ALOA CPL key terms

A keying system in which one key operates several locks while each lock retains its own individual key, using split pins or wafers to allow two different key cuts to work the same cylinder.

A group of locks set so the same key operates all of them. Common in institutional settings where one key serves many doors of equal access level.

The administrative and physical practices used to track who holds which keys, issue and recover them, and prevent unauthorized duplication. Poor key control defeats even good hardware.

The numeric pattern of cuts on a key that matches the pin or wafer lengths in a specific cylinder. A bitting chart records these cuts for a keying system.

An uncut key of the correct profile for a given lock, identified by its manufacturer and model code. Choosing the right blank is the first step in duplicating or originating a key.

The shape of the slot in a lock cylinder that accepts a specific key profile. Restricted keyways are patented or controlled to limit who can obtain blanks.

A lock body installed into a rectangular pocket cut into the edge of a door, containing the latch, deadbolt, and often the cylinder in one case. Common on commercial and institutional doors.

A bored-in lock whose mechanism passes through a hole drilled in the door face, with the latch and bolt housed in a cylindrical body. Typical of many interior commercial doors.

The metal plate on the door frame that receives the latch or bolt when the door closes. Alignment of strike and bolt affects security and whether the door latches properly.

A door hardware assembly, often called a panic bar, that releases the latch when pushed from the inside to allow fast egress. Must be coordinated with outside trim and fire-code requirements.

A rated door assembly designed to resist fire for a stated period, with hardware that self-closes and latches. Altering rated hardware can void the door's certification.

A hydraulic or spring device that automatically closes a door after it is opened. Settings control closing speed and latching force, which matters for fire doors and accessibility.

A lock cylinder using spring-loaded driver pins above key pins; the correct key raises the pins to the shear line so the plug can turn. The most common cylinder type in institutional locks.

The boundary between the cylinder plug and its housing. When all pins sit exactly at this line, the plug rotates and the lock opens.

An automotive key containing a small electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. A mechanically correct copy will not start the car unless the chip is programmed.

A vehicle anti-theft system that disables the engine unless it receives a valid electronic code from the key or fob. It makes electronic key programming essential in automotive locksmithing.

The process of registering a new key or remote with a vehicle's computer so the car recognizes it. Methods vary by make and may require diagnostic tools or on-board procedures.

The standardized diagnostic connector under a vehicle's dashboard, used with scan tools to read codes and, on many models, to program keys and remotes.

A system allowing a fob to lock, unlock, or open a vehicle by radio signal. Fobs must often be synchronized or programmed to the vehicle after replacement.

The lock assembly turned by the vehicle key to control electrical circuits and start the engine. Worn tumblers or broken actuators are common service issues.

A mechanical lock that secures the steering wheel when the key is removed. Servicing it often requires removing trim and understanding the column's release mechanism.

A seventeen-character code unique to each vehicle, used to confirm make, model, year, and key specifications. Locksmiths check it to order correct blanks and parts.

A key with complex milling, sidebars, or magnetic elements designed to resist picking and unauthorized duplication. Often tied to restricted blanks and dealer-only cutting.

A service call in which a locksmith opens a locked vehicle or building for the rightful owner without damage when possible. Proof of ownership or authorization is required.

Opening a lock or door using techniques that leave it undamaged and reusable, such as picking, raking, or bypass. Preferred over drilling whenever feasible.

A method of defeating a lock by attacking something other than its cylinder, such as the latch, strike, or frame. Important in security surveys because it reveals weak points.

The application of locksmith knowledge to legal investigations, including determining how a lock was opened, whether it was manipulated, or whether entry was forced.

A physical impression left on a lock, door, or frame by a tool during an attempted or successful entry. Investigators compare marks to identify the method or tool used.

The documented record of who handled evidence, when, and where, from collection through court. A broken chain can render physical evidence inadmissible.

The systematic recording of an incident scene through notes, photographs, and sketches before anything is moved. Accurate documentation preserves the condition of locks and doors for later analysis.

A secure container with a locked door and thick body, rated by construction and testing for resistance to burglary or fire. Ratings guide appropriate use.

A classification, such as a burglary or fire label, indicating how long a safe resists attack or protects contents from heat. Ratings help match a safe to its intended risk.

A lock opened by dialing a sequence of numbers that aligns internal wheels or discs. Used on safes and vaults; servicing requires care to preserve the combination.

The numbered ring around a safe's dial that provides the reference marks for entering a combination. A slipped or misaligned ring causes opening failures.

A spring-loaded device that fires and jams the boltwork if the lock or safe body is attacked, such as by drilling or heat. It prevents entry even after the lock is defeated.

The system of bolts and linkages that secures a safe door to its frame when locked. Its strength and number of bolts affect burglary resistance.

A mechanism that prevents a safe or vault from being opened until a preset time, even with the correct combination. Common in commercial and banking settings.

A heavy, reinforced door assembly providing controlled access to a vault room, typically with multiple locking points and often a time lock.