Keys, those small but crucial items in our everyday lives, have a surprisingly complex production process that few people are aware of. With two years of experience in the industry, Ulf Carrass has become a master of this craft, and his work is a perfect example of how traditional craftsmanship meets modern security.
“There are thousands of different key blanks, and the trick is to find the right one for each customer. You’ve got to be meticulous,” Ulf says with a smile as he describes the process.
The process often starts with an order from a customer, such as a housing association or a large property company. When an order like this comes in, Ulf retrieves the necessary information from the company’s key management system. This could be anything from duplicating an existing key to programming an entirely new one.
Next, the information is transferred to the computer-controlled milling machine that cuts the key. Precision is crucial here – the right material must be chosen, and the correct data needs to be input into the machine. “You’ve got to pick the right key blank from the thousands of options. Every key and lock system has its own specific blanks,” Ulf explains.
Once the right blank has been chosen and the milling is complete, the key is carefully inspected to make sure it functions properly. “You can’t rush this job, every detail has to be spot on,” Ulf emphasizes. Sometimes the work even involves testing the key directly in the lock to ensure everything works perfectly.
Even though digital solutions have revolutionized the security industry in recent years, the mechanical key is still an essential part of everyday life for many people. And behind each key is a skilled worker like Ulf Carrass, who makes sure security always meets the highest standards.