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Lock Glossary (& Parts I.D.)
(LIST) marked entries are courtesy of The LIST (Lock Industry Standards and Training) Council
ADA » abb. Americans with Disabilities Act (LIST)
AHC » abb. Architectural Hardware Consultant (as certified by DHI) (LIST)
ALOA » abb. Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (LIST)
ANSI » abb. American National Standards Institute (LIST)
auxiliary lock » n. any lock installed in addition to the primary lockset (LIST)
back plate » n. a thin piece of metal, usually with a concave portion, used with machine screws to fasten certain types of cylinders to a door (LIST)
back plate
»  
Pictured here: Rim cylinder with backplate
backset » n. the distance between the center of a cross-bore and the bolt edge of a door or drawer (LIST)
ball catch » n. a latch which uses spring pressure to force a ball bearing into a recess in its strike (LIST)
barrel bolt » n. a surface mounted slide bolt which has a cylindrical shape (LIST)
bevel
(of a door)
» n. the pitch on the leading edge of a door which allows clearance for closing (LIST)
bevel
(of a lock)
» n. the pitch of the face designed to match the bevel of a door. Some locks have an adjustable bevel. (LIST)
bolt » n. any movable projection which blocks the movement of one object relative to another (LIST)
bolt
(from deadbolt)
» part of the deadbolt lock that extends outward into strike
Pictured here: Arrow bolt from E61 deadbolt
bored lock » n. a lock for a door prepared with one or more cross-bores and one or more edge-bores (LIST)
boring jig » n. a tool, temporarily affixed to a door, which provides a template structure to guide drill bits properly when preparing for the installation of specific hardware (LIST)
boring jig
»  
Pictured here: Door being bored with 2-1/8" hole saw and boring jig
building master key » n. a master key which operates all or most master keyed looks in a given building (LIST)
bump key » n. a cut key, cut to allow the user to replicate the action of a pick gun (LIST)
button knob » n. the knob in a key-in-knob lock that includes a push or turn button (LIST)
bypass key » n. the key which operates a key override cylinder (LIST)
cam lock » n. a complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt (LIST)
card access system » n. an access control system that utilizes a controlled security card as the credential (LIST)
card reader » n. a device which interprets coding resident on or in cards (LIST)
change key » n. 1. a key which operates only one cylinder or one group of keyed alike cylinders in a keying system,
2. any device that is used to mechanically or electronically allow resetting of certain key or combination locks, see also "reset key" #1 (LIST)
chassis » n. the part of a cylindrical lockset that contains the actuating mechanism and has a means for mounting trim and a bolt (LIST)
chassis
»  
Pictured here: Mortise lock chassis, or body
core » n. a complete unit, often with a "figure eight" shape, which usually consists of the plug, shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer and spring cover(s). It is primarily used in removable and interchangeable core cylinders and locks. (LIST)
core
»  
Pictured here: Cylinder housing and interchangeable core (IC)
cylindrical lockset » n. a bored lockset whose latch or bolt locking mechanism is contained in the portion installed through the cross-bore (LIST)
deadbolt » n. a bolt, which requires a deliberate action to extend, and which resists end pressure in the unlocking direction when fully extended (LIST)
deadbolt lock » n. a lock which incorporates a deadbolt
deadlock » n. a lock which incorporates a deadbolt (LIST)
deadlocking latch » n. a latchbolt with a deadlocking mechanism (LIST)
declining step key » n. a key whose cuts are equal or deeper as you proceed from bow to tip (LIST)
double cylinder » adj. pertaining to a lock with two keyed cylinders (LIST)
double cylinder deadlock » n. a deadbolt lock whose bolt may be operated by a key from either side (LIST)
drive-in » adj. pertaining to a latch or bolt with a round face (LIST)
drop bolt » n. a lock with an interlocking bolt which moves vertically and may enter loops on the strike (LIST)
edge-bore » n. a hole drilled into the edge of a door where a bored or interconnected lockset is to be installed(LIST)
electric strike » n. an electro-mechanical strike, which secures or releases the latch via applied current (LIST)
electrified lockset » n. a lock which is controlled electrically (LIST)
exit alarm » n. an annunciator that signals the opening of an exit door (LIST)
exit device » n. 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
 (LIST)
exit door » n. 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
 (LIST)
extension link » n. a device which is used to extend the backset of a spring latch or dead latch (LIST)
