A comprehensive glossary of terms, names and explanations of the locksmith trade.
Abus - High quality lock and security brand manufacture
Access Control - any barrier or device, either natural or man made, that limits or prohibits, free or unlimited access
Access Control Cylinder - a replacement for a mechanical cylinder which incorporates electronic access control and allows the original host lock to function without additional wiring or hardware modifications
Access Control Key Fob - any device other than a key designed to allow a token to be used and carried on a key ring
Active Leaf Door - the single door of a pair on which the active or locking hardware is mounted
Actuator - a device, usually connected to a cylinder, which, when activated, may cause a lock mechanism to operate
After Hours Depository - a secure locker or safe where items of value can be left out of hours
Alarm System - a system of electrical and/or electronic components which detect and report dangers, such as fire or intrusion
Anti Strike Plate - A device fitted on to the door or frame to stop the bolt or latch from being attacked.
Architectural Hardware - describes all fittings to a door, window or house. Such as - a letter box, house numbers, handles, door knobs, hinges etc
Attack Resistant - design qualities of a product that render brute force physical defeat methods less effective or ineffective
Automatic Closing - pertaining to a door which is equipped with a door closer, or other device to close it without manual intervention. Frequently found in Life Safety and fire code requirements.
Automatic deadbolt - a deadbolt designed to extend itself fully when the door is closed
Auxillary Lock - any lock installed in addition to the primary lock set
Back Plate - a thin piece of metal, usually with a concave portion, used with machine screws to fasten certain types of cylinders to a door
Back Check - the resistance provided by a door closer as a door is opened
Back Set - the distance between the centre of a cross-bore and the bolt edge of a door or drawer
Ball Catch - a latch which uses spring pressure to force a ball bearing into a recess in its strike
Barrel Bolt - a surface mounted slide bolt which has a cylindrical shape
Barrel Key - a type of bit key with a hole drilled into the shank from the tip
Bell Box (sounder box) - the protective enclosure for a bell or other alarm sounding device
Bicycle Padlock - a padlock with sufficient shackle clearance to secure a bicycle
Bike Lock - A lock designed especially for lock a bike. modern bike locks use tough metals that prevent hack sawing.
BI Fold Door - a door with two or more sets of hinges, the additional set(s) allows the door to have an accordion action when opened
Biometric Lock - 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
Bit Height - a measurement from the post of a bit key outward to the end of the bit
Bit Key - a key with one or more projecting bits
Bit Thickness - a measurement of the bit from one side to the other side
Bit Width - as inserted into a lock, a measurement from the leading edge to the trailing edge of a bit
Bitting Depth - the depth of a cut which is made into the blade of a key
Bitting Position - the location of a key cut
Blade - the portion of a key which may contain the cuts and/or millings
Blank - an uncut key
Body - the part of a lock assembly into which all the operating components are mounted, see also case
Bolt - any movable projection which blocks the movement of one object relative to another
Bow - the portion of the key which serves as a grip or handle
Bow Stop - a type of stop located near the key bow
Bow to Tip - a specification that a bitting combination is recorded starting at the bow and proceeding to the tip
Bullet Lock - a lock used mostly on shutters. Once the lock has been inserted into its housing it locks automatically. only unlocked with a key. Widely used in the UK on shop fronts.
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
Burglar Resistant - of or pertaining to a security container designed to resist forcible entry for a specified period of time determined by the rating of the container
Button Know - the knob in a key-in-knob lock that includes a push or turn button
Bypass Key - the key which operates a key override cylinder
Bypass Tool - a device that neutralizes the security of a locking device, or its application hardware, often taking advantage of a design weakness
Cam - a lock or cylinder component which transfers the rotational motion of a key or cylinder plug to the bolt works of a lock 2. 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
Card Access System - an access control system that utilizes a controlled security card as the credential
Card Holder - a person to whom a card has been issued
Card Reader - a device which interprets coding resident on or in cards
case - the housing or body of a lock
Case Cover - the portion of a lock case which is designed to be removable to allow access to the mechanism
Casement Window - a window with a sash which pivots or swings to open
Case Ward - any ward directly attached to or projecting from a lock case
Catch - any device that holds a door closed and may be released by simply pushing or pulling on the door
CCW - Counter Clockwise
Central Locking - a location designed for the express purpose of processing status signals for multiple alarm systems
Combination - the group of numbers which represent the bitting of a key and/or the tumblers of a lock or cylinder
Combination Lock - a lock which is operated by local input of a specific series or sequence of numbers or letters
Combination Wheel - a wheel type tumbler in a combination lock
Contact Point - the area on each side of the drive cam gate that the lever nose makes contact with. Most locks have a left contact point and a right contact point.
