Locksmith glossary
The jargon that we as locksmiths are so used can be somewhat confusing if you’re not familiar with the terms. Here you can find out what we mean by saying “tumbler” or “deadlatch”.
a
Access Control
the ability to regulate the availability of reaching a specific area.
Angularly Bitted Key
a type of key with cuts that are designed to work with chisel-pointed pins. Mostly used in Medeco and Emhart high security locks.
Anti-passback
a system that prevents the use of the access control multiple consecutive times with the same credentials.
Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
a locksmith organization that inspires industry progress and promotes education and training.
Anti-thrust bolt
a type of bolt that can’t be pushed back once it’s fastened a door.
Anti-thrust plate
a metal plate fitted in a strategic place on outwardly opening doors so that the access to lock bolts is prevented.
Automatic deadlatch
the main bolt that locks automatically when the door is closed.
b
Backplate
a plate that is fixed on a door for attaching the moving parts of a lock or a latch.
Bait and switch
a method used by dishonest and unprofessional locksmiths to charge higher prices by first quoting a low price on the phone and then demanding a higher one after the service is complete.
Barrel Bolt
a type of door bolt that has a round shoot running in a long continuous guide or strap attached by a backplate. The shoot is provided with a knob or lever.
Berlin key
also known as forced locking key, is a type of key with both ends bitted. After unlocking the door, the key must be pushed all the way through the mechanism and the door locked before retrieving the key from the other side of the door.
Bezel
is a part of some locks that secures cylinders and lock assemblies.
Bible
the part of the cylinder that houses pin chambers.
Biometric lock
a type of lock that requires a fingerprint, iris or voice print identification to open them.
Birmingham bar
a steel bar that’s fitted inside the door and vastly strengthens a door frame against “kick-in” attacks.
Blade
part of a key that is inserted into the lock, the lock cylinder in particular.
Blank key
a key that has been partly cut to fit a certain type, but hasn’t yet been modified to unlock a certain lock.
Bored cylindrical lock
most common, standard residential lock type.
Bow of the key
the part of the that you hold turn with your fingers when locking/unlocking a door.
Bump key
a specific type of key used to open tumbler locks easily.
c
Cabinet lock
a term that includes all types of locks, used in furniture.
Cam
tongue fixed to the plug of a latch or a cylinder lock.
Cam lock
cylinder-form locking assembly whose cam is the locking bolt.
Cap of a lock
removable lock cover.
Car key code
a sequence of characters that determines the cuts of a specific car key.
Casement door, also referred to as French doors
light construction door with glass panes extending for most of its length.
Casement window
hinged window.
Chamber
the spot in the cylinder of the lock where pins and springs are located.
Combination lock
keyless lock system in which a specific combination is required to unlock it.
Control key
a key that is used during a rekeying to remove the inner part of a cylinder.
Cutting a key
adding cuts to a blank key to replace a missing one.
Cylinder
mechanism of a lock that houses pins, tumblers, springs and prevents the lock from being unlocked without the right key.
d
Deadbolt
type of lock that is unlocked by turning a key only.
Deadlock
type of lock that has only a square-ended deadbolt operable from one or both sides. Sometimes can only be operated from the outside with no inside keyhole, otherwise known as single-entry deadlock.
Door closer
a mechanism that closes doors or gates automatically after opening.
e
En suite
a term that indicates a lock that is incorporated in a master key system.
f
Factory original key
a key created by a manufacturer for a specific lock.
g
Grand master key
the key that can open every lock in the master key system.
Guards
fixed part inside a lock that prevents a false key from unlocking, and prevents instruments from reaching the levers and bolts.
h
Hinge bolts
steel mechanisms that protect the door from attempts of attacking it on the hinge side.
Hook bolt
a type of spring bolt that is usually used to lock sliding doors.
i
Ignition switch, also known as ignition starter
switch that activates the electrical system of a vehicle.
Immobiliser
vehicle security device that eliminates the threat of hot wiring.
j
Jamb
vertical inside part of a door or window frame.
k
Key code
code that include both letters and numbers and allows a locksmith identify the cuts required to make for a specific key.
Key relevance
difference between the original and duplicated key.
Key way
the place where the key is inserted in a lock.
Key
a small, usually metal, device that unlocks a specific lock.
Keyhole
a hole where the key is inserted to unlock the lock. Also referred to as the keyway.
l
Lock pick set
tools that are used to manipulate a lock in order to open it. Includes a lock pick and a torsion wrench.
Latch
a metal detail with a catch and lever that fastens doors and gates.
Lever
movable detainer in a lock that is moved by the key to open the lock.
Lock
security device that has one or more bolts and other details and secures or fastens doors.
m
Master key system
lock system where each individual lock can be opened with a specific key, and all of the locks can be opened with a single master key.
Master key
the key that can open all locks in a master key system.
Mortise
a hole drilled in the side of the door, designed to place a mortise lock.
Mortise lock
a type of lock that is drilled into the door frame and held in place by screws.
p
Padlock
a portable lock that usually has a circular hinged sliding shackle that passes through a hole in the locking bar or similar member.
Pin tumbler lock
type of lock that uses a set of pins to prevent a lock from being opened without the right key. There are specific grooves on each side of the key that are cut specifically to operate the pins in the lock.
r
Re-key
resetting the lock so that it can be opened with a different key.
Relocker
safe lock mechanism that automatically relocks the bolt in case of an attempted forced entry.
s
Safe-cracking
opening a safe without knowing the combination or having a key.
Sash lock
type of mortise lock that has a latch and a key operated bolt.
Safe lock
key operated or keyless safe security mechanism that locks it.
Side wards
notches on the sides of bitted keys that enable the turning of the key.
Smart key
wireless electronic access and authorization system, used to open car doors and start the ignition without having to operate the locks with the actual key. A spare traditional key is usually included in the set as a back up.
Sub master key
a key in the master key system that can operate a set of locks, but not all locks within the system.
t
Time lock
device that allows a lock to be opened during a specific pre-set time only.
Torsion spring
a spring that provides balance force and allows you to open your garage doors easily.
Transponder key
automotive type of key that sends an electronic signal to a vehicle’s main computer. This signal enables only that key to start the car.
Tumbler
a mechanism that must be lifted for the bolt of the lock to move.
u
Uncontrolled cross-keying
lock system where two or more keys are designed to operate the same lock.
v
VIN
vehicle identification number.
w
Wards
details on the inside of the lock that prevent the use of the wrong key. Efficient only when combined with other security measures.
Warded lock
type of lock that only uses wards as a security mechanism. This type of lock is not recommended because it lacks security.
