Custom Lock Cylinder Key Head Styles (H1–H14)

Technical Specifications & Key Head Matrix

Style Code	Bow Geometry Profile	Material Construction	Typical Blade Compatibility	Key Engineering & Functional Features
H1	Cloverleaf / Ergonomic winged	All-Metal (Brass / Nickel Silver)	Vertical Key	Curved contours for finger traction with circular keyring hole
H2	Stepped hexagonal / Geometric	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Multi-tiered stepped shoulder with top circular hole
H3	Rounded hexagonal with slot	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Broad horizontal keyring slot for flat key tags
H4	Asymmetric flared contour	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Directional tactile index with off-center rectangular cutout
H5	Classic circular round bow	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Traditional British / Yale standard circular profile with round hole
H6	Broad shield / Polygon	All-Metal	Dimple Key	Wide lateral turning surface optimized for horizontal dimple keys
H7	Square with rounded corners	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Clean architectural square silhouette with top hanging hole
H8	Textured knurled grid square	All-Metal	Dimple Key	Cross-hatched knurled face for enhanced slip resistance
H9	Compact rounded rectangle	All-Metal	Vertical Key	Streamlined compact profile with oval keyring aperture
H10	Stepped-shoulder rectangle	All-Metal	Dimple Key	Angular stepped shoulder paired with an extended key neck
H11	Modern rectangular polymer head	Plastic Co-molded + Metal Blade	Dimple Key	Ergonomic plastic grip with central slot (Standard for 7×7 series)
H12	Framed rectangular polymer cap	Plastic Co-molded + Metal Blade	Dimple Key	Reinforced polymer perimeter frame with wide top lanyard slot
H13	Inverted trapezoid / Wedge	Plastic Co-molded + Metal Blade	Dimple Key	Clean tapered wedge polymer head with circular attachment hole
H14	Teardrop / Diamond ergonomic cap	Plastic Co-molded + Metal Blade	Dimple Key	Contemporary teardrop profile with decorative diamond central detail

Visual Selection Chart & Diagram

Detailed Bow Architecture & Material Classifications

1. All-Metal Precision Bows (H1–H5, H7–H10)

Engineered from high-purity solid brass or nickel silver sheets:

• High Structural Integrity: Fully monolithic construction with the key blade, eliminating any risk of head separation under high torque.
• Permanent OEM Branding: Flat, smooth surface areas allow clean laser engraving, mechanical stamping, or acid etching of customer brand logos and key codes.

2. Ergonomic Plastic Co-Molded Bows (H11–H14)

Manufactured by injection molding durable engineering polymer over the metal key shank:

• Comfort & Thermal Isolation: Provides a comfortable, high-friction grip in cold or wet weather environments.
• Color Differentiation for Master Key Systems (MKS): Plastic heads can be molded in various colors to differentiate hierarchy levels (e.g., Grand Master Key, Department Master, Servant Keys).

3. Long-Neck Shank Design for Dimple Keys

Key styles paired with dimple blades (such as H10, H11, H12, H13, and H14) feature an extended neck between the bow and the bitting area. This design prevents the key head from colliding with thick architectural door escutcheons or security cylinder rose covers during insertion.

Core Engineering & Customization Advantages

OEM Branding Customization

The flat surfaces of both metal (e.g., H7, H8, H9) and plastic-capped keys (e.g., H11, H13) are engineered with designated zones for custom manufacturer logos, locksmith dealer marks, or numerical registration codes.

Architectural Escutcheon Compatibility

The extended blade shoulder transition on dimple key styles ensures unobstructed key turning even when cylinders are installed flush behind heavy-duty armored escutcheons.

Primary Application Environments

• OEM Cylinder Manufacturing: Selection of designated standard key bows across specific lock cylinder product lines.
• Master Key Systems (MKS): Utilizing distinct head styles or colored polymer caps to organize complex hierarchical key suites.
• Aftermarket Locksmith Services: Supplying distinct, identifiable key blanks for local key-cutting and duplication control.

B2B Procurement & Supply Terms

• Supply Options: Supplied as complete finished key sets matching ordered lock cylinders, or as uncut key blanks for locksmith distribution.
• Custom Tooling & Molding: Custom logo mold inserts available for plastic heads (H11–H14) and customized stamping dies for metal heads.
• Production Lead Time: Typically 30 to 45 days.
• Incoterms & Shipping: FOB Ningbo, Shanghai, or Tianjin.

Frequently Asked Questions