Your Local 24-Hour Burlingame Locksmith - Car Keys, Lost Keys, Locked Out, Lock Pick

Glossary of Terms

C Label

(n.) A classification by Underwriters Laboratories for doors with 3/4 hour rated fire protection.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cable Wired Remote Relocker

(n.) A spring loaded relock, triggered by release of the attached wire.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cam

(n.) 1. A lock or cylinder component which transfers the rotational motion of a key or cylinder plug to the bolt works of a lock.
(n.) 2. The bolt of a cam lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cam Lock

(n.) A complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cane Bolt

(n.) A surface mounted deadbolt designed to be moved by hand via a 90º bend in the bolt that serves as a handle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cap

(n.) 1. A spring cover for a single pin chamber.
(n.) 2. A part which may serve as a plug retainer and/or a holder for the tailpiece.
(v.) 3. To install a cap.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Capping Block

(n.) A holding fixture for certain interchangeable cores which aids in the installation of the caps.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Captured Combination Bit Position

(n.) The position where a movable key insert is placed on a key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Captured Hinge

(n.) A hinge system for safes where the door may not be lifted off the body of the safe without the removal of one of the hinge blocks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Card Access System

(n.) An access control system that utilizes a controlled security card as the credential.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Card Holder

(n.) A person to whom a card has been issued.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Card Reader

(n.) A device which interprets coding resident on or in cards.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Carriage

(n.) 1. The movable assembly of a key machine which supports the key vise(s).
(n.) 2. A changeable part of a clipper that holds the key blank.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Carry Bar

(n.) The part of a multi-bolt safe boltworks to which the bolts are attached.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Case

(n.) The housing or body of a lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Case Cover

(n.) The portion of a lock case which is designed to be removable to allow access to the mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Case Ward

(n.) Any ward directly attached to or projecting from a lock case.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Casement Window

(n.) A window with a sash which pivots or swings to open.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Catch

(n.) Any device that holds a door closed and may be released by simply pushing or pulling on the door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CBOK

(abb.) Construction Breakout Key
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Central Processing

(adj.) Of or pertaining to an access control system in which all or most control functions are performed by the main computer.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Central Station

(n.) A location designed for the express purpose of processing status signals for multiple alarm systems.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Certificate Of Occupancy

(n.) A document, granted by the authority having jurisdiction, permitting occupancy or use.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Chain Bolt

(n.) A spring biased bolt operated by an attached chain, typically for mounting to the top of a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Chain Lock

(n.) A device used to secure property with interlocking links and secured on both ends by a slide plate or a key locking device.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Chamber

(n.) Any cavity in a cylinder plug and/or shell which houses the tumblers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Change Index

(n.) The point on a key changeable combination lock dial ring to which the old and new combinations must be dialed when changing the combination.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Change Key

(n.) 1. A key which operates only one cylinder or one group of keyed alike cylinders in a keying system.
(n.) 2. Any device that is used to mechanically or electronically allow resetting of certain key or combination locks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council
A key adapted to open only one of a set of locks.
Source: Dictionary.com

Changeable Bit Key

(n.) A key which can be recombinated by exchanging and/or rearranging portions of its bit or blade.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Changeable Lever

(n.) A lever tumbler typically made in two or more pieces which can be variably positioned with each other to change the effective location of the gate.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Changeable Tumbler

(n.) A tumbler whose reference size can be changed mechanically without removal from the lock or cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Chassis

(n.) The part of a cylindrical lockset that contains the actuating mechanism and has a means for mounting trim and a bolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Check Pin

(n.) A device resembling a bottom pin, found in a non-traditional chamber, used to restrict the rotation of the plug unless a specific area of the key is cut.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cheek

(n.) A projection from a lock case that serves as a guide or race for another part.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Chubb Shackle

(n.) A hinged shackle with a pierced hole for the bolt in its movable end.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CIL

(abb.) The title "Certified Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Circular Strike

(n.) A typically round, finished strike, usually driven into place in a drilled hole.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CJIL