Contact Switch - electrical, magnetic or mechanical device that triggers a circuit(s) to open or closed depending on the application
contactless Smart Card - a card, conforming to the physical characteristics specified in ISO 7813 & 10536, which contains one or more integrated circuits and does not use contacts to obtain power and allow interface to external equipment
Cupboard Latch - a latching mechanism typically surface mounted to the outside of cabinet doors or drawers
Cut Edge - the part of the key blade which contains the cuts
Cut Key - a key which has been bitted or cut to fit a lock
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 Guard - a protective cylinder mounting device
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
Cylindrical Lock Set - a bored lock set whose latch or bolt locking mechanism is contained in the portion installed through the cross-bore
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
Decode - to determine a key combination by physical measurement of a key and/or cylinder parts
Degree of Rotation - a specification for the angle at which a cut is made into a key blade as referenced from the perpendicular; e.g., right (R or 2), left (L or 1) or center (= perpendicular) (C). This specification is typically used for some high security keys.
Delayed Action Closer - one which has a specfic hold-open interval before moves a door toward the latching position
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 Puller - a tool designed to open a safe deposit box by forcibly pulling the door and breaking the lock
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 Locking - of or pertaining to a lock with one or more bolts with different functions, typically a latch and a deadbolt
Double Throw Bolt - a deadbolt that has two distinct extended positions, both of which are deadlocked
Drawback Lock or Latch - a latch/lock whose latch is disengaged by pushing or pulling an actuator toward the hinge side of the jamb
Drill Point - the exact measurement of the location used to drill a locked up container to effect an opening
Dummy - pertaining to any type of non-active device applied for aesthetic purposes
Duplicate Key - any key reproduced from a pattern key
Dust Cover - a device designed to prevent foreign matter from entering a mechanism through the key-way
Electric Strike - an electro-mechanical strike, which secures or releases the latch via applied current
Electronic Access Control - access control that uses electricity
Emergency Code - in an electronic lock, a factory-set or user-set code or combination that will open the lock a predetermined number of times
Emergency escape mechanism - an exit device for a vault
Engineers Key - a selective master key which is used by maintenance personnel to operate many locks under different master keys in a system of three or more levels of keying
Entry/Exit Delay - an alarm or access control feature which allows a specific time lapse between the activation of a switch and the activation of a secondary component
Escutcheon - a surface mounted trim which enhances the appearance and/or security of a lock installation
Espagnolette - a top and bottom locking system with hooks at either end which rotate to draw a door or window fully closed
Exit Device - a door lock/latch mechanism which releases in the direction of exit travel via a bar or panel extending across the major width of the door
Exit Door - 1. a door which has no provision for ingress, 2. a door which fills some or all the code requirement for safe egress of the occupant load from a building or portion of a building
Extractor Key - a tool which normally removes a portion of a two-piece key or blocking device from a key-way
Face Plate - the finished, removable plate which covers the front of some locks
Factory Original Key - the cut key furnished by the lock manufacturer for a lock or cylinder
Fail Safe - a feature of a security device designed to release, for safety purposes, during a power loss
Fail Secure - a feature of a security device designed to remain locks for security purposes during a power loss
Finish - a material, coloring and/or texturing specification
Fire Alarm - a system designed to detect and report conditions, which may indicate presence of a fire
Fire Door - a door constructed to provide a specific degree of fire protection
Fire Door assembly - any combination of a fire door, frame, hardware and other accessories, that together provides a specific degree of fire protection to the opening
Fire Exit Hardware - exit devices, which may legally be installed, on fire doors. Distinguished from other exit devices because it:
1.is labeled for both fire and panic and;
2.has no means of locking the latch in a retracted position
Fireman's Key - a key used to override normal operation of elevators, bringing them to the ground floor
First Generation Key - a key which was duplicated using a factory original key or a code original key as a
pattern
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
French Doors - a set of double doors composed of many small glass panes and narrow stiles
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
Gate - a notch cut into the edge of a tumbler to accept a fence or sidebar
Grand Master Key System - a master key system which has exactly three levels of keying
Great Grand master Key System - a master key system which has exactly four levels of keying
Handed - pertaining to hardware which is manufactured only for application on doors with a specific orientation
Handle Set - a complete lock or latch assembly which incorporates a pitcher handle
Hard Plate - a tempered barrier placed between the lock and the outside of a safe to inhibit drilling
Hasp - a hinged metal strap designed to be passed over a staple and secured in place
High Security Cylinder - a cylinder which offers a greater degree of resistance to drilling or other forms of forcible entry and one or more of the following: picking, impressioning, or key duplication
High Security Key - a lock operating device which offers additional defense against its duplication, and/or provides integral features precluding bypass/neutralization of a lock
Hold Open - a function of self latching hardware which allows a lock to be set in a non-latching mode. A function of a door closer, or separate hardware device, which allows the door to be retained in an open position
Hold Back - a function of some self latching locks which allows selective retention of the bolt to prevent latching when the door is closed
Hollow Metal Door - typically a door made of sheet metal on all surfaces and lightly reinforced to make it rigid
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.
