33 Locksmithing: Glossary
Description
This article is from the Locksmithing FAQ, by Joe "Spike" Ilacqua spike@indra.com and Henry Schaffer hes@ncsu.edu, major data collection effort by Scott Anguish sanguish@digifix.com with numerous contributions by others.
33 Locksmithing: Glossary
There is also a Dictionary for
Locksmiths being developed by the LIST Council which can be seen at
the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith Association Web site. The LIST
Council's latest draft of a Glossary is part of
their Dictionary for Locksmiths.
blank
A key that has not yet been cut to fit a lock.
core
A removable cylinder and plug, used in a interchangeable
core system.
core key (sometimes control key)
A key which is used to remove a core.
cylinder
The part of the lock in which the the pins are set and
which contains the plug.
cuts
The notches cut in the key to make it fit a lock.
follower (plug follower)
This is a cylindrical object of the same outer diameter
as the plug (there are various diameters, often about
1/2") which is used to push out or follow the plug when
the plug is to be removed. This retains the top pins and
springs in the lock body.
key way
(short answer) The slot into which the key is inserted.
(long answer) Refers to (a) the size and shape of the
(cross-section of the) key, and (b) the opening in the
lock which is shaped to admit the key and to keep out
most keys of different sizes and shapes. Whether the
keyway can be patented by the lock manufacturer as a way
to prevent others from manufacturing compatible key
blanks and therefore to restrict access is open to
dispute. Recent court cases make it doubtful that the
simple design is patentable, but a keyway design which is
involved in the patented method of operation of a lock
may have patent protection.
master key
A key which opens a group of locks designed to match it.
pin tumblers
The pins in the lock which are moved to the shear line by
the key.
pin chamber
the tubular hole in which pins and a spring stay.
plug
The part of the lock which the key is inserted and is
rotated by the key.
sidebar
A lock part located at the 'side' of the plug and fitting
into longitudinal grooves in both the plug and the lock
body. This keeps the plug from turning until the sidebar
is retracted into the plug. Retraction is blocked until
the correct key (or picking) moves the pins or other
tumblers to positions which cease to block the retraction
or produce some other action allowing the retraction. A
sidebar can add additional positioning beyond the usual
"shear line" and so can make picking more difficult. A
number of locks use a sidebar to increase security.
VATS
GM's Vehicle Anti-Theft System which uses a resistor in
the key shank in addition to the cuts on the key.
wafer tumbler
Used in locks which are less expensive than pin tumbler
locks. They behave somewhat similarly.
warded lock
A lock using wards to keep an incorrect key from entering
the key hole and turning.
Continue to:
My Books
