What is a skeleton key?

I’ve been a Certified Master Locksmith for over 30 years and this is not even in the ballpark of what a skeleton key is. There is a slim chance that a skeleton key may open more than one lock but that is because of the lack of precision in which these locks and keys can be set up or cut; they cannot be set to the 0.001 tolerance levels that some modern locks can be set to. A skeleton key is just a key that is made to operate a warded lock instead of a pinned, disc, or magnetic lock, which was cutting edge technology at the time. These locks and keys could be set up in a crude master system where there there could be a master key that would open several different locks but that was essentially no different than setting up a master system for pinned or disc type locks. I could write a small book on this, but I’ll save you the boredom. A skeleton key is just a state of the art key from about 700BC to around the turn of the last century when sheer line pin and disc locks began to appear.

PinkDreameater2029, I remember skeleton keys. older homes used to have them also for desk drawers etc.

SirMeekus, you love ur job for sure

SirMeekus, Thank you for that information. I wish you would write a book on this topic, I think it is quite interesting. truly.

We had a few skeleton keys in the house I grew up in, They opened most of all the doors inside, especially the bedrooms

SirMeekus, I have one which only opens my cedar chest.

SirMeekus, Wow thank you!

This is not what a skeleton key is

Freya13 I collect skeleton keys because of their history.

Skeleton key does not refer to pass keys. Skeleton key is a specific shape, used in old style locks, and are still used in house keys in UK. They old style keyhole with a circle on top and a vertical opening receives skeleton keys.

SirMeekus, you do know your lock and key history. My husband was also a Master Locksmith before he passed away. I have several Skelton keys of different sizes. They always fascinated me as a child and still do. Thanks for the info and the memories.

RestingCaddy5603, bbv b by bb

I didn't watch the movie. The other options were very funny so most of us went for this option which is correct.

SirMeekus, thanks for the info.

All the comments were quite interesting to read. Thank you all.

I saw that people still give a “dislike” symbol for the question or the answers. I think you’d better delete “dislike” symbol. We must give an appreciation to their effort to make a question or to the explanation that people give.

not even close

ummm that's called a MASTER KEY. These questions are so bogus!!

lily 21, I heard about your dad buried 2 Children in your Basement in the 60's. Own up !!!

That description is not at all my understanding of a skeleton key! Like many other players, I think of the old simple keys...still use them in my 1890 home.

MALICE, lol

SirMeekus, I agree. I can remember those keys.

Whoops, dyslexia hiccup...