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Locksmith Glossary

Glossary

Locksmith local have put together a glossary of locksmith terms that may be of help......

A 

Access control- any barrier or device, either natural or man made, that limits or prohibits, free or unlimited access.
 
Alarm system- a system of electrical and/or electronic components which detect and report dangers, such as fire or intrusion.

Architectural hardware- fittings applied to protect a surface of, or to facilitate use of movable members in a building such as doors, windows, or cabinets.

B

Barrel bolt- a surface mounted slide bolt which has a cylindrical shape.

Biometric- of or pertaining to a lock with a hybrid mechanism, part of the mechanism identifies a physical attribute such as finger print, voice print, etc. while another part is a mechanical mechanism.

Bit- the part of the key which serves as the blade, usually for use in a warded or lever tumbler lock.
 
Bitting- the number(s) which represent(s) the dimensions of the key. The actual cut(s) or combination of a key.

Blade- the portion of a key which may contain the cuts and/or millings.

Blank- uncut, see also "key blank".
 
Bolt- any movable projection which blocks the movement of one object relative to another.

Bump key- a lock picking key with uniform steeples between cuts that is forced further into the lock via impact.

Burglar alarm- a system designed to detect and report conditions, which may indicate intrusion or attempted intrusion.

Bypass Key- the key which operates a key override cylinder.

C

Cam-  a lock or cylinder component which transfers the rotational motion of a key or cylinder plug to the bolt works of a lock. The bolt of a cam lock.

Cam Lock- a complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt.

Catch- any device that holds a door closed and may be released by simply pushing or pulling on the door.

Change key- a key which operates only one cylinder or one group of keyed alike cylinders in a keying system. Any device that is used to mechanically or electronically allow resetting of certain key or combination locks, see also "reset key".

Claw bolt- a bolt with one or more fingers, which extend out of the bolt and lock behind the strike as the bolt reaches the locked position.

Clutch- the part of a profile cylinder which transfers rotational motion from the inside or outside element to a common cam or actuator. The feature of a lever handle lockset which allows free movement of the lever when locked. The feature of a cylinder which allows turning the plug without operation of the lock when a certain pressure is applied without the correct key.
 
Code- a designation assigned to a particular key combination for reference when additional keys or cylinders may be needed. See also, "blind code", "direct code", and "key symbol". A standard for Life Safety, structural integrity, fire safety, etc., either incorporated into the statutes of a given jurisdiction, or a model standard.

Code key- a key cut to a specific code rather than duplicated from a pattern key. it may or may not conform to the lock manufacturer's specifications.

Combination- the group of numbers which represent the bitting of a key and/or the tumblers of a lock or cylinder.

Control Key- a key whose only purpose is to remove and/or install an interchangeable or removable core. A bypass key used to operate and/or reset some combination type locks. A key which allows disassembly of some removable cylinder locks.

Cross keying- the deliberate process of combinating a cylinder (usually in a master key system) to two or more different keys which would not normally be expected to operate it together. See also "controlled cross keying" and "uncontrolled cross keying." 

Curtain- in a lever tumbler lock, a device that blocks access to the keyhole when the key is turned.

Cut key- a key which has been bitted or combinated.

Cylinder- a complete operating unit which usually consists of the plug shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer, a cam/tailpiece or other actuating device, and all other necessary operating parts.

Cylinder key- a broad generic term including virtually all keys for pin and disc tumbler locks.

Cylinder lock- any lock that is operated by a cylinder key.

D

Deadbolt- a bolt, which requires a deliberate action to extend, and which resists end pressure in the unlocking direction when fully extended.

Deadlock- a lock which incorporates a deadbolt.

Deadlocking- pertaining to any feature which, when fully engaged, resists attempts to move the latch or bolt in the unlocking direction through direct pressure.

Deadlocking latch- a latchbolt with a deadlocking mechanism.

Dimple key- a key whose cuts are drilled or milled into its blade surfaces. The cuts normally do not change the blade silhouette.

Door closer-  a device designed to regulate the closing of a door automatically by various means.

Door viewer- a device with one or more lenses, mounted in a door at eye level, which allows a limited view through a door.

Double bitted key- a key typically bitted on two opposite surfaces.

Double cylinder- pertaining to a lock with two keyed cylinders.

