Schlage SecureKey: Difference between revisions

From Lockwiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (→‎Schlage SecureKey: tweak lock_design)
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
|maker=[[Schlage]]
|maker=[[Schlage]]
|lock_type=[[Cylinder]]
|lock_type=[[Cylinder]]
|lock_design=[[Wafer]],[[Hybrid lock|Hybrid]]
|lock_design=[[Slider]], [[Hybrid lock|Hybrid]]
|years_produced = 2010 - Present
|years_produced = 2010 - 2011
|patent=[http://www.google.com/patents?id=wbixAAAAEBAJ US 12/138,950]
|patent=[https://patents.google.com/patent/US8117876B2/ US 8,117,876]
}}
}}


The '''SecureKey''' is a user-rekeyable [[wafer]] lock made by [[Schlage]]. It uses five wafers that interact with a [[sidebar]] to provide protection against [[lockpicking]] and [[key bumping]]. The SecureKey is similar in design, functionality, and name to the [[Kwikset SmartKey]]. The rekeying mechanisms of both locks have considerable differences, however.
The '''SecureKey''' is a user-rekeyable lock made by [[Schlage]]. It uses five sliders that interact with a [[sidebar]] to provide protection against [[lockpicking]] and [[key bumping]]. The SecureKey is similar in design, functionality, and name to the [[Kwikset SmartKey]]. The rekeying mechanisms of both locks have considerable differences, however.


The SecureKey can be identified by the traditional Schlage C keyway warding and the + above the keyway.
The SecureKey can be identified by the traditional Schlage C keyway warding and the non-pin components visible at the front of the plug.
 
On August 1, 2011 Schlage announced that it will stop production and sale of the SecureKey by December 31, 2011. This comes after a lawsuit filed by [[Kwikset]] claiming that the SecureKey was falsely advertised and infringed on the [[Kwikset SmartKey]] patent.<ref>[http://www.kwikset.com/about-kwikset/media-room/overview/11-08-03/KWIKSET_SUCCESSFULLY_DEFENDS_SMARTKEY%E2%84%A2_RE-KEY_PATENTS_COMES_TO_AMICABLE_AGREEMENT_WITH_SCHLAGE.aspx Kwikset successfully defends SmartKey re-key patents & comes to amicable agreement with Schlage.]</ref>




Line 20: Line 22:
== Principles of operation ==
== Principles of operation ==


Schlage SecureKey locks feature 5 tumblers which need to be aligned properly to allow for the retraction of a single sidebar. Each tumbler consists of two parts: a "tongue pin" which rides on the key and a "slider" which has a cut away gate to allow for sidebar entry. The side of the slider opposite the gate features 10 narrow slits, one for each possible key depth, in which a corresponding male protrusion of the tongue pin remains. The tongue pins reside in a separate housing which is tilted away (clockwise) from the sliders during the reset procedure. When this occurs the male protrusion leaves the slider, allowing a new key to be inserted. Turning the plug back to the neutral position re-mates the two halves, leaving it to accept the new key.  
The SecureKey features five sliders which need to be aligned properly to allow a single [[sidebar]] to retract. It is user-rekeyable, meaning that it can be rekeyed by users of the system without disassembly or special skills. This is done through the use of modified "Reset" keys.
 
Unlike traditional slider locks, SecureKey sliders are a two part design featuring a guide pin and a slider. Guide pins are small components that resemble [[pin-tumbler]]s with a protrusion along one side which connects into each slider. Guide pins have a concave top which acts as a retainer for a spring in each chamber. Each slider has one true gate on the sidebar facing side, and ten slots on the opposite side which mate with the protrustions on guide pins. All sliders must be positioned at the same level, but the mating between guide pins and sliders controls how far a given bitting cut on the key will raise each slider. There are ten bitting positions for each slider, allowing for a total of 100,000 (10<sup>5</sup>) theoretical key [[differs]]. The sliders themselves offer minimal [[lockpicking]] protection via a ledge on the top of the slider which acts as a crude [[security pin|anti-picking]] mechanism. The design of the cylinder also acts to prevent rotation of the plug when sliders are positioned too high or too low.
 
The sliders and sidebar are housed in the plug directly, but the guide pins reside in a separate housing in the upper right quadrant of the plug. During the reset procedure this housing physically disconnects from the plug and disengages the guide pins from the sliders but holds the sliders in place at the unlocked position. The blue reset key features a protrusion on the right-hand side which depresses a spring-loaded blocking mechanism in the plug. When this is depressed and the plug is rotated to the 11 o'clock position the guide pin housing disengages, separating the two halves. Once separated, inserting a new reset key and returning the plug back to 12 o'clock re-positions the guide pins and mates them with the sliders at their new position.


