Take a look at your house key. There's a good chance you'll see some numbers or letters stamped on it. If you're seeing a 66 or 68, keep reading."
The Difference Between a 66 and a 68
So what do those numbers actually mean? And you may have noticed more than just 66 or 68. Perhaps your key also has a trio of letters and numbers stamped on it, like KW1 or SC1. It looks more mysterious than it is. It's actually pretty standard.
Basically, keys are manufactured for two of the most common keyway types used in residential locks: Kwikset and Schlage. If you have KW1 on your key, you've got a Kwikset. And if you have SC1, you've got a Schlage.
66 Means Kwikset. 68 Means Schlage. Here Is Why That Matters.
What if you only have the numbers 66 or 68 stamped on your key and no letter trio like KW1 or SC1? That is actually pretty common and completely standard. Those numbers refer to your keyway, the groove shape on your key blade that determines which lock it fits into.
Here is the breakdown:
A 66 stamp means you have a Kwikset keyway. Your key is a KW1 and it fits Kwikset locks.
A 68 stamp means you have a Schlage keyway. Your key is a SC1 and it fits Schlage locks.
That one number is the difference between a key that slides right in and one that won't budge no matter what. When you go to order a custom key blank, getting this right is everything. Order a 66 KW1 key blank for a Kwikset lock, and a 68 SC1 key blank for a Schlage lock. Simple as that.
Why Your Key Code Matters When Getting Your Keys duplicated
It's more than just a stamp on your key. The numbers refer to the groove shape, and that groove has to match the type of lock to even slide into it. Get the wrong one and it simply won't fit, no matter what.
When you go to duplicate your house key, the wrong type simply won't work, no matter how it's cut. A good locksmith will catch this before cutting your key, but it never hurts to already know what you're working with when you walk through the door.
Don't have a 66 or 68 on your key at all? No worries. Check out our guide on how to tell what type of house key you have and we'll walk you through it step by step.
At Custom Keys, we make all of our keys for both lock types. So whether you have a Kwikset KW1 or a Schlage SC1 on your front door, we have the key for you. And bonus, we offer free shipping in the US on orders over $30.