sidebars and how they are used in the lock

[mongo]

okay, I tried the search function but there was a million posts.

Specifically I am looking for pics on positions of 'sidebars' and how they fall into or out of the way.

Merry New Year

[Squelchtone]

okay, I tried the search function but there was a million posts.

Specifically I am looking for pics on positions of 'sidebars' and how they fall into or out of the way.

Merry New Year

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=43297&hilit=sidebar

best pictures on the internet:
http://mitchcapper.com/general/18-medeco-biaxial-mortise-my-cutaway/

btw.. typically in Medeco, Assa Twin, Assa Desmo, Primus, Fichet 450, the don't fall in (unless you're talking Abloy.) The rotational force exerted onto the plug pushes them into their milled out area and when they are back to the locking position, the sidebar's springs push the sidebar out into a milled slot in the wall of the lock housing in order to prevent rotation when the key is withdrawn.

Remind me in the new year to take pics of my various lock's sidebars only. I think that would make a good post for people not familiar with the concept.

Squelchtone

[Jaakko]

The sidebar doesn't fall in in Abloy, it is forced in by the groove in the shell when you start turning the disc detainer cylinder. There is usually a very small spring that pushes it outwards when closing the lock along with two discs that have a gate that has a small ramp that also pushes the sidebar out.

[mongo]

thanx guys, I was not sure how they worked in the equation in the first place.

This will give me something to do, just wish it was warmer outside...common April

[mongo]

squelchtone and jaakko

I must be missing it. I see the sidebar but, what releases it, the pins? the height of the pins, the key or is there side pins and springs as as shown in one of the pics.

Does the sidebar slide out of the way or turn with the plug.

[Jaakko]

What lock do you mean? Almost every lock has a slightly different operation. On some keys there are side millings/cuts that lift small pins. These pins have a small hole in the side of them and the sidebar has small fingers at corresponding points. When you lift the pins to proper heights, the holes will align and when you turn the key, the shell forces the sidebar in to the plug and if the pin holes are at proper heights, the sidebar fingers can enter them and thus the sidebar allows the lock to open.

On Abloy and the like there is a small cutout on the discs circumference. When you turn the proper key, these cutouts line up so that when you turn the key past 90 degrees, the shell will force the sidebar in. If the cutouts (gates) are all in one line under the sidebar, the sidebar can enter this slot and the plug can turn, as the sidebar is not blocking it anymore.

[JK_the_CJer]

Ok check it:

A sidebar (in high-sec pin tumbler locks) is a bar that runs alongside the plug. It is springloaded outward into a groove cut along the length of the plughole in the shell. The arrangement is such that when no key is inserted, the sidebar is sprung outward so that it rests partly in the plug and partly in the shell. This creates a blocking action if you attempt to turn the plug.

Now, the groove in the shell where the sidebar rests is shaped like a triangle. This means that when you attempt to turn the plug, the sidebar is pressed inward toward the plug (against spring pressure). If there is no other security mechanism present, the sidebar is allowed fully press into the plug and it can turn. However, there is almost always some mechanism that blocks the sidebar from dropping in. Sidepins are a very common example. These are small secondary pins that have gates cut in them at different heights. A secondary bitting cut on the side of the key (like the Assa Twin) raises these sidepins to the correct heights such that their gates line up with the sidebar.

So when the correct key is inserted, all of the sidepin gates are lined up with the sidebar. When the user turns the key, the groove in shell causes the sidebar to cam inward into the plug. Because all of the sidepin gates are perfectly aligned (by the key), they do not block the sidebar moving inward. When it has moved all of the way into the plug, it will no longer be blocking plug rotation and the cylinder will turn.

The way sidebars are used in locks has a lot of variety and no two mechanisms are exactly alike. What I have described above is a typical Assa Twin type implementation.

[mongo]

JK_the_CJer and Jaakko

wow, okay, give me a day to digest what you just said. I gotta go back to all those pics...

thank you

[mongo]

Lets see if I have it.

As the key slide into the keyway, the top and side cuts of the key lift and turn the pins, this will allow the sidebar fingers to line up, thereby allowing it to slide into the plug as the plug turns. I know that there is more to it but,,,there I am..


I have much more to read on this but I think I am heading the right way. Any more pics and tips will always be appreciated.

[greyman]

Quite a bit in my book (high security mechanical locks) about how sidebars and sidebar locks work. Click on my sig for more info (also try google books).

JK's post is very informative

[mongo]

Quite a bit in my book (high security mechanical locks) about how sidebars and sidebar locks work. Click on my sig for more info (also try google books).

JK's post is very informative

I agree, his and jaakko posts have enlightened me. I am going to visit your link now.