Manual, mechanical devices once ubiquitous in hardware stores and locksmith shops, these apparatuses employed a system of levers, clamps, and cutting wheels to duplicate keys. A user would secure both an original key and a blank in the device, and through manual operation, the machine would cut the blank to match the original’s pattern.
These tools represent a significant step in the history of security and convenience. Prior to their widespread adoption, key duplication was a more specialized, time-consuming, and often costly process. Their mechanical nature offered a level of reliability and durability, often requiring minimal maintenance. The development and refinement of these machines facilitated easier access to key duplication for the general public. They provided a practical solution for homes, businesses, and institutions requiring multiple copies of keys.
