page_title: Skeleton key
hierarchical_section_title: Skeleton key
caption_attribution_description: English: A padlock skeleton key with all of the teeth filed down (right) and a normal key (left) for the same lock. The normal key on the left will open only the lock that it goes to, but the skeleton key on the right will open any lock with this particular keyhole.
context_page_description: A skeleton key is a type of master key in which the serrated edge has been removed in such a way that it can open numerous locks, most commonly the warded lock. The term derives from the fact that the key has been reduced to its essential parts.
  In a broader sense the term can be used synonymously with master key to refer to any key, keycard or other device capable of opening a variety of locks.
  The term skeleton key is often incorrectly used for bitted keys.
context_section_description: A skeleton key (also known in North America as a passkey) is a type of master key in which the serrated edge has been removed in such a way that it can open numerous locks, most commonly the warded lock. The term derives from the fact that the key has been reduced to its essential parts.
  In a broader sense the term can be used synonymously with master key to refer to any key, keycard or other device capable of opening a variety of locks.
  The term skeleton key is often incorrectly used for bitted keys.
caption: A padlock skeleton key that can open any lock with this keyhole (right), compared to a normal key that can open only the lock for which it was made (left).
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