(abb.) The title "Certified Journeyman Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CJL

(abb.) The title Certified Journeyman Locksmith as awarded by the Professional Locksmith Association of Alberta.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CJS

(abb.) The title "Certified Journeyman Safecracker" as awarded by NSO.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CK

(abb.) 1. Change Key
(abb.) 2. Control Key
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cladding

(n.) An outer casing, usually metallic, typically filled with concrete to protect a safe against theft or penetration.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Clamshell

(n.) The two piece housing (usually plastic) that encases the upper steering column and ignition lock on some automotive applications.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Claw Bolt

(n.) A bolt with one or more fingers, which extend out of the bolt and lock behind the strike as the bolt reaches the locked position.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Clear Opening

(n.) A portal providing clearance through which passage is unhampered.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Clevis

(n.) A device to permanently attach a chain to a padlock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Clipper

(n.) A hand held key bitting punch, often incorporating a trigger like handle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closed Gated

(adj.) Pertaining to a lever tumbler whose gate is pierced into the body of the tumbler. The lever(s) surround the fence in both the locked and unlocked positions.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closed Knob

(n.) A knob without an opening in its face.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closed Loop

(n.) A detection circuit where discontinuity in a branch will result in a reportable condition.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closer Size

(adj.) A numerical value related to the applied force of a door closer, with a larger number being a stronger force. Older closers were assigned alphabetic size designations, where A was the smallest.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closet Latch

(n.) A latchset which has a turning device with minimum projection in place of the inside knob or lever.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closet Spindle

(n.) A spindle with a thumbturn attached to one end.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Closing Combinated

(adj.) Pertaining to a lever lock which is automatically combinated to the last key to extend the bolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cloverleaf Cam

(n.) A style of mortise cylinder cam with three lobes: a ball shaped longer center, and angular projections on either side.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Clutch

(n.) That part of a profile cylinder which transfers rotational motion from the inside or outside element to a common cam or actuator.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CMIL

(abb.) The title "Certified Master Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CMK

(abb.) Construction Master Key
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CMK'd

(abb.) Construction Master Keyed
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CML

(abb.) The title "Certified Master Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CMS

(abb.) The title "Certified Master Safecracker" as awarded by NSO.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CMST

(abb.) The title "Certified Master Safe Technician" as awarded by SAVTA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CO

(abb.) Certificate of Occupancy
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Code

(n.) 1. A designation assigned to a particular key combination for reference when additional keys or cylinders may be needed.
(n.) 2. A standard for Life Safety, structural integrity, fire safety, etc., either incorporated into the statutes of a given jurisdiction, or a model standard.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Code Key

(n.) A key cut to a specific code rather than duplicated from a pattern key. it may or may not conform to the lock manufacturer's specifications.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Code Original Key

(n.) A code key which conforms to the lock manufacturer's specifications.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Code Series

(n.) An ordered sequence of unique codes related to specific key combinations, key sections and manufacturers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Coercivity

(adj.) The measure (usually expressed in Oersteds) of a magnetic material's resistance to being recorded or erased. Magnetic stripe cards are either low coercivity or high coercivity.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Comb Attack

(n.) 1. A pin tumbler defeat tactic using a series of straight pins or teeth on a single tool, intended to push the pin stack past the shear line.
(n.) 2. A defeat tactic used to force a spring cover off a pin tumbler cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Combinate

(v.) To set a combination in a lock, cylinder, or key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Combination

(n.) The group of numbers which represent the bitting of a key and/or the tumblers of a lock or cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Combination Lock

(n.) A lock which is operated by local input of a specific series or sequence of numbers or letters.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Combination Wafer

(n.) A type of disc tumbler used in certain binary type disc tumbler key-in-knob looks. Its presence requires that a cut be made in that position of the operating key(s).
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Combination Wheel

(n.) A wheel type tumbler in a combination lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Compensate Drivers

(v.) To select longer or shorter top pins, depending on the length of the rest of the pin stack, in order to achieve a uniform pin stack height.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Complementary Keyway

