Key combination

The combination of a key is the set of cuts that makes it different from the other keys of the same model. It is what makes your key open your door and not your neighbour’s.

The more positions and depths a cylinder allows, the more different combinations it can have. A very basic cylinder has few, which increases the chance of two doors opening with similar keys. In good quality cylinders, with pins in several rows, there are far more combinations.

When you buy a new build home or a property on a large urbanisation, it is worth bearing this in mind. If you want to be sure your combination belongs to you alone, the simplest thing is to change the lock cylinder for a good quality one.