sleutelgat

Sleutelgat is the Dutch term for a keyhole, a small opening in a door, lock, or container through which a key is inserted to operate the locking mechanism. The shape and size of a sleutelgat vary with the type of lock, but it is typically aligned with the lock cylinder and guarded by a plate or escutcheon.

Etymology: The word combines sleutel (key) and gat (hole). It is used in Dutch to describe both door keyholes and similar openings in furniture and safes. The term has cognates in related Germanic languages and is widely understood in Dutch-speaking contexts.

Design and types: Classic sleutelgaten are oval or circular with a vertical keyway. In furniture and cabinets, smaller keyholes are common, sometimes with decorative escutcheons. Locks may be warded, lever, or pin-tumbler types; the keyhole shape helps guide the correct key and interacts with the locking mechanism. Some sleutelgaten have protective covers or sliding plates to keep dust out or conceal the opening.

History and security: Keyholes have existed since ancient and medieval locks, evolving alongside locking mechanisms. The development from warded to lever and pin-tumbler systems influenced keyhole design. The keyhole can be a potential vulnerability, leading to security features such as anti-pick mechanisms, reinforced plates, and controlled keyways to deter unauthorized entry.

Usage and cultural notes: In everyday use, sleutelgat serves a practical purpose on doors, gates, safes, and furniture. The term also appears in literature and folklore as a metaphor for peering through a small opening to glimpse what lies beyond.