What Is A Skeleton Key
A skeleton key is a type of master key which has serrated edges removed. You may also know it as a passkey. So, this key can open almost any lock in one house. Many buildings in historical districts still have locks that require skeleton keys. Today, skeleton keys are mainly used to open locks on furniture because the level of security they can guarantee isn’t enough for a front door. The name comes from the shape of the keys themselves. They consist of three parts: the bow, the barrel and the bit, and often weigh more than most other keys.
If you think that all skeleton keys are the same, they aren't. Even though they are “master keys,” they all are different. The diameter of the key’s barrel, the size, and the cut of its bit, determine whether it will fit with the lock. Antique skeleton keys are also known for their intricate details and the quality of workmanship.