Double locking- of or pertaining to a lock with one or more bolts with different functions, typically a latch and a deadbolt.

E

Electric strike- an electro-mechanical strike, which secures or releases the latch via applied current.

Escutcheon- a surface mounted trim which enhances the appearance and/or security of a lock installation.

F

Face plate- the finished, removable plate which covers the front of some locks.

Floor safe- a security container designed for mounting below floor level with the top surface flush with the finished floor.

Flush bolt- a non-keyed deadbolt, with a one piece escutcheon/faceplate, typically mounted flush to door surfaces.

Forced entry- entry or bypass techniques which leave obvious damage to the lock or enclosure.

G

Garage door lock- a rim lock mechanism designed for use on an overhead door, which mechanism has a spring loaded bolt which automatically locks the door's bolt mechanism.

Grand master key- the key which operates two or more separate groups of locks, which are each operated by a different master key.

Guest Key- a key in a hotel master key system which is normally used to unlock only the one guest room for which it was intended, but will not operate the lock in the shut out mode.

H

Handed- pertaining to hardware which is manufactured only for application on doors with a specific orientation.

High security cylinder- a cylinder which offers a greater degree of resistance to any two or more of the following: picking, impressioning, key duplication, drilling or other forms of forcible entry.

High security key- a key for a high security cylinder.

Hold back- a function of some self latching locks which allows selective retention of the bolt to prevent latching when the door is closed.

Hook bolt- a lock bolt shaped in the general outline of a hook. Normally used on sliding doors or where spreading of the frame and door is a possible attack.

I 

Impression- the mark made by a tumbler on its key cut 2. v. to fit a key by the impression technique.

K

Key- a properly combinated device which is, or most closely resembles, the device specifically intended by the lock manufacturer to operate the corresponding lock.

Key blank- any material manufactured to the proper size and configuration which allows its entry into the keyway of a specific locking device. A key blank has not yet been combinated or cut. 

Key change- referring to a lock in which the combination can be changed through the use of a special key or tool without disassembling the lock.

Key cut(s)- the portion of the key blade which remains after being cut and which aligns the tumbler(s).

Key extractor- a tool designed for use to remove a broken or stuck key from a lock.

Key gauge- a usually flat device with a cutaway portion indexed with a given set of depth or spacing specifications. It is used to help determine the combination of a key.

Key holder-  a person to whom a key has been issued.

Key machine- any machine designed to cut keys, See also "key coding machine" and "key duplicating machine." 

Keyed alike- of or pertaining to two or more looks or cylinders which have or are to have the same combination. They may or may not be part of a keying system.

Key hole- the opening through which a non-cylinder key must pass to enter a lock.

Keying- any specification for how a cylinder or group of cylinders are or are to be combinated in order to control access.

Keyway- the opening in a lock or cylinder which is shaped to accept key bit or blade of a proper configuration. The exact cross sectional configuration of a keyway as viewed from the front. It is not necessarily the same as the key section.

L

Latch- a mechanical or magnetic door fastener which can automatically keep a door, gate, etc., closed. Engagement of a latch when a door, gate, etc. is pushed or pulled closed.

Latch bolt-  a spring actuated bolt, normally with one or more beveled surfaces, which, when aligned with the strike, engages it automatically.

Lever handle- a turn device in the general shape of an "L" used on certain locks and latches, as an alternate to a knob for ease of use.

Lever pack- a set of lever tumblers.

Lock- any device which prevents access or use by requiring special knowledge or equipment.

Lock Bumping- a picking technique that utilizes a configured key forcefully impacted into the keyway.

Lockout- any situation in which the normal operation of a lock or cylinder is prevented.

Lockset- a locking device, complete with trim, mounting hardware and strike.

Locksmith- a person with the knowledge and ability to select, install, service and bypass all the components of an electrical or mechanical lock.

M

Manufacturer code- in an electronic lock, a factory-set or user-set code or combination that will restore the factory default settings.

Master blank- a key blank used in a complementary keyway lock, on which only the master key combination is intended to be cut.

Master key- a key which operates all the master keyed locks or cylinders in a group, each lock or cylinder usually operated by its own change key. To combinate a group of locks or cylinders such that each is operated by its own change key as well as by a master key for the entire group. An automotive key which operates all or most locks on a vehicle where there is also a valet key employed.