factory original key » the cut key furnished by the lock manufacturer for a lock or cylinder(LIST)
filler plate » n. a usually flat piece of material used to; cover a hole or opening, provide a foundation for mounting additional hardware, or adjust the position of hardware as mounted(LIST)
fire exit hardware » n. 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(LIST)
first generation duplicate » n. a key which was duplicated using a factory original key or a code original key as a pattern(LIST)
floor master key » n. a master key which operates all or most master keyed locks on a particular floor of a building(LIST)
foot bolt » n. a bolt mechanism typically mounted at the bottom of a door, and designed to be easily operated by ones foot(LIST)
forced entry » n. entry or bypass techniques which leave obvious damage to the lock or enclosure(LIST)
French doors » n. a set of double doors composed of many small glass panes and narrow stiles(LIST)
function » n. a set of operating features for a particular type of lock or exit device which make it suitable for a specific application. The function is designated by a classification name or standards reference number. See ANSI or BHMA for a specific listing.(LIST)
handed » adj. pertaining to hardware which is manufactured only for application on doors with a specific orientation (LIST)
handleset » n. a complete lock or latch assembly which incorporates a pitcher handle or standards reference number. See ANSI or BHMA for a specific listing.(LIST)
handicapped code » n. any building code designed to ease access for handicapped persons(LIST)
hardware schedule » n. a listing of the door hardware used on a particular job it includes the types of hardware, manufacturers, locations, finishes, and sizes. It should include a keying schedule specifying how each locking device is to be keyed.(LIST)
high security cylinder » n. 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(LIST)
high security key » n. a key for a high security cylinder(LIST)
hollow core door » n. a non-metal door with structural reinforcement creating air pockets between the two faces(LIST)
hollow metal door » n. typically a door made of sheet metal on all surfaces and lightly reinforced to make it rigid(LIST)
IC » abb. interchangeable core(LIST)
interchangeable core » n. a key removable core which can be used in all or most of the core manufacturer's product line. No tools (other than the control key) are required for removal of the core.(LIST)
jamb » n. the vertical components of a door frame(LIST)
jimmy proof » adj. pertaining to a lock having a bolt which interlocks with its strike(LIST)
KA » abb. keyed alike(LIST)
Kalamein door » n. a metal clad door that has a wood filler(LIST)
KD » abb. keyed different(LIST)
key » n. a properly combinated device which is, or most closely resembles, the device specifically intended by the lock manufacturer to operate the corresponding lock(LIST)
key control » n. 1. any method or procedure which limits unauthorized acquisition of a key and/or controls distribution of authorized keys 2. a systematic organization of keys and key records(LIST)
key-in-knob cylinder » n. a cylinder used in a key-in-knob lockset(LIST)
key-in-knob lockset » n. any lockset with a key operated cylinder in one or more knobs(LIST)
key-in-lever lockset » n. any lockset with a key operated cylinder in one or more lever handles(LIST)
key manipulation » n. manipulation of an incorrect key in order to operate a lock or cylinder(LIST)
key override » n. 1. a provision allowing interruption or circumvention of normal operation of a combination lock or electrical device 2. adj. of or pertaining to such a provision, as in "key override cylinder"(LIST)
key pull position » n. any position, of the cylinder plug at which the key can be removed(LIST)
key records » n. pl. records which typically include some or all of the following: bitting list, key bitting array, key system schematic, end user, number of keys/cylinders issued,names of persons to whom keys were issued, hardware/keying schedule(LIST)
keyed alike » adj. 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 (LIST)(LIST)
keyed different » adj. 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.(LIST)
keyed random » adj. of or pertaining to a cylinder or group of cylinders selected from a limited inventory of different key changes. Duplicate bittings may occur.(LIST)
keyway » n. 1. the opening in a lock or cylinder which is shaped to accept key bit or blade of a proper configuration 2. the exact cross sectional configuration of a keyway as viewed from the front. It is not necessarily the same as the key section.(LIST)
latch
(from lockset)
» spring loaded device for keeping door or other item closed, but not necessarily locked
