The concept of lockpicking and Locksmithing has been discussed at length. It is a given that this technique is unique and inevitable at the same time and there is a lot that can be done using these techniques in lock smithing and lock picking. It would help for us to understand certain terms used in lockpicking and Locksmithing to gain a better perspective to locks and their opening techniques as a whole. Some of the technical terms used in lock picking and Locksmithing are explained here for the benefit of the readers.
Technical terms used in Lock Locksmithing
Locksmith
A professional who works in the field of opening, manufacturing and maintaining locks and security systems
Locksmithing
The scientific method used in making, breaking and maintaining locks and lock systems. Locksmithing can also be considered an art of lock manipulating. A task applicable to security systems as well.
Tubular lock pick
A tubular lock pick is a tool that specializes in the task to open a tubular pin tumbler lock. Tubular locks come in various sizes such as 6, 7, and 8-pin locks and are similar in design and function. Used by a simple insertion into the lock and turning the lock clockwise with a medium level of tension. When the tubular lock is pushed further into the lock, it forces the pins to open one by one slowly until they stop consequently binding driver pins.
Modern tubular locks are complemented by a decoder which allows the locksmith to perceive the depths at which the shear plane was broken by the pins; this technique saves the cost and hassle of replacing a lock.
Tension wrench
The tension wrench or better known as the torque, this is a tool used to pick locks. The torque or tension wrench is “L” shaped this instrument is used to exercise torsion to the inner cylinder of a lock, this is done to hold previously picked pins, if any, in their place, while the lock smith shifts the other pins are the inner cylinder is tehn turned by the tension wrench and the lock is opened.
Slim Jim
A Slim Jim is made of a metal strip that is really thin and measures around 60 cm in legth and about 2–4 cm in width. This tool is known as the lockout tool in technical language of locksmithing. Used usually to open automobile locks and doors t It acts directly on the levers and interconnecting rods that operate the door, completely avoiding the complexity of dealing with the lockat have got jammed accidentally.
Key code
Locksmiths use a series of alphanumeric characters to create a key. These codes are of two types: blind codes and bitting codes. They are used in high end security systems extensively in our times.
Key relevance
This term is used to measure or discuss how identical a key impression made on wax or otherwise is to the actual key that is paired with the original lock.
Maison and Master key system
A Maison key system is different from a Master key system. In a master key system individual keys are used to access individual lock whereas a Maison key system is designed to operate locks with any key that belongs to the system.
Rekey
Rekey is a term used to refer to the possibility of changing