There are two main types of utility and control-cabinet keys: one with fixed heads and another with swivelling heads.
Fixed-head utility and control-cabinet keys
Fixed-head utility and control-cabinet keys are the traditional type of key set.
They are made of a single piece of solid metal and have one, three or four legs with a different style of head at the end of each.
Sometimes they have a head on one or both sides of the hub as well.
Swivel-head utility and control-cabinet keys
Swivel-head utility and control-cabinet keys have a plastic frame which supports two-headed metal pieces that swivel on axes set into the frame.
This mechanism makes the tool more compact and versatile as it can have two heads to every leg.
The heads can be adjusted to be used at any angle, unlike fixed heads.
Swivel-headed utility and control-cabinet keys are not restricted to the ‘spider’ shape with fixed protruding legs and can have a much more convenient design. They can also incorporate non-key functions into the tool: for example, some models include a voltage detector.
