Article

Keyways Explained: SC1 vs KW1 vs WR5

Updated October 11, 2026

The key must match the lock’s keyway

A keyway is the cross-section shape of the key blade. The key and the cylinder must share it. The three you will meet in US homes:

• SC1 (Schlage C) — Schlage, Baldwin, and most builders after 2000.
• KW1 (Kwikset) — Kwikset, Defiant, Gatehouse, and most big-box store brands.
• WR5 (Weiser) — older Weiser and Weslock hardware.

Why keyway decides your plan

Keyed-alike needs one keyway

Locks share a key only within the same keyway. Mixed SC1 and KW1 doors cannot be keyed alike without replacing cylinders — price that with the keyed-alike planner.

Rekeying stays inside the keyway

A locksmith repins the existing cylinder; the keyway does not change. Read the rekey guide before deciding.

Look it up by model

Every row in the model lookup lists its keyway. Photograph the key bow stamp (SC1, KW1) as backup.