ALOA CAL key terms

Ridges or slots cut into a lock's keyway that block a key whose blade is not shaped to pass them, adding a layer of mechanical restriction beyond the pin or lever heights.

The shaped channel in a lock cylinder or plug through which the key blade passes; its profile is matched to a specific key blank family and helps prevent unauthorized blanks from entering.

An uncut key with the correct blade profile, length, and thickness for a given lock, ready to be cut to the bitting of a specific key.

The pattern of cuts on a key blade, expressed as depths at numbered positions, that positions the lock's tumblers at the correct height to allow rotation.

The distance material is removed at a given key position, usually chosen from a numbered set of depths defined by the lock manufacturer's specifications for that key system.

The remaining thickness of key blade material at the deepest point of a cut, measured from the bottom of the blade; it must stay within limits or the key will be weak.

The boundary between the plug and the cylinder housing where the pin or wafer tumblers must align for the plug to turn and the lock to open.

The rotating cylindrical part of a lock that holds the keyway and tumblers and turns within the cylinder housing when the correct key is inserted.

The spring-loaded pin above the key pin in a pin tumbler lock; it normally spans the shear line and drops into the plug only when the correct key is used.

The lower pin in a pin tumbler lock that rests directly on the key blade and is pushed upward by the key's cuts to the height needed for the shear line.

The lock assembly containing the plug, tumblers, and housing that accepts the key and provides the locking action; it may be fixed, removable, or part of a larger mortise or rim lock.

A flat pivoting plate inside a lever lock that engages a gate or fence; the correct key lifts each lever to the height where the fence can pass.

A bar or projection on the bolt mechanism of a lever lock that rides on the levers and drops into their gates only when all levers are correctly positioned.

The notch cut into a lever tumbler that receives the fence when the lever is lifted to its correct height by the key.

A low-cost lock using flat spring-loaded wafers that must align at the shear line; common in cabinets and vehicles and generally less secure than pin tumbler designs.

Changing a lock's tumblers so that a different key will operate it, typically done without replacing the lock body and often to remove access from a prior keyholder.

A compartmented assortment of pins, springs, and small parts in graduated sizes used to rekey and repair pin tumbler locks in the field.

The process of extracting a cylinder from its lock or door hardware for service, which requires the correct control key, retaining screw, or manufacturer-specific release method.

A key that operates the retaining mechanism of a removable core, allowing the core to be pulled for service without operating the lock's normal function.

A self-contained cylinder unit that can be removed and replaced with a control key, letting a facility change cores quickly without disassembling the lock hardware.

The metal plate on the door frame that receives the latch or bolt; its alignment and adjustment directly affect whether a door latches and locks properly.

A latch with a secondary mechanism that prevents the latch from being slipped back when the door is closed, commonly used on aluminum storefront and commercial doors.

An electromechanical frame-mounted device that releases the latch when powered, allowing access control systems to lock and unlock a door without motorizing the lock itself.

An electronic system that decides whether a credential is valid and then releases a door, using readers, controllers, power supplies, and electric locking hardware.

The token a user presents to an access control reader, such as a proximity card, fob, or mobile device, which the system checks before granting access.

A locking arrangement in which power loss unlocks the door, typically used where life safety requires free egress, such as on fire exit paths.

A locking arrangement in which power loss leaves the door locked, generally used where security is the priority and free egress is provided by other means.

A written list of the cut combinations assigned to a key system, used to track which keys have been issued and to prevent duplication of bitting.

The process of deriving a valid, nonconflicting set of bittings for a key system according to the lock's spacing, depth, and progression rules.

A systematic method of stepping through allowed cut depths at each key position to produce a series of distinct bittings without repetition.

The measured distance between adjacent cut positions on a key blade, fixed by the lock manufacturer and required for accurate duplication and code cutting.

A keying arrangement in which one key opens a group of locks while individual change keys open only their own lock, achieved by adding extra tumblers or split pins.

A key that operates only one lock in a master keyed system, as distinguished from the master key that operates the whole group.

A key cut to operate every lock within a defined group or system, including locks whose change keys differ from one another.

A two-piece pin used in master keyed cylinders so that one pin segment satisfies the change key and another satisfies the master key at the same position.

A condition in which two or more locks are set to operate with the same key, often used for convenience rather than for hierarchical access control.

Producing a key from a published or recorded bitting code using a code machine or duplicator, rather than by tracing an existing key.

A locksmithing technique of marking and adjusting a blank by trial in a lock to discover the correct bitting, used when no key or code is available.

The practice of confirming that a person requesting a key is entitled to it, such as by identification, owner authorization, or a restricted keyway policy.

A keyway profile controlled by a manufacturer or dealer so that blanks are not freely available, limiting who can cut additional keys for the system.

The legal exposure a locksmith accepts for work performed, including improper keying, faulty installation, or release of keys to an unauthorized person.

A written record of the customer, location, scope, and authorization for a locksmith job, serving as documentation of what was approved and performed.

Gaining access to a locked safe by legitimate means such as manipulation, drilling, or manufacturer codes, performed only for a verified owner or authorized agent.

Documentation or other verification confirming that a customer has the right to have a lock, safe, or vehicle opened or keyed, protecting the locksmith and the rightful owner.