KW1 Key Decoder Card for Kwikset Keys

This is a printable decoder card for the Kwikset KW1 keyway, one of the most widely used residential key profiles in North America. With this tool, you can quickly and accurately read the bitting (cut depths) of any KW1 key—ideal for locksmithing, key management, or hobbyist curiosity.

Make your real, working key here!

About the KW1 Keyway

The KW1 keyway was introduced by Kwikset in the mid-20th century and quickly became a dominant standard for residential locks across the U.S. It's a 5-pin tumbler system with cut depths ranging from 1 to 7.
Even today, millions of homes use KW1 keys, making it the most common household key profile in use.

What This Tool Does

This decoder card helps you determine the cut depth of each pin position on a KW1 key by aligning it with engraved reference lines. It’s a simple, manual tool—no electronics, no moving parts.

This is useful for:

• Locksmiths and technicians working in the field
• Homeowners documenting their own key systems
• Hobbyists learning about locks and bitting patterns
• Inventorying or replacing lost keys without lock disassembly

How to Use It

Insert your KW1 key into the slot, resting the shoulder against the stop.
Align each cut with the reference marks to determine its depth.
Read the bitting from bow to tip (e.g., 3-1-5-4-2).
Use that bitting to cut or record a key, if you have the legal right to do so.

The markings follow the standard Kwikset cut depth increments. You’ll get a quick, approximate read that’s accurate enough for field work, home use, or education.

Legal & Ethical Reminder

This tool is for legal, ethical use only. Do not decode or duplicate keys you do not own or have permission to handle. Unauthorized use of key decoding tools may be illegal in your area.