Pictured here: Arrow knob latch from M11 entry
latch bolt » n. a spring actuated bolt, normally with one or more beveled surfaces, which, when aligned with the strike, engages it automatically(LIST)
latch guard » n. a plate or combination of interlocking pieces designed to block access to the edge of a latch when the door is shut(LIST)
latching speed (of a door closer) » n. the final speed of a door just prior to closing(LIST)
lazy cam/tailpiece » n. a cam or tailpiece designed to remain stationary while the cylinder plug is partially rotated and/or vice-versa(LIST)
left hand (man door) » adj. pertaining to an inward swinging door with hinges on the left side, using the outside of the door as reference(LIST)
left hand reverse bevel (door) » adj. pertaining to a left handed door which swings outward(LIST)
lever handle » n. 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(LIST)
LH » abb. left hand(LIST)
LH » abb. left hand(LIST)
LHR » abb. left hand reverse bevel (LIST)
lip (of a strike) » n. the extended (usually curved) leading edge of a strike(LIST)
local alarm » n. an alarm that is annunciated in the immediate vicinity of the activating device(LIST)
lock » n. any device which prevents access or use by requiring special knowledge or equipment(LIST)
lock stile » n. the vertical edge of a door designed for lock or latch installation(LIST)
lockout » n. any situation in which the normal operation of a lock or cylinder is prevented(LIST)
locksmith » n. a person with the knowledge and ability to select, install, service and bypass all the components of an electrical or mechanical lock(LIST)
magnetic latch » n. a latch which uses magnetic force to stay engaged with its strike(LIST)
manual dogging » n. 1. an exit device that requires a physical action to dog it, v. 2. using a wrench or a special key to dog an exit devicefont(LIST)
master key » n. 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, 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(LIST)
master key system » n. 1. any keying arrangement which has two or more levels of keying 2. a keying arrangement which has exactly two levels of keying(LIST)
master keyed » adj. 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(LIST)
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 (LIST)
mortise cylinder » n. a threaded cylinder typically used in mortise locks of American manufacture (LIST)
mortise lockset » n. a lockset the case of which is designed to fit in a mortise in the edge of a door or drawer (LIST)
mullion » n. a vertical center post in the frame of a pair of doors (LIST)
narrow stile » adj. pertaining to aluminum doors with stiles generally between 1-3/4 and 2-3/4 inches wide(LIST)
neuter bow » n. the bow of a key which is unidentifiable to a particular lock manufacturer(LIST)
night latch » n. a rim mounted auxiliary latch bolt(LIST)
non-handed » adj. 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(LIST)
non-reversible » n. door hardware whose hand cannot be changed in the field(LIST)
operating key » n. any key which will properly operate a lock or cylinder to lock or unlock the lock mechanism and is not a control key or reset key, see also "change key"(LIST)
overhead concealed closer » n. a closer designed for installation out of view in the door header area(LIST)
overhead stop » n. a door stop which contacts the door near the top(LIST)
paddle handle » n. a type of actuator which is relatively flat and operates the mechanism when pivoted on an axis near one end(LIST)
parallel arm » n. a type of door closer and/or closer mounting which leaves the arm generally parallel to the door face when closed(LIST)
passage set » n. a latchset(LIST)
pattern key » n. 1. an original key kept on file to use in a key duplicating machine when additional keys are required, 2. any key which is used in a key duplicating machine to create a duplicate key(LIST)
pick » n. 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 keyway, without obvious damage. 2. v. to manipulate tumblers in a keyed lock mechanism through the keyway, without obvious damage, by means other than the specifically designed key(LIST)
pin » v. to install pin tumblers into a cylinder and/or cylinder plug, see also "pin tumbler"(LIST)
pin kit » n. a type of keying kit for a pin tumbler mechanismfont (LIST)
pin tumbler » n. usually a cylindrical shaped tumbler. Three types are normally used: bottom pin, master pin and top pin.(LIST)
pin tweezers » n. pl. a tool used in handling tumblers and spring(LIST)
pitcher handle » n. lock trim which serves as a pull and is generally perpendicular to the door at its top mount, then bends and tapers to its bottom mount (LIST)
plug » n. the part of a cylinder which contains the keyway, with tumbler chambers usually corresponding to those in the cylinder shell (LIST)