(n.) Usually a disc tumbler keyway used in master keying. It accepts keys of different sections whose blades contact different bearing surfaces of the tumblers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Composite Blank

(n.) A blank designed to enter two or more simplex keyways.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Composite Keyway

(n.) A keyway which has been enlarged to accept more than one key section, often key sections of more than one manufacturer.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Compound Bitted Key

(n.) A key with at least one compound cut.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Compound Cut

(n.) A bitting which has another bitting dimension within its dimensions.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Compound Lever

(n.) A lever tumbler that has two or more distinct sweeps contacted by two or more different keys.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Concealed Screw Rose

(n.) KIK or KIL trim that snaps into place to hide mounting screws.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Concealed Shell Cylinder

(n.) A specially constructed (usually mortise) cylinder. Only the plug face is visible when the lock trim is in place.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device

(n.) A vertical rod exit device whose rods and header / threshold bolts are concealed within the door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Concrete Case

(n.) An enclosure for mounting a floor closer.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Configured Pin

(n.) A bottom pin which is designed not to rotate along its long axis, often associated with off-centerline chambers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Constant Cut

(n.) Any bitting(s) which are identical in corresponding positions from one key to another in a keying system. They usually serve to group these keys together within a given level of keying, and/or link them with keys of other levels.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Construction Breakout Key

(n.) A key used by some manufacturers to render all construction master keys permanently inoperative.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Construction Core

(n.) An interchangeable or removable core designed for use during the construction phase of a building. The cores are normally keyed alike and, upon completion of construction, they are to be replaced by the permanent system's cores.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Construction Hole

(n.) A recess or pocket designed to receive ball bearings in lost-ball keying. The size and/or shape of the recess is such that a pin tumbler cannot enter it.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Construction Master Key

(n.) A key normally used by construction personnel for a temporary period during building construction. It may be rendered permanently inoperative without disassembling the cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Construction Master Keyed

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a cylinder which is or is to be operated temporarily by a construction master key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Contact Area

(n.) The gate area in a combination lock drive cam where the lever nose does not contact the drive cam.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Contact Point (s)

(n.) The area on each side of the drive cam gate that the lever nose makes contact with. Most locks have a left contact point and a right contact point.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Contact Switch

(n.) A electrical, magnetic or mechanical device that triggers a circuit(s) to open or closed depending on the application.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Contactless Smart Card

(n.) A card, conforming to the physical characteristics specified in ISO 7813 & 10536, which contains one or more integrated circuits and does not use contacts to obtain power and allow interface to external equipment.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Continuous Duty

(adj.) Designed to sustain application of power for extended periods.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Chamber

(n.) In an interchangeable or removable core, any chamber which has a control shear line, which is different from the operating shear line.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Cut

(n.) Any bitting which operates the retaining device of an interchangeable or removable core.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Dimension

(n.) In certain interchangeable or removable cores, the distance between the operating shear line and the control shear line, expressed either in units of the increment or as a measurement.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Key

(n.) 1. A key whose only purpose is to remove and/or install an interchangeable or removable core.
(n.) 2. A bypass key used to operate and/or reset some combination type locks.
(n.) 3. A key which allows disassembly of some removable cylinder locks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Lug

(n.) That part of an interchangeable or removable core-retaining device which locks the core into its housing.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Number

(n.) A number used to calculate the size of the build-up pin when; (a) the sizes of bottom and master pins are known, or (b) the bitting depths of all operating keys are known.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Control Shear Line

(n.) The shear line which allows operation of the control lug of an interchangeable or removable core.

