways is at a virtual standstill.
Automotive lock designs have also changed with the times. Chrysler and Ford used pin tumbler lock designs for half of the twentieth century. Single-sided keys gave way to double-sided keys and wafer tumblers have superseded pin tumblers in vehicle locks. The first laser keys were introduced in approximately 1980. Most passenger vehicles are now using some form of laser key. Aftermarket key blank manufacturers reflect all of these changes in their latest offerings. As a result, the majority of new key blank introductions either involve new automotive keys or enhancements to existing commercial and utility keys such as decorative finishes.
KEYLINE USA has a complete line of automated key machines and transponder programming tools. New key blank introductions include:
- B116-PT, laser/transponder key blank for '10+ GM
- B119-PT, laser/transponder key blank for '14+ Silverado,Sierra, '15+ Yukon,Tahoe, Suburban
- B120-PT, laser/transponder key blank for '15+ Chev Express Van
- GM100, laser key blank, Emergency Key for GM
- HY21BP, laser key blank for Hyundai
- HY21P, laser key blank for Hyundai
- KI22P, laser key blank for Kia
- HY18-P laser key blank for Kia/Hyundai
Kaba Ilco Corp. has a broad selection of commercial, automotive and utility key blanks. Advanced Diagnostic tools are now part of the KABA ILCO product line. The December KABA ILCO Key News included to following key blank additions.
- B119-PT, laser/transponder key blank for GM
- B120-PT, laser/transponder key blank for GM Express van
- H94-PT, laser/transponder key blank for Ford
- MAZ24R-PT, dbl-sided/transponder key blank for Mazda
- HO01-EMER, Honda emergency key
- HU92BMW, BMW energency key
- HU100BMW, BMW emergency key
- Y170MHK, Chrysler Fobik w/transponder
- X279 / KA34, Kawasaki Cycle, X280 / HY15, Hyundai,
- X281 / HY16, Hyundai, X282 / HY17, Hyundai
HATA INC. supports the automotive locksmith with a wide range of key blanks for every popular car model. One example is their line of remote shells. As key blades wear or break, the electronics can be removed and installed in a new Hata shell. No programming necessary.
STRATTEC SECURITY CORP. is the original lock manufacturer for many car models. As automotive locking systems continue to evolve, many new car models are using remotes with mechanical keys relegated to use as emergency keys in case of electronic failure. Strattec offers factory original remotes for popular models such as Ford and GM.
