interesting lock

[overmind64]

I know this might seem like an easy question but what kind of lock has a key with teeth on both sides?

[straightpick]

Most of the keys that are cut on both sides are vehicle keys, auto, motorcycle, etc. They are called convenience keys because they will operate the lock either way. This is because the lock wafers are only on one side. If you cut the key on only one side, it would work the lock, but only when inserted with the cuts facing the wafers. Then there are convenience keys that must be cut on both sides to work. The later model Volkswagon keys are this way. The wafers are on staggered on both sides of the plug, so the key must be cut on both sides but can be inserted either way. Then there are locks such as Illinois, Lowe & Fletcher, Pundra and others that must be cut on both sides, as there are wafers on both sides of the plug, but the key can be inserted only one way. Locks with wafers on both sides are called double-bitted or bi-directional locks.

[Jaakko]

Kind of vague description of a key, I would suggest showing us a picture of that or similar key so we know what you mean.

It could be also a key to a disc detainer lock like ABUS, Abloy and the like. Or it could be a key to a lever lock. Or even to a warded lock.

[sparkster]

There are quite a lot of locks that have cuts to both sides of the blade, ingersoll being another decent make of lock springs to mind for me.

[raimundo]

Cuts on the bottom of the emhart key are not for setting pins, just for passing the dovetail pins around the core.

Cuts on schlage stamped key wafer locks are there to convince you its a real lock, (it isn't)

cuts on the edges of an ingersoll engage tumblers.

Double sided automotive keys are just a convience for drunk drivers

[fireware]

Afaik, ChicagoLock/ CompX makes double-bitted locks, and keyed switches.

[overmind64]

thank you all for your replies, and sorry about how vague my question was. The lock for it was pretty cheap, and the teeth are fairly large and square, so I was wondering how I would go about picking it. also it looks like it has wafers on both sides so i'd probably need these right? http://www.lockpickshop.com/DSS-4.html For reference here is a picture of the key. Sorry about the large photo size, I couldn't get it any smaller.

[ridinplugspinnaz]

The key you posted is for a warded lock; to pick that kind of lock, you'll probably want to pick up a warded pickset. Most of the standard steel sets can be had for $10 from any halfway decent locksmith supplier.

[sparkster]

As said, the lock is a warded lock, it is quite low security, a warded pick set would help, the only part of the key that triggers the release catch is the tip, you could remove some of the key wards to make a key that would open this and similar locks, i have edited your picture to give you an idea of what it looks like.
some locks do require 2 warded bits to trigger, so for the few dollars/pounds they cosr it is worth getting a set.

[overmind64]

I see, I don't think that most ward picks would work on this particular lock because the bump you see going down the middle isn't present on the other side of the key, it's actually indented up. The keyhole has the same shape as well.

[sparkster]

Most warded locks like this do have the same type of key with the raised/indented spine, the warded picks will fit this, not only that they will open this lock as its a standard type.

[raimundo]

Warded picks are flat steel. the keyway shape serves to keep out keys from other brands of warded locks, but the picks can go in as the wards are not very effective and a flat steel pick will pass easily.
These locks are junk security. Good for locking up junk.