plug follower » n. a tool used to allow removal of the cylinder plug while retaining the top pins, springs, and/or other components within the shell (LIST)
profile cylinder » n. a cylinder with a usually uniform cross section, which slides into place and usually is held by a mounting screw. It is typically used in mortise locks of non-U.S. manufacture. (LIST)
proprietary » adj. of or pertaining to a keyway and key section assigned exclusively to one end user by the lock manufacturer. It may also be protected by law from duplication. (LIST)
protected key » n. a physical key that affords legal remedies against duplication (LIST)
pull handle » n. trim for gripping to apply pulling force to a door (LIST)
pull plate » n. a generally flat and commonly rectangular trim with an attached handle for pulling open a door (LIST)
push plate » n. a generally flat and commonly rectangular trim mounted for hand contact to push open a door (LIST)
push button lock » n. a self contained lock with controls that must be pressed in a specific pattern or sequence to open the lock(LIST)
rabbeted door » n. a door having and edge contoured with an offset creating two surfaces which form an overlap at the abutting edge (LIST)
rail » n. the horizontal construction member located on the top and bottom of a door (LIST)
random master keying » n. any undesirable process used to master key which uses unrelated keys to create a system (LIST)
rap » v. 1. to unlock a plug from its shell by striking sharp blows to the spring side of the cylinder while applying tension to the plug 2. to unlock a padlock shackle from its case by striking sharp blows to the sides in order to disengage the locking dogs (LIST)
reader » n. a device used in an access control system to interrogate an electronic, magnetic or optical type of credential (LIST)
recombinate » v. to change the combination of a lock, cylinder or key (LIST)
recore » v. to rekey by installing a different core (LIST)
rekey » v. to change the existing combination of a cylinder or lock (LIST)
removable core » n. a key removable core which can only be installed in one type of cylinder housing; e.g., rim cylinder or mortise cylinder or key-in-knob lock (LIST)
removable cylinder » n. a cylinder which can be removed from a locking device by a key and/or tool (LIST)
repin » v. to replace pin tumblers, with or without changing the existing combination (LIST)
restricted » adj. 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 (LIST)
reverse bevel » adj. pertaining to the bevel of a door which swings towards the outside (LIST)
RH » abb. right-hand (LIST)
RHR » abb. (right hand reverse bevel) (LIST)
right hand (man door) » adj. pertaining to an inward swinging door with hinges on the right side, using the outside of the door as reference (LIST)
right hand reverse bevel (door) » adj. pertaining to a right handed door which swings outward (LIST)
rim cylinder » n. 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 (LIST)
rim lock » n. a lock or latch typically mounted on the surface of a door or drawer (LIST)
RL » abb. The title "Registered Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA (LIST)
rose » n. a usually circular escutcheon (LIST)
rotating constant » n. one or more cut(s) in a key of any level which remain constant throughout all levels and are identical to the top master key cuts in their corresponding positions. The positions where the top master key cuts are held constant may be moved, always in a logical sequence (LIST)
RST » abb. the title "Registered Safe Technician" as awarded by NSO (LIST)
safe » n. a substantial, secure container with varying degrees of security and/or fire resistance, used to store valuables against fire or theft (LIST)
safe deposit » n. a typically key accessed container that requires dual key operation, usually located inside a vault (LIST)
SAVTA » abb. Safe and Vault Technicians Association (LIST)
scalp » n. a thin piece of metal which is usually crimped or spun onto the front of a cylinder. It determines the cylinder's finish and may also serve as the plug retainer. (LIST)
second generation duplicate » n. a key reproduced from a first generation duplicate (LIST)
security collar » n. 1. a protective cylinder collar, see also "cylinder guard" (LIST)
semi-automatic key machine » n. a machine capable of duplicating keys with limited manual operations (LIST)
set screw » n. a screw used to fasten a component in a fixed position relative to another component (LIST)
sex bolt » n. a nut and bolt set used to through bolt, with a closed nut basically flush with the mounting surface creating the appearance of a carriage bolt (LIST)
shackle » n. 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 (LIST)
SHDA » abb. Security Hardware Distributors Association (formerly NLSA) (LIST)
