Why is a cylinder lock key not symmetrical

lock

If you look at a mortice lock key from the side (https://tradelocks.co.uk/cylinder-mortice-borg-locks/key-blanks/6-lever-mortice-key-blank.html), it is symmetrical from tip-to-base. This is because the same key can be inserted into the same lock from either side of the door.

however, on some doors with simple cylinder locks (like this) https://www.easykeys.com/381_Yale_Lock_1-1600_Lock_Keys.aspx the key can also be inserted from either side of the door, yet it is not symmetrical.

how does this work?

Best Answer

The mortise lock type for the key that you depict has a single locking mechanism that can be reached by the key inserted from either side of the door.

The cylinder lock you refer to is actually two separate cylinders that are keyed alike, that each have a simple rod at their back that activates the lock mechanism.