Hybrid Locking System - a locking system which derives its security from two or more different technologies operated by the same key in one device, e.g. mechanical/electronic, mechanical/magnetic, etc.
Jamb - the vertical components of a door frame
Jimmy - "to jimmy" a door is to open it by means of force.
KA - Keyed alike
KD - keyed different
Keep - recess a bolt or latch with sit in when lock is locked.
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 entry into the key-way of a specific locking device and may then be bitted to become an operating key for the device
Key Cabinet - a cabinet with hooks, velcro, or other means designed to store keys systematically
Key Coding machine - a key machine designed for the production of code keys. It may or may not also serve as a duplicating machine.
Key Cut Profile - the shape of a key cut, including the cut angle and the out root shape
Key Duplication Machine - a key machine which is designed to make copies from a pattern key
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 in Knob Cylinder - a cylinder used in a key-in-knob lock set
Key in Knob Lock Set - any lock set with a key operated cylinder in one or more knobs
Key Lock - pertaining to a device operated by a mechanical key, as opposed to combination, electronics, etc.
Key Machine - any machine designed to cut keys, See also "key coding machine" and "key duplicating machine."
Key Manipulation - manipulation of an incorrect key in order to operate a lock or cylinder
Key Override - 1. a provision allowing interruption or circumvention of normal operation of a combination lock or electrical device
Key override - 2. adj. of or pertaining to such a provision, as in "key override cylinder"
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
Keyed Different - of or pertaining to a group of locks or cylinders, each of which is or is to be combinated differently from the others. They may or may not be part of a keying system.
Keyed Random - of or pertaining to a cylinder or group of cylinders selected from a limited inventory of different key changes. Duplicate bittings may occur.
Key Hole - the opening through which a non-cylinder key must pass to enter a lock
Key Way - 1. the opening in a lock or cylinder which is shaped to accept key bit or blade of a proper configuration
Key Way - 2. the exact cross sectional configuration of a key-way as viewed from the front. It is not necessarily the same as the key section.
Kick Plate - a protective plate mounted on the bottom of a door to prevent damage to minimize damage to the door
Laminated Paldock - a padlock whose case is constructed of separate plates usually riveted together
Latch - a mechanical or magnetic door fastener which can automatically keep a door, gate, etc., closed
Latch - 2. v. 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
Latch Guard - a plate or combination of interlocking pieces designed to block access to the edge of a latch when the door is shut
Leaf - 1.One half or section of a hinge 2. One door in a set of double doors 3. One section of a multiple section door
Lever - a part in a mortice lock. usually 5 lever in a UK insurance approved mortice lock, 2 or 3 levers in internal mortice locks. known collectively as a "lever pack"
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 key-way
Lock-in - of or pertaining to a combination lock that is inoperable because the last number of a combination is set in the forbidden zone
Lock Out - any situation in which the normal operation of a lock or cylinder is prevented
lock Set - 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
Magnetic Contact - an electrical switch activated by magnetic attraction or repulsion
Magnetic Latch - a latch which uses magnetic force to stay engaged with its strike
Magnetic Stripe - a thin layer of material consisting of oriented ferromagnetic oxide particles held together by a resin binder and bonded to a non-magnetic surface such as paper or plastic
Manipulate - a dialling process typically used with combination locks to determine operational status of the lock, potential combinations or attempt to free the mechanism
Manipulation - a opening method for mechanical combination locks which uses the tolerances of that lock to determine an opening combination.