Master key system- any keying arrangement which has two or more levels of keying 2. a keying arrangement which has exactly two levels of keying.

Master keyed- of or pertaining to a cylinder or group of cylinders which are or are to be combinated so that all may be operated by their own change key(s) and by additional key(s) known as master key(s). A warded lock whose warding has been designed to allow different hierarchies of keys to operate.

Mortise-  to prepare by removing stock material from the edge of a door, drawer, frame or opening to create a recess which allows the flush fit or insetting of relevant lock or other hardware. The cavity prepared by mortising. Of or pertaining to a locking device designed to fit in a mortise preparation.

Multi-point lock- a lock which has more than one bolt which are thrown and withdrawn simultaneously, often in more than one direction.

N

Night latch- a rim mounted auxiliary latch bolt.

O

Overhead door closer- a closer designed for installation out of view in the door header area.

P

Padlock- a detachable and portable lock with a shackle which locks into its case.

Patented unrestricted keyway- a specific keyway which is sold without restriction by a lock maker, but which retains patent protection against non-original key blank makers.

Pick- a tool or instrument, other than the specifically designed key, made for the purpose of manipulating tumblers in a lock or cylinder into the locked or unlocked position through the keyway, without obvious damage. To manipulate tumblers in a keyed lock mechanism through the keyway, without obvious damage, by means other than the specifically designed key.

Pull handle-  trim for gripping to apply pulling force to a door.

Push plate- a generally flat and commonly rectangular trim mounted for hand contact to push open a door.

Push button lock- a self contained lock with controls that must be pressed in a specific pattern or sequence to open the lock.

R

Rekey- to change the existing combination of a cylinder or lock.

Reset code- in an electronic lock, a factory-set or user-set code or combination that will restore all factory default settings except the current reset code and the audit trail.

Restricted- of or pertaining to a keyway and corresponding key blank whose sale and/or distribution is limited by the lock manufacturer in order to reduce unauthorized key proliferation.

Rim cylinder- a cylinder typically used with surface applied locks and attached with a back plate and machine screws. It has a tailpiece to actuate the lock mechanism.

Rim lock- a lock or latch typically mounted on the surface of a door or drawer.

Rose- a usually circular escutcheon.

S

Shackle- the part of a padlock, which passes through an opening in an object or fits around an object and is ultimately locked into the case. The portion of a restraint which fits around the wrist, ankle, neck, waist or thumb.

Skeleton key- any non-cylinder key whose bit, blade, and/or post is cut away enough to allow it to enter and turn in locks with different ward arrangements.

Split bolt- two separate bolts housed in the same opening in a face of a lock, each operated independently from opposite sides of the door.

Split spindle- a multi-piece spindle which allows a knob or lever to be installed on only one side of a door.

Staple- the portion of a hasp assembly with the hole or opening to receive a padlock.

Strike- a bolt receptacle typically mounted in the door jamb or the floor.

Sub master key- the master key level immediately below the master key in a system of six or more levels of keying.

T

T-handle- a T-shaped handle assembly which may be lockable.

Thumb turn cylinder- a cylinder with a turn knob rather than a keyway and tumbler mechanism.

Time delay- a feature which prevents operation until a set amount of time has elapsed. Activation normally begins when access, egress or other unlocking is desired.

Transponder key-  a key with an electronic component which can convert a radio signal into an electrical current enabling the key to transmit a unique code back in return.

Tubular key- a key with a tubular blade. The key cuts are made into the end of the blade, around its circumference.

Tumbler- a movable obstruction of varying size and configuration in a lock or cylinder which makes direct contact with the key or another tumbler and prevents an incorrect key or torque device from activating the lock or other mechanism.

V

Vault- a secure room in which objects of value are stored.

W

Wall safe- a safe installed in a wall so that only the door and a frame is visible.

Ward- a usually stationary obstruction in a lock or cylinder which prevents the entry and/or operation of an incorrect key.

Warded key- a key with ward cuts only, typically a bit key, flat steel key or corrugated key.

Y

Yale,Linus- The American inventor of the pin tumbler mortise lock and its replaceable cylinder component.

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Southend Locksmith