shear line » n. a location in a cylinder at which specific tumbler surfaces must be aligned, removing obstruction(s) which prevented the plug from moving (LIST)
shell » n. the part of the cylinder which surrounds the plug and which usually contains tumbler chambers corresponding to those in the plug (LIST)
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 (LIST)
shoulder » n. any key stop other than a tip stop, see also "bow stop" (LIST)
sidebar » n. a cylinder locking member mounted longitudinally in a plug, which engages multiple tumblers (LIST)
single cylinder » adj. pertaining to a lock with key operation from only one side (LIST)
Small Format Interchangeable Core » n. an IC that replicates the functionality and design popularized by Best (LIST)
spanner wrench » n. a tool for installing, removing or adjusting a threaded part. The tool is designed to engage one or more holes or depressions which are peripheral or not on-center to the part axis. (LIST)
special application cylinder » n. any cylinder other than a mortise, rim, key-in-knob or profile cylinder (LIST)
spindle » n. a component which transfers rotary motion from outside a lock or latch case to an inner mechanism (LIST)
split finish » adj. of or pertaining to a lockset whose finish is different on each side of the door (LIST)
split spindle » n. a multi-piece spindle which allows a knob or lever to be installed on only one side of a door (LIST)
spring latch » n. a latch operated under spring pressure, having no deadlatching feature (LIST)
stile » n. the vertical construction member located on either edge of a door (LIST)
stop (of a door) » n. the projecting portion of a doorframe upon which the door rests when closed (LIST)
stop (of a key) » n. the part of a key from which all cuts are indexed and which determines how far the key enters the keyway (LIST)
strike » n. a bolt receptacle typically mounted in the door jamb or the floor (LIST)
strike locator » n. a tool used to mark the jamb, relative to the bolt of the lock, prior to strike installation (LIST)
swivel spindle » n. normally a two-piece spindle assembly whose two halves are designed to turn independently (LIST)
T-strike » n. a strike whose lip spans the middle portion (but not the full height) of the strike (LIST)
tailpiece » n. an actuator attached to the rear of the cylinder, parallel to the plug, typically used on rim, key-in-knob or special application cylinders (LIST)
tamper resistant fastener » n. any one of several screws or nuts which have a specialized head, requiring a special-access tool for removal (LIST)
template » n. a pattern used to mark cutout locations for hardware installation (LIST)
three point latch » n. a self-latching device designed to latch a door at the top, bottom and edge (LIST)
throw » n. the distance a bolt or latch projects from the faceplate or case of a lock in the extended position (LIST)
thumb latch » n. a lock with a thumbpiece to actuate the latch (LIST)
thumb turn » n. a actuator which can be turned by thumb and forefinger (LIST)
TL-15 » n. a U.L. rating given to a container whose door has been tested against forcible entry, with common hand tools, for a period of 15 man minutes (LIST)
TL-30 » n. a U.L. rating given to a container whose door has been tested against forcible entry, with common hand tools and/or abrasive cutting wheels and power saws, for a period of 30 man minutes (LIST)
touch bar » n. a type of exit device actuator which typically does not pivot and retracts the bolt with a minimum of pressure (LIST)
trim » n. exposed components of a lockset or latchset, which allow operation, enhance appearance or provide protection (LIST)
tubular lockset » n. a bored lockset whose latch or bolt locking mechanism is contained in the component installed into the edge bore (LIST)
UL » abb. Underwriters Laboratories (LIST)
UL listed » adj. listed in a directory as having passed specific Underwriters Laboratories testing (LIST)
uncombinated » adj. 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 (LIST)
valet key » n. an automotive key that operates all locks except storage compartments, on a vehicle where there is also a master key to operate all locks (LIST)
VATS » abb. Vehicle Anti-Theft System (LIST)
vault » n. a secure room in which objects of value are stored (LIST)
wall safe » n. a safe installed in a wall so that only the door and a frame is visible (LIST)
working trim » n. lock or exit device trim which activates a mechanism (LIST)
wall safe » n. a safe installed in a wall so that only the door and a frame is visible (LIST)
yoke » n. a component designed to secure cylinders or turn disks in both sides of a mortise lock by means of a single setscrew (LIST)
zero bitted » adj. of or pertaining to a cylinder which is or is to be combinated to keys cut to the manufacturer's reference number "0" bitting (LIST)