#terms definitions

What Is A Lock Cylinder?

What Is A Lock Cylinder?

Simply put; a lock cylinder is the keyhole that you insert your key into to operate the lock. A lock, such as a double sided deadbolt, that has two such keyholes has two lock cylinders.

Locksmiths typically charge a fee to re-key a lock cylinder(s) rather than quoting to “re-key a lock”.

Prepping Everest C123 For Shopkeeper Mod

For the more technically minded; a lock…

What Is A Lock Turning or Torque Wrench?

What Is A Lock Turning or Torque Wrench?

A tool used by a locksmith to apply pressure to a lock cylinder plug to turn the plug in the same manner as a Common Lock Picking Turning Wrenches.

key while picking the lock pins to the correct position.

Incorrectly called a torsion wrench.

Often called a torque wrench.

Correctly referred to as a turning wrench.

Turning wrenches are made in various…

What Is A Master Key?

What Is A Master Key?

A Master Key is a key specified within a master key system to operate most or all of the locks at a given location. It should not be confused with a single key that operates all of the locks.

The master keyed lock is one where two or more keys that will work any particular lock. One of the keys — the master key — operates all of the locks in question. The second key — called…

What Is A Grand Master Key System?

What Is A Grand Master Key System?

A Grand Master Key System is a master key system using three or more levels of keys to control access to a property or series of properties.

When used on a single multi-level building the grand master key (GMK) is the top level key –it works all of the locks in the entire property unless otherwise specified.

Second level master keys are designated as floor…

What Is A Master Key System Lock?

What Is A Master Key System Lock?

Occasionally customers ask about “Master Key System Locks”. There is nothing special about the term, and frankly we are at a loss about where it originated and under what context.

Breaking the phrase down:

A master-key is a key that will work all of a set of locks installed and properly keyed to specific bittings (sets of pins in the lock cylinder).

A master-key…

What Is Effective Plug Diameter?

What Is Effective Plug Diameter?

The locksmith term “Effective Plug Diameter” is similar to the term “Effective Shear Line” with some qualifications.

It includes the actual physical diameter of the lock plug (key-hole).

Includes the additional space created on the plug by the drilled pin holes.

When the plug pin holes are drilled during the manufacturing process the drill removes a small amount…