Manipulation Proof - a combination lock with features designed to prevent determining the combination without physical attack
Manufacturer Reset 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 key-way lock, on which only the master key combination is intended to be cut
Master Code - in an electronic lock, a factory-set or user-set combination that must be used before programming the lock
Master Disc - a special disc tumbler with multiple gates to receive a sidebar, see also "master pin" #1, see also "stepped tumbler".
Master Key - 1. 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
Master Key 2 v. 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, 3. n. an automotive key which
operates all or most locks on a vehicle where there is also a valet key employed
Master Key System - 1. any keying arrangement which has two or more levels of keying
Master Key System - 2. a keying arrangement which has exactly two levels of keying
Master Keyed - 1. 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) 2. a warded lock whose warding has been designed to allow different hierarchies of keys to operate
Metal Besk Lock - a cabinet lock with a vertically sliding bolt located at the rear of the cylinder
Milling Cutter - a key machine cutter with relatively coarse pitch teeth as opposed to a rotary file cutter
Mis-cut - of or pertaining to a key which has been cut incorrectly 2. n. a mis-cut key
MK - master key
MK'd - master keyed
Mortise - 1. v. 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, 2. n. the cavity prepared by mortising, 3. adj. of or pertaining to a locking device designed to fit in a mortise preparation
Mortise Cylinder - a threaded cylinder typically used in mortise locks of American manufacture
Mortise Exit Device - an exit device designed for mortise installation
Mortice Lock Set - a lock set the case of which is designed to fit in a mortise in the edge of a door or drawer
Motion Alarm Lock - a security locking device which audibly alerts upon sensing motion
Movement - a mechanical, electronic or electro-mechanical timer, designed to inhibit the final unlocking of a combination lock or timelock
MP - manipulation proof
MR - manipulation resistant
MS - maximum security
MPL - Multi point lock, as used on UPVC doors in the UK. a lock which has more than one bolt which are thrown and withdrawn simultaneously, often in more than one direction
Mushroom Pin - a pin tumbler, usually a top pin, which resembles a mushroom. It is typically used to increase pick resistance
Neck - (of key) 1. the portion of a bit key between the shoulder and the bit(s) 2. the portion of a cylinder key between the shoulder and the bow
Negative Locking - locking achieved solely by spring pressure or gravity which prevents a key cut too deeply from operating a lock or cylinder
Night Latch - a rim mounted auxiliary latch bolt
Non Handed - pertaining to hardware that is manufactured in a way, which allows installation on doors of any orientation without requiring modification or adjustment to accommodate the door orientation
Non Original Key Blank - any key blank other than an original
Non Removable Key - a key which has one or more cuts on it which trap the key in the lock upon insertion
Non Reversible - door hardware whose hand cannot be changed in the field
Original Key Blank - a key blank supplied by the lock manufacturer to fit that manufacturer's specific product
Overhead Concealed Closer - a closer designed for installation out of view in the door header area
Overhead Stop - a door stop which contacts the door near the top
Overlifting - 1. a picking technique using a blank key to raise the tumblers to the top of the key-way
Overlifting - 2. a lock defeat process that uses a comb attack to bypass the normal locking combination
Overlifting - 3. a process that moves a spring loaded tumbler beyond the operating point
Override Code - in an electronic lock, a factory-set or user-set combination that will always open the lock
Override Combination - in certain locks with a user changeable combination, a second combination which allows access at all times. It is usually factory set and may not be field changeable.
Paddle Handle - a type of actuator which is relatively flat and operates the mechanism when pivoted on an axis near one end
Padlock - a detachable and portable lock with a shackle which locks into its case
Panic Button - any switching device in an alarm system designed to be activated by a person in a panic situation. It creates an immediate alarm condition
Paracentric - 1. of or pertaining to a key-way with one or more wards on each side projecting beyond the vertical centre line of the key-way to hinder picking 2. of or pertaining to a key blank made to enter such a key-way
Parallel Arm - a type of door closer and/or closer mounting which leaves the arm generally parallel to the door face when closed
Passage Set - a latch set
Passive anti theft system - an RFID security system used by Ford which enables the vehicle's ignition system when a properly recognized transponder key is validated
Passive Inferred Device - a device used to detect motion by detecting changes in heat
Passive re Locking Device - a device that places its bolts only upon attack to the safe or lock
Patented Unrestricted key-way - a specific key-way which is sold without restriction by a lock maker, but which retains patent protection against non-original key blank makers
Pattern Key - 1. an original key kept on file to use in a key duplicating machine when additional keys are required,
Pattern Key - 2. any key which is used in a key duplicating machine to create a duplicate key
Peep Hole - a small lens or opening which allows a limited view through a door
PIN - personal identification number, a series of numbers and/or letters associated with a particular individual as a means of identification
Pick - 1. 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 key-way, without obvious damage.
