A Lock and 'Locksmithing' Glossary from Your Local Oakham Locksmith

If you've ever had to repair or replace a lock in your home, you may have met with some technical terms or expressions that made it difficult to accomplish the task. Here's a short glossary of terms associated with locks and 'locksmithing' from an experienced Oakham locksmith

Automatic dead latch: A lock whose main bolt automatically deadlocks when the door closes.

Backplate: A plate that is fixed to the door on which a lock's moving parts are mounted.

Barrel bolt: A round or half-round bolt that runs in a guide attached to a backplate.

Master keyed: A latch or lock that can be opened by a master key as well as by its own key.

Passing: The action of a key successfully operating a lock.

Tumbler: An internal component of a lock that must be lifted either electronically or with a key before the bolt can move.

Skeleton key: A key fashioned in such a way that it will pass any obstructions inside a lock and operate it. Skeleton keys often fit in many different locks. Bullets: The long grooves in a key that match the keyhole of a lock. If the bullets on the key and keyhole do not match, the lock will not open. Re-key: To change the combination of a lock, so that a new key is required and the old key no longer functions to open the lock.

Bit or key bit: The part of a key that is specifically notched or shaped to operate the lock or latch to which it is matched.

Shoulder or key ear: The part of a lock that prevents the key from being inserted too far. The shoulder is located at the head of the key's blade and below the key's bow (top portion).

Guard: A fixed part inside a lock that foils attempts to open it with a false key or attempts to pick it. The guard prevents any instrument other than the correct key from reaching the lock's internal mechanism.

Shackle: The U-shaped portion of a padlock that slides, swivels or is hinged. One end of the U is permanently affixed to the body of the padlock, whilst the other is movable, allowing the lock to be fitted to a latch. Once fitted, the free end of the shackle snaps into the lock body to secure the door or object to which the padlock is affixed.

Close (or closed) shackle padlock: A padlock having a body that reveals only a minimal amount of the shackle when closed. This design offers increased security, especially against the use of bolt cutters or other tools to force the lock open.

Cylinder: The complete operating mechanism of a lock that consists of a shell, tumblers, springs, retainers and actuating devices such as cams. The cylinder fits into the lock proper and has a slit for the key. Only the correct key will operate the cylinder and open the lock.

For more information on locks and home security, be sure to contact your local Oakham locksmith.