Lockpicking Dictionary/Glossary/Terminology

[Drpez5]

Thanks for making this post! It will be very useful when I get to researching even more kinda of locks. Being an utter n00b, I am trying to soak in as much information as I can!

[solus2sail]

Thanks for your effort in pulling all these lock related definitions together.
I just wanted to request one not listed that I'm having trouble wrapping my head around.
false gate

[Farmall]

Very helpful information...Thanks for posting

[nuganics]

Need to add:
Raking: Technique of pulling pick though lock repeatedly and used by hacks

[Beeakinmike]

Thanks, this helps me understand tons of the posts on here now.

[Locks+Picks_Happy]

This really cleared up my understanding of Mortise locks. I thought it something to do with those old style keys. I will probably be coming back to this post a lot. Great learning tool.

Thank you so much!

[angelicabambs]

Really useful information for locksmiths who are just starting out like me!

[gademsky]

As a beginner the "Dictionary of Lock Smithing", is a great place to begin for terminology. I just printed the 80 pages and will carry it with me until I know all these terms and what they mean.

Thanks for the link.

[ltdbjd]

ALOA helped put together a comprehensive 105ish page locksmith dictionary that is available on line at no charge. Google "ALOA locksmith dictionary" and download the pdf from a site of your choosing.

[GWiens2001]

ALOA helped put together a comprehensive 105ish page locksmith dictionary that is available on line at no charge. Google "ALOA locksmith dictionary" and download the pdf from a site of your choosing.

Thanks for the tip, ltdbjd. Going to download it now.

Gordon

[MiPo]

I always wondered about the exact definition (if there is any) regarding plug-chamber modifications: Under-cut, counter-milling, enlargement, etc.
I believe "enlargement" is just making the chamber larger at the shear line (like on a GeGe),
Under-cut maybe the same as counter-milling meaning an enlargement beneath the shear line (like on the ASSA 600).
Is this right. Maybe this could be added.

Thank you.

[billdeserthills]

I always wondered about the exact definition (if there is any) regarding plug-chamber modifications: Under-cut, counter-milling, enlargement, etc.
I believe "enlargement" is just making the chamber larger at the shear line (like on a GeGe),
Under-cut maybe the same as counter-milling meaning an enlargement beneath the shear line (like on the ASSA 600).
Is this right. Maybe this could be added.

Thank you.

I have seen the word 'tolerance' used to describe the amount of room between the plug & cylinder
For example I find that Schlage cylinders have a smaller amount of tolerance than kwikset or import cylinders do

[MiPo]

I always wondered about the exact definition (if there is any) regarding plug-chamber modifications: Under-cut, counter-milling, enlargement, etc.
I believe "enlargement" is just making the chamber larger at the shear line (like on a GeGe),
Under-cut maybe the same as counter-milling meaning an enlargement beneath the shear line (like on the ASSA 600).
Is this right. Maybe this could be added.

Thank you.

I have seen the word 'tolerance' used to describe the amount of room between the plug & cylinder
For example I find that Schlage cylinders have a smaller amount of tolerance than kwikset or import cylinders do

No sure why you quote my posting which is about pin chamber modification. But regarding tolerances I'd say that it's general the amount of deviation in a lock from a perfect mechanical system. There are many places where you can have tolerances:
Plug diameter v.s. inner diameter in the housing
Same for pins and pin chambers
Deviation in roundness of pin chambers and pins and diameter
But most important I the straightness of the chambers and the alignment of them in plug and bible. If this is almost perfect then the binding order is hard to determine and you'll feel all or none binding. And setting one pin would cause others to drop. SARGENT or WB locks have only standard pins but tight tolerances and they are harder to pick than a Kwikset.

[dontlook]

Can anyone talk to locking dogs vs. pawls? What is the difference? Is there a difference?

[mseifert]

Can anyone talk to locking dogs vs. pawls? What is the difference? Is there a difference?

Dog - In engineering a dog is a tool that prevents movement or imparts movement by offering physical obstruction or engagement of some kind. It may hold another object in place by blocking it, clamping it, or otherwise obstructing its movement. Or it may couple various parts together so that they move in unison


Pawl - A bar, pin, or stud that can be moved, pivoted, or slid into engagement with teeth cut on another part, such as the parking pawl on the automatic transmission that can be slid into contact with teeth on another part to lock the rear wheels.

As you can see the "dog" is really just something that gets in the way or blocks movement.. The Pawl is a piece that engages with a slot/tooth/groove to stop movement ..