What are active and passive pins?

[sheerluck]

Watching bosnianbill's videos he sometimes refers to active / passive pins when talking about sidebar pins (I think!)

I understand how the sidebar mechanism works, and I'm guessing "passive" pins are the normal kind and active pins are something different? Or are they related to an entirely different mechanism than the sidebar?

What's the story here? (A link or a book reference would be fine too.)

[kwoswalt99-]

When he refers to active pins, it just means one that needs to be picked. A passive pin is sometimes called a profile pin, and it is mainly for key control and sometimes part of a masterkey system. A passive pin fits into a cutout in the cylinder, and needs a corresponding dimple in the key to allow the plug to turn. The key does not need to act upon the pin for the lock to open.

[GWiens2001]

Also, passive pins usually do not have springs, while active pins usually do.

Gordon

[sheerluck]

Thanks! Things make a bit more sense now.

Next question: what's an interactive element?

[GWiens2001]

Next question: what's an interactive element?

Interactive elements will talk with you, go get pizza when you need some, and love board games. Parcheesi being one they particularly enjoy. You may want to get the game before you buy the lock so it remains happy.

Seriously, an interactive element is part of the key that moves. When in the lock, it will be moved by something in the lock so the interactive element is raised (or lowered) above (or below) the keyway. The reasoning being that if someone casts a copy of the key, a cast key will not be able to be moved above the keyway like the Interactive element can.

Gordon

[sheerluck]

Thanks!