Control Sleeve

(n.) The part of an interchangeable or removable core retaining device which surrounds the plug.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Controlled Cross Keying

(n.) A condition in which two or more different keys of the same level of keying and under the same higher level key(s) operate one cylinder by design; e.g., XAA1 operated by AA2 (but not XAA1 operated by AB1).
Note: This condition could severely limit the security of the cylinder and the maximum expansion of the system when (1) more than a few of these different keys operate a cylinder, or (2) more than a few differently cross keyed cylinders per system are required.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Controller

(n.) A device that has decision making capability by way of authentication or lookup in a database. It serves a control function by having output relays or other interfaces with other devices which may include other controllers, electric strikes, alarms, or printers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Convertible Dial

(n.) A dial that is designed to readily accept a key locking core at any time.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Coordinator

(n.) In conjunction with a pair of doors, a device designed to cause the inactive leaf to close first.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Core

(n.) A complete unit, often with a “figure eight” shape, which usually consists of the plug, shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer and spring cover(s). It is primarily used in removable and interchangeable core cylinders and looks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Corner Bracket

(n.) A door closer mounting plate attached to the upper corner of the jamb.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CPL

(abb.) The title "Certified Professional Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CPP

(abb.) “Certified Protection Professional” as awarded by ASIS.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CPS

(abb.) The title "Certified Professional Safe Technician" as awarded by SAVTA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Crane Hinge

(n.) A three leaf hinge assembly with two of the leaves being mounted to the body and door and the third only to the other two leaves.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Credential

(n.) Any identifying or authorizing instrument, other than a mechanical key, that can cause entry to be allowed.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cremone Bolt

(n.) A surface mounted, top and bottom locking, deadbolt mechanism operated by a central handle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CRL

(abb.) The title "Certified Registered Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cross Bore

(n.) A hole drilled into the face of a door where a bored or interconnected lockset is to be installed.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cross Keying

(n.) The deliberate process of combinating a cylinder (usually in a master key system) to two or more different keys which would not normally be expected to operate it together.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cruciform

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a key section or keyway which usually resembles a plus sign (+) or the letter "X".
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

CSI

(abb.) Construction Specifiers Institute
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cuff

(n.) A sleeve mounted around a steering column to protect the column.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cup Escutcheon

(n.) Lock trim that creates a recess in a door face and does not protrude beyond the door face.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cup Handle

(n.) A fitting recessed into a door surface to provide a finger grip with which to move the door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cupboard Latch

(n.) A latching mechanism typically surface mounted to the outside of cabinet doors or drawers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Curb

(n.) A round safe lock cover that is rabbeted and has a wheel post as an integral part of its construction.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Curb Post

(n.) A wheel post attached to a curb.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Curtain (British)

(n.) In a lever tumbler lock, a device that blocks access to the keyhole when the key is turned.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Curved Lip Strike

(n.) A strike so shaped as to effect smoother function of the latch while the door is closing.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut

(v.) To make cuts into a key blade.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut Angle

(n.) A measurement, usually expressed in degrees, for the angle between the two sides of a key cut.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut Edge

(n.) The portion of the key blade which contains the cuts.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut Key

(n.) A key which has been bitted or combinated.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut Root

(n.) The bottom of a key cut.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cut Root Shape

(n.) The shape of the bottom of a key cut. It may have a flat or radius of a specific dimension, or be a perfect "V".
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cutaway

(adj.) 1. Of or pertaining to a device with material removed or a transparent cover to expose and demonstrate a mechanism or feature.
(n.) 2. Any cutaway product.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cutter

(n.) The part of a key machine which makes the cuts into the key blank.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cutter Guard

(n.) A shield over a key machine cutter to protect the operator.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder

(n.) A complete operating unit which usually consists of the plug shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer, a cam/tailpiece or other actuating device, and all other necessary operating parts.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Blank

(n.) A dummy cylinder which has a solid face and no operating parts.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Clip

(n.) A spring steel device used to secure some types of cylinders.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Collar

(n.) A plate or ring installed under the head of a cylinder to improve appearance and/or security.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Guard

(n.) A protective cylinder mounting device.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Key

(n.) A broad generic term including virtually all keys for pin and disc tumbler locks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylinder Lock

(n.) Any lock that is operated by a cylinder key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Cylindrical Lockset

(n.) A bored lockset whose latch or bolt locking mechanism is contained in the portion installed through the cross-bore.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council