I have a strange key!

[atikin]

One day I found a strange key on the supermarket floor. It's really strange key. Here it is:

There is also a line from the other side of the key. It's not deep and it's in the upper part of the key. What kind of cylinders is this key for? May be somebody knows?
Thanks!

[MacGyver101]

I've not seen a key modified in this way before... but, based on the cuts, I'd guess that someone has made some sort of control key (e.g., for a removable-core padlock) from a change key, and had some special way that they were securing it to ensure that it didn't get lost?

Based on the roughness of the cut, the reduction of the shoulder and key bow doesn't look like it was done at the factory. The way the shoulder has been reduced reminds me of something like a S&G 833 padlock: if I recall correctly, the only difference between a change key (the one that "normal" users have for opening the padlock) and the control key (the one that removes the core for servicing) is that the shoulder of the control key is ground down. (But that's not a high-security blank, so it's almost certainly not from an S&G padlock.) The alternative is that perhaps the lock had been installed into some sort of recess that was interfering and preventing an unmodified key from entering the keyway and turning?

As for the hole near the tip... I can't think of any lock function that would require that. I'm assuming that it has something to do with how the owner of the key was either storing or protecting the key (i.e., to prevent it from getting lost, inspected or removed by some unauthorized person). The second hole's big enough that anything from a nail to a luggage padlock could have been placed in there.

Sorry... probably not much help in solving your mystery.

[atikin]

That's better than nothing! Thanks.
Is there some other information about that kind of keys?

[straightpick]

It may be a homemade override key for a hotel lock function. On a hotel lock function, when the door is locked from the inside, all keys are blocked from functioning in the outside cylinder except for the emergency override key. This key is typically a master key cut on a special blank that is longer than the blanks used to normally operate the lock. The extra length at the tip disengages the lockout function and allows entry to the room. This type of lock is sometimes found installed (mistakenly, should use a service station function lockset) on public restrooms. Without this key, if a person passed out in the room, there would be no way to gain access short of breaking the door down.

[datagram]

But, only the top shoulder is ground down, it would still be stopped by the bottom shoulder, no? Maybe this is just some keychain souvenir someone had. That would help explain the holes, too.

dg

[Greywood]

It doesnt look machine cut.. And honestly i cant make out why there is a hole on the tip of the key when you could have cut it on the bow instead.

My best guess would be a method to lock the key inside the lock by sticking it in all the way and placing something through the key at the tip.. unless the user wanted to simply use the key like most other keys of its field then he would avoid putting it all the way through.

[straightpick]

But, only the top shoulder is ground down, it would still be stopped by the bottom shoulder, no?

Good eyes, datagram! Just noticed the bottom shoulder which would stop it. Also, how long is it? Hard to tell if if that is a metric ruler or is it really 5 inches long??

[MacGyver101]

Hard to tell if if that is a metric ruler or is it really 5 inches long??

It's a metric ruler: it's stamped "cm".

[atikin]

It's a metric ruler. The key is something like 5 cm long (2 inch). Like most of 5-pin keys.
I even didn't see a keyhole that this key will fit in. May be, it's really just a souvenir?

[Jaakko]

Little offtopic, but metric rulers divide one centimeter to ten divisions, while imperial rulers divide one inch into 8 or 16.

[atikin]

I don't know what do you mean, but on my ruler 2 inches is 5 cm.

[ToolyMcgee]

He means that on an American standard ruler with 1/16's marked, if you count 10 hash marks you will be at 5/8th's of an inch.

Even more off topic: If you call it the imperial standard system of measurement in the U.S. 9 out of 10 people will look at you with a blank stare. We fought the revolutionary war so we could claim it as our own.

[weerwolf]

Looking at the shape of the key profile , I would think its for a cabinet or mailbox.

I have absolutely no idea what the hole is for. The only thing I can think of is that the hole on the key head is too small to fit a small size keyring.

Removing a part of the key head is usually done to make the key enter a narrow garment. If it is for a cupboard or cabinet , then there is most likely a handle just under (or above , depending on how the cilinder is mounted) the keyway.

[Greywood]

But, only the top shoulder is ground down, it would still be stopped by the bottom shoulder, no? Maybe this is just some keychain souvenir someone had. That would help explain the holes, too.

dg

or a poor attempt at a bump key..

[datagram]

But, only the top shoulder is ground down, it would still be stopped by the bottom shoulder, no? Maybe this is just some keychain souvenir someone had. That would help explain the holes, too.

dg

or a poor attempt at a bump key..

Maybe the holes are to make the key lighter and thus more aerodynamic while bumping : D Should have painted a racing stripe on it, too!

dg