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The Skeleton Key

Today, the term “skeleton key” refers to a minimal key that can open badly designed locks.

A skeleton key, or passkey, has a cylindrical shaft and a flat, rectangular tooth. With such a simple design, it is easy to make. The lock is equally simple. Such a lock and key set offers only minimal security. Many other objects can fit into the lock and open it. When it became easier to manufacture more complicated designs, this type of key and lock ceased to be made. Today, the term “skeleton key” refers to a minimal key that can open badly designed locks. Some car manufacturers such as Ford sell a type of skeleton key for some of their locks to mechanics, but this practice is not well known.

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