Pick - 2. to manipulate tumblers in a keyed lock mechanism through the key-way, without obvious damage, by means other than the specifically designed key
Pick Gun - a machine designed to impact all of the bottom pins of a pin tumbler lock at exactly the same time and thereby bounce the top pins beyond the shear line
Pick Key - a type of manipulation key, cut or modified to operate a lock or cylinder
Pin - to install pin tumblers into a cylinder and/or cylinder plug, see also "pin tumbler
Pin Chamber - the corresponding hole drilled into the cylinder shell and/or plug to accept the pin(s) and spring
Pin Change - a combination lock that requires manually relocating the fly(s) to change a combination
Pin Kit - a type of keying kit for a pin tumbler mechanism
PIR - Passive infer-red
Plug - the part of a cylinder which contains the key way, with tumbler chambers usually corresponding to those in the cylinder shell
Plug Follower - a tool used to allow removal of the cylinder plug while retaining the top pins, springs, and/or other components within the shell
Plug Holder - a holding fixture which assists in the loading of tumblers into a cylinder plug
Plug Retainer - the cylinder component which secures the plug in the shell
Plug Spinner - a tool which rotates a picked cylinder plug so quickly in the desired direction that it cannot lock during its rotation
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
Rake - a picking technique that attempts to use quick withdrawal of the pick to set the tumblers
Random Master Keying - any undesirable process used to master key which uses unrelated keys to create a system
Ratchet Lock - any lock which incorporates a ratchet device allowing locking in more than one position
Rated - of or pertaining to a product's compliance with one or more recognized standards such as UL.
Read - to decode a lock combination visually without disassembly of the lock or cylinder
Reader - a device used in an access control system to interrogate an electronic, magnetic or optical type of credential
Reference Position - usually a numerical designation for a tumbler position within a lock or a cut position on a key, typically counted from the stop
Rekey - to change the existing combination of a cylinder or lock
Relocking Device - any device intended to prevent normal opening of a safe as a result of an attack, two types are typically used, internal and external
Remote Release - a mechanism for permitting the unlocking of any lock device at a distance from the device
Removable Core - one whose design limits its installation to one or more specific types of housing or shell from a given manufacturer
Removable Cylinder - a cylinder which can be removed from a locking device by a key and/or tool
Removable Shackle - referring to a type of padlock which is unlocked by removing the shackle from the case
Repin - to replace pin tumblers, with or without changing the existing combination
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 key-way and corresponding key blank whose sale and/or distribution is limited by the lock manufacturer in order to reduce unauthorized key proliferation
Reverse Key-Way - a key-way shape that is a mirror image of another
Reverse Strike - a strike used for rim mounted hardware used on reverse bevel doors
Reversible - pertaining to hardware that is manufactured in a way, which allows field assembly or adjustment to accommodate installation on doors with different orientations
Reversible Key - a usually symmetrical key which may be inserted either way up to operate a lock
RF - Radio frequency
RFID - Radio frequency identification
RH - Right hand
Rim Cylinder - a cylinder typically used with surface applied locks and attached with a back plate and machine screws. It has a tail piece 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
Safe - a substantial, secure container with varying degrees of security and/or fire resistance, used to store valuables against fire or theft
Safe Deposit - a typically key accessed container that requires dual key operation, usually located inside a vault
Safe Deposit Function - an operational characteristic of a lock which requires two separate keys working in tandem to open the lock
Safe Deposit Lock - a lock that typically requires two separate keys to access a container
Safe Door - that portion of a safe used to gain access to the contents of the safe in a normal day to day manner
Sash Lock - a type of door or window lock
SDB - Safe deposit box
Second Generation Duplicate - a key reproduced from a first generation duplicate
Self Closing - pertaining to doors or covers which have a continuous force applied in the closing direction
Semi Automatic Key Machine - a machine capable of duplicating keys with limited manual operations
Service Code - in an electronic lock, a factory set or user set code or combination that will open the lock one
time
Shackle - 1. 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 2. the portion of a restraint which fits around the wrist, ankle, neck, waist or thumb
Shank - 1 the part of a bit key between the bow and the stop; or, if there is no shoulder stop, the part between the bow and the near side of the bit, 2. a smaller diameter portion of a knob that is positioned between the larger portion of the knob and the rose or the door surface
Sheer Line - a location in a cylinder at which specific tumbler surfaces must be aligned, removing obstruction(s) which prevented the plug from moving
Shim - 1. n. a thin piece of material used to unlock the cylinder plug from the shell by separating the pin tumblers at the shear line, one at a time 2. v. to unlock a cylinder plug from its shell by using a shim
Shoulder - a projection from a key that can be any key stop other than a tip stop, see also "bow stop". Some shoulders on keys serve no functional purpose.