The blue reset key features a protrusion on the right side of the key. This protrusion depresses a spring-loaded blocking mechanism in the plug which in effect unlocks the housing containing the tongue pins. Only then can the tongue pin housing tilt away, separating the two halves. When separated the keyway is narrowed partially by the front most part of the tongue pin housing. This forces the use of the specially made blue reset keys, which are thinner to accommodate this.  
In the reset position the keyway is narrowed by the displacement of the guide pin housing. The reset keys have a thinner profile which allows them to be removed and inserted in this position.


<div align="center"><gallery>
<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Schlage_SecureKey_keys.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_keys.jpg|Normal and Reset keys used in the SecureKey.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_wafers.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_wafers.jpg|Sliders used in the SecureKey.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_wafer_pin.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_wafer_pin.jpg|Slider and guide pin interconnected.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidebar_aligned.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidebar_aligned.jpg|All sliders in the correct positions.
</gallery></div>
</gallery></div>


Line 36: Line 42:


# Insert the reset key for the current bitting.
# Insert the reset key for the current bitting.
# Rotate the plug to the 11 o'clock position. The [[plug]] should click into place as the guide pin housing disengages the wafers.
# Rotate the plug to the 11 o'clock position. The [[plug]] should click into place as the guide pin housing disengages the sliders.
# Remove the reset key and insert the reset key for the desired bitting.
# Remove the reset key and insert the reset key for the desired bitting.
# Rotate the plug back to the 12 o'clock position and remove the reset key.
# Rotate the plug back to the 12 o'clock position and remove the reset key.
Line 43: Line 49:
'''Notes'''
'''Notes'''
* Do not return the plug to the default position without a reset key inserted.
* Do not return the plug to the default position without a reset key inserted.
* Do not attempt to reset the key bitting with a blank reset key. Some wafers may not engage the guide pins and the lock will be non-functional.
* Do not attempt to reset the key bitting with a blank reset key. Some sliders may not engage the guide pins and the lock will be non-functional.
* If any errors occur you can always completely disassemble and resassemble the lock to return it to a working condition.
* If any errors occur you can always completely disassemble and resassemble the lock to return it to a working condition.
* If sufficient variation between adjacent cuts is not present, non-reset keys may be able to be pulled out of the lock at the 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions.
* If sufficient variation between adjacent cuts is not present, non-reset keys may be able to be pulled out of the lock at the 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions.
Line 50: Line 56:


# Remove the [[cam]] or C-clip.
# Remove the [[cam]] or C-clip.
# Remove the [[plug]] from the [[cylinder]]. You may have to raise the wafers so they do not block removal of the plug.
# Remove the [[plug]] from the [[cylinder]]. You may have to raise the sliders so they do not block removal of the plug.
# From here the guide pin housing and guide pins can be removed, then the wafers and the guide pin housing spring.
# From here the guide pin housing and guide pins can be removed, then the sliders and the guide pin housing spring.


'''Notes'''
'''Notes'''
* Using a working key to position wafers and guide pins is recommended when re-assembling the lock.
* Using a working key to position sliders and guide pins is recommended when re-assembling the lock.
* The guide pin housing is difficult to re-assemble if you do not have prior experience with the lock.
* The guide pin housing is difficult to re-assemble if you do not have prior experience with the lock.


== Vulnerabilities ==
== Vulnerabilities ==


The SecureKey may be vulnerable to one or more of the following:
The SecureKey may be vulnerable to one or more of the following attacks:


* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Lockpicking]]
Line 65: Line 71:
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Destructive entry]]
* [[Destructive entry]]
* [[Key bumping]]


'''Notes'''
'''Notes'''
* The SecureKey cannot be bumped because it does not use pin-tumbler components.
* Various decoding and destructive attacks against the [[Kwikset SmartKey]] also work against the SecureKey.
* Various decoding and destructive attacks against the [[Kwikset SmartKey]] also work against the SecureKey.
* Key bumping can be used to open the lock when a bump key is made using a reset key blank. This is technically different from traditional key bumping because of the lack of pin-tumblers. Instead, this attack exploits poor sidebar tolerances and the lack of false gates on each slider.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 75: Line 82:
File:Schlage_SecureKey_cylinder2.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_cylinder2.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_key_plug.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_key_plug.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_plug.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_plug.jpg|The plug with all components removed.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_plug2.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_plug2.jpg|The plug with guide pin housing inserted.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_profiles.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_profiles.jpg|Different between reset and user key profiles.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_reset_position.jpg|Plug rotated to the reset position.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_reset_position.jpg|Plug rotated to the reset position.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_bottom.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_bottom.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_keyway.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_keyway.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidepin_normal.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidepin_normal.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidepin_moved.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidepin_moved.jpg|Action of the reset key's protusion on the guide pin housing retainer.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidebar.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_sidebar.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_housing_bottom.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_housing_bottom.jpg|The guide pin housing.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_housing.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_housing.jpg|The guide pin housing.
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_forensics.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin_forensics.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin.jpg
File:Schlage_SecureKey_pin.jpg
Line 95: Line 102:
== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[Wafer]]
* [[Slider]]
* [[Schlage]]
* [[Schlage]]
* [[Sidebar]]
* [[Sidebar]]
Line 101: Line 108:


[[Category:Schlage|SecureKey]]
[[Category:Schlage|SecureKey]]
[[Category:Wafer locks]]
[[Category:Slider locks]]
[[Category:Sidebar locks]]
[[Category:Sidebar locks]]
[[Category:Lock models]]

Latest revision as of 14:16, 24 December 2022

Schlage SecureKey

Schlage SecureKey
Schlage SecureKey cylinder.jpg
Name Schlage SecureKey
Manufacturer Schlage
Lock Type Cylinder
Lock Design Slider, Hybrid
Year(s) Produced 2010 - 2011
Patent US 8,117,876


The SecureKey is a user-rekeyable lock made by Schlage. It uses five sliders that interact with a sidebar to provide protection against lockpicking and key bumping. The SecureKey is similar in design, functionality, and name to the Kwikset SmartKey. The rekeying mechanisms of both locks have considerable differences, however.

The SecureKey can be identified by the traditional Schlage C keyway warding and the non-pin components visible at the front of the plug.

On August 1, 2011 Schlage announced that it will stop production and sale of the SecureKey by December 31, 2011. This comes after a lawsuit filed by Kwikset claiming that the SecureKey was falsely advertised and infringed on the Kwikset SmartKey patent.[1]



Principles of operation

The SecureKey features five sliders which need to be aligned properly to allow a single sidebar to retract. It is user-rekeyable, meaning that it can be rekeyed by users of the system without disassembly or special skills. This is done through the use of modified "Reset" keys.

Unlike traditional slider locks, SecureKey sliders are a two part design featuring a guide pin and a slider. Guide pins are small components that resemble pin-tumblers with a protrusion along one side which connects into each slider. Guide pins have a concave top which acts as a retainer for a spring in each chamber. Each slider has one true gate on the sidebar facing side, and ten slots on the opposite side which mate with the protrustions on guide pins. All sliders must be positioned at the same level, but the mating between guide pins and sliders controls how far a given bitting cut on the key will raise each slider. There are ten bitting positions for each slider, allowing for a total of 100,000 (105) theoretical key differs. The sliders themselves offer minimal lockpicking protection via a ledge on the top of the slider which acts as a crude anti-picking mechanism. The design of the cylinder also acts to prevent rotation of the plug when sliders are positioned too high or too low.

The sliders and sidebar are housed in the plug directly, but the guide pins reside in a separate housing in the upper right quadrant of the plug. During the reset procedure this housing physically disconnects from the plug and disengages the guide pins from the sliders but holds the sliders in place at the unlocked position. The blue reset key features a protrusion on the right-hand side which depresses a spring-loaded blocking mechanism in the plug. When this is depressed and the plug is rotated to the 11 o'clock position the guide pin housing disengages, separating the two halves. Once separated, inserting a new reset key and returning the plug back to 12 o'clock re-positions the guide pins and mates them with the sliders at their new position.

In the reset position the keyway is narrowed by the displacement of the guide pin housing. The reset keys have a thinner profile which allows them to be removed and inserted in this position.

Rekeying instructions

In order to rekey the Secure Key you need to have a reset key for the current bitting and the desired bitting.

  1. Insert the reset key for the current bitting.
  2. Rotate the plug to the 11 o'clock position. The plug should click into place as the guide pin housing disengages the sliders.
  3. Remove the reset key and insert the reset key for the desired bitting.
  4. Rotate the plug back to the 12 o'clock position and remove the reset key.
  5. Test the new working key.

Notes

  • Do not return the plug to the default position without a reset key inserted.
  • Do not attempt to reset the key bitting with a blank reset key. Some sliders may not engage the guide pins and the lock will be non-functional.
  • If any errors occur you can always completely disassemble and resassemble the lock to return it to a working condition.
  • If sufficient variation between adjacent cuts is not present, non-reset keys may be able to be pulled out of the lock at the 11 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions.

Disassembly instructions

  1. Remove the cam or C-clip.
  2. Remove the plug from the cylinder. You may have to raise the sliders so they do not block removal of the plug.
  3. From here the guide pin housing and guide pins can be removed, then the sliders and the guide pin housing spring.

Notes

  • Using a working key to position sliders and guide pins is recommended when re-assembling the lock.
  • The guide pin housing is difficult to re-assemble if you do not have prior experience with the lock.

Vulnerabilities

The SecureKey may be vulnerable to one or more of the following attacks:

Notes

  • Various decoding and destructive attacks against the Kwikset SmartKey also work against the SecureKey.
  • Key bumping can be used to open the lock when a bump key is made using a reset key blank. This is technically different from traditional key bumping because of the lack of pin-tumblers. Instead, this attack exploits poor sidebar tolerances and the lack of false gates on each slider.

Gallery

References

See also