Terminology
21
-A-
actuator n. a device, usually connected to a cylinder,
which, when activated, may cause a lock mechanism
to operate
ADA abb. Americans with Disabilities Act
adjustable mortise cylinder n. any mortise cylinder
whose length can be adjusted for a better fit in doors
of varying thickness
all-section key blank n. the key section which enters
all keyways of a multiplex key system
ALOA abb. Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.
associated change key n. a change key which is
related directly to particular master key(s) through the
use of constant cuts
associated master key n. a master key which has
particular change keys related directly to its
combination through the use of constant cuts
ASTM abb. American Society for Testing
and Materials
auxiliary lock n. any lock installed in addition to the
primary lockset
-B-
ball locking adj. a method of locking a padlock
shackle into its case using ball bearing(s) as the bolt(s)
battery eliminator n. an electric device designed
to provide energy to equipment normally requiring
batteries for operation
bible n. that portion of the cylinder shell which
normally houses the pin chambers, especially those
of a key-in-knob cylinder or certain rim cylinders
bicycle padlock n. a padlock with sufficient shackle
clearance to secure a bicycle
bi-directional cylinder n. a cylinder which may
be operated in a clockwise and counterclockwise
direction by a single key
binary cut key n. a key whose combination only
allows for two possibilities in each bitting position:
cut/no cut
binary type cylinder or lock n. a cylinder or lock
whose combination only allows for two bitting
possibilities in each bitting position
bit n. the part of the key which serves as the blade,
usually for use in a warded or lever tumbler lock
v. to cut a key
bit key n. a key with one or more projecting bits
bitting n. 1. the number(s) which represent(s)
the dimensions of the key 2. the actual cut(s)
or combination of a key
bitting depth n. the depth of a cut which is made
into the blade of a key
bitting list n. a listing of all the key combinations
used within a system. The combinations are usually
arranged in order of the blind code, direct code,
and/or key symbol.
bitting position n. the location of a key cut
blade n. the portion of a key which may contain the
cuts and/or millings
blank adj. uncut, see also “key blank”
blind code n. a designation, unrelated to the bitting,
assigned to a particular key combination for future
reference when additional keys or cylinders may
be needed
block master key n. the one pin master key for all
combinations listed as a block in the standard
progression format
BMK abb. block master key
bolt n. any movable projection which blocks the
movement of one object relative to another
bottom of blade n. the portion of the blade opposite
the cut edge of a single bitted key
bottom pin n. usually a cylindrical shaped tumbler
which may be conical, ball shaped or chisel pointed
on the end which makes contact with the key
bow n. the portion of the key which serves as a grip
or handle
bow stop n. a type of stop located near the key bow
box of wards n. a complete unit of intricate wards
installed in or on a lock case
bridge ward n. a center ward attached to the interior
of a lock by means of a bracket
broach n. a tool used to cut the keyway into the
cylinder plug v. to cut the keyway into a cylinder
plug with a broach
build-up dimension n. 1. the distance between
two different shear lines, as expressed in units of the
manufacturer's increment or as an actual
measurement 2. the dimension of the build-up pin
required in a particular chamber, which will allow one
key to operate at the plug shear line and a different
key to operate at a different shear line
build-up pin n. the additional element of a pin stack
required to allow operation at different shear lines in
a cylinder
by-pass tool n. a device that neutralizes the security
of a locking device, or its application hardware,
often taking advantage of a design weakness
-C-
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 2. the bolt of a
cam lock
cam lock n. a complete locking assembly in the form
of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt
cap n. 1. a spring cover for a single pin chamber
2. a part which may serve as a plug retainer and/
or a holder for the tailpiece v. to install a cap
When making a definition of a term, the following rules were
applied to the term:
1. Is the term listed in a standard dictionary?
2. Is the definition there the same meaning used in
our industry?
A standard pocket dictionary can be obtained easily and
on short notice from a variety of stores that have a
pocket book display. If the answer to either of the
questions above is no, then the definition of the term
may be found here.
A definition must meet the following rules:
1. It must describe the subject of the term
without graphics.
2. It must describe ONLY the subject of the term.
3. The term should not be used in the definition.
If you have a technical objection to any definition,
please bring it to the attention of a member of the LIST
Council for review.
Used by permission. Copyright © 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996,
1997 LIST Council