Shoulder Stop - one that serves as a stop to position the key in a lock or cylinder
Shrouded Shackle - a shackle which is protected from cutting or tampering by design or by the use of secondary shields Simple latch - a non-deadlocking latch
Simultaneous Retraction - a feature which allows retraction of both the deadbolt and latchbolt in the same operation
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
Slim Jim - a narrow strip of spring steel used to bypass the cylinder and unlock vehicle doors
Spindle - a component which transfers rotary motion from outside a lock or latch case to an inner mechanism
Split Spindle - a multi-piece spindle which allows a knob or lever to be installed on only one side of a door
Strike - a bolt receptacle typically mounted in the door jamb or the floor
Strike Reinforcer - a metal plate mounted behind a strike, using long screws to secure it to the door frame.
Tail Piece - an actuator attached to the rear of the cylinder, parallel to the plug, typically used on rim, key-in-knob or special application cylinders
Talon - the part of a lever lock bolt that is relieved to allow the key to enter and move the bolt.
Tamper Resistant Fastener - any one of several screws or nuts which have a specialized head, requiring a special access tool for removal
Tamper Switch - a sensor that signals when someone attempts to access the mechanism of a security device
TCP/IP - the system networks use to communicate with one another
Template - a pattern used to mark cutout locations for hardware installation
Thermal Lance - an instrument, used for cutting with a pure oxygen feed, that uses itself and the material being cut as fuel
Throw - the distance a bolt or latch projects from the faceplate or case of a lock in the extended position
Thumb Turn - a lock with a thumb piece to actuate the latch, a actuator which can be turned by thumb and forefinger
Thumbturn Cylinder - a cylinder with a turn knob rather than a key-way 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.
Time Delay Lock - a lock that has a mechanism for preventing unlocking until a specific amount of time has passed
Tow (of a shackle) - that part of the shackle, which may be removed from the padlock body
Tolerance - the deviation allowed from a given dimension
Touch Bar - a type of exit device actuator which typically does not pivot and retracts the bolt with a minimum of pressure
Touch Pad - 1. an exit device actuator with a paddle shape 2. a remote door opener activator, typically electric or electronic, which facilitates handicap access
2 in 1 Pick - a tool designed to open lever locks where bolt pressure and lever manipulation are applied simultaneously
Un Combinated - 1. of or pertaining to a cylinder which is or is to be supplied without keys, tumblers and springs 2. of or pertaining to a lock, cylinder or key in which the combination has not been set
Under Lifting - a process that moves a spring loaded tumbler to a point short of the operating point to form a shear line
USB Key - a hardware key connected to a USB port
Valet Key - an automotive key that operates all locks except storage compartments, on a vehicle where there is also a master key to operate all locks
VATS - Vehicle Anti-Theft System
VATS Key - a key for some General Motors vehicles which contains a resistor chip that must be qualified by the vehicle in order to run
Wafer Tumbler - 1. a flat tumbler which must be drawn into the cylinder plug by the proper key so that none of its extremities extends into the shell 2. a flat, usually rectangular tumbler with a gate which must be aligned with a sidebar by the proper key
Walk in Vault - a vault with a man door and open floor space inside
Wall Vault/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
Ward Cut - a modification of a key which allows it to bypass a ward
Warded - having one or more wards
Warded Key - a key with ward cuts only, typically a bit key, flat steel key or corrugated key
Window Bug - an alarm system component designed to detect breaking glass
Yale (Linus Jr) - The American inventor of the pin tumbler mortise lock and its replaceable cylinder component.