The Manhole Key Threaded (KEY-005) operates on the principle of a left-handed unique thread, mated to the same thread on the inside of the locking spindle in the manhole lid. The spindle is attached to a spring-loaded latch, locking the manhole lid on the underside of the manhole frame.
The inner surface of the spindle, where the Key locates, prevents it being unlocked without the specific Key profile being utilised. Each spindle type can therefore only be unlocked by a matched key profile type.