MIL-DTL-43607J
Bow
The handle, or head of a key. On a cylinder key, that part beyond the
shoulder that does not enter the keyway and by which the key is held and
turned.
Blade
Part that is inserted into the lock cylinder keyway.
Bit
The section of a key that enters a lock, which has the key cuts formed in
it and which engages the bolt or tumblers of the lock. The bit is called a
blade in the case of a cylinder lock.
Key Cut
A square, rounded, or V-shaped depression, filed or machined into a key.
In tumbler locks, the series of key cuts on a key causes the tumblers to
line up at the shear line or gate so that the lock will open. In warded
locks, the key cuts bypass the wards so the key can push or pull the bolt.
Key Section
The shape of a key blade in cross section, viewed in the plane
perpendicular to the length of the blade. The key section is
determined by the shape of the keyway it fits.
3.6.3.5 Key material hardness. All components parts of the key shall have a hardness not less than
75 HRB in accordance with ASTM E 18 (see 4.5.1.12).
3.6.3.6 Key strength. Keys shall have sufficient strength to ensure against premature failure in
service. This strength shall be measured by the test in 4.5.1.13. That test requires the key to withstand
9 pound-force inch (lbf-in) (1 Newton metre (Nm)) of torque applied to the key's deepest cut
(smallest cross-sectional area) for 30 seconds.
3.6.3.7 Key deformation resistance. The key shall resist a torque of 9 lbf-in (1 Nm) without
permanent set deformation of more than 0.125-inch (3.2 mm), when measured at the end of an 8-inch
(203 mm) lever. The lever shall be attached to the bow of the key blank at an angle perpendicular to
the long axis of the blade of the key blank. The maximum cross section of the material being torqued
shall be no greater than the cross section at the deepest bit cut employed (see 4.5.1.13).
3.6.3.8 Key shapes. The bows of the operating keys shall be identical. The bows of control keys
shall be of significantly different shapes than the bows of the operating keys.
3.6.3.9 Key bit cut limits. Test results from key deformation resistance test (3.6.3.7) shall be used to
determine the safe key cut limits at any point on the blade to sustain the 9 lbf-in (1 Nm) torque
required in 4.5.1.13.
3.6.3.10 Key marking. All keys shall be stamped with: "US MILITARY PROPERTY - DO NOT
DUP." The control key shall also be stamped with: "CONTROL KEY."
3.6.3.11 Operating keys. The operating keys shall lock and unlock the padlock. The operating keys
shall not be capable of rotating the cylinder plug to the control position. When the cylinder plug is in
the unlocked position, the operating key shall be prevented from being removed from the cylinder
plug (see 4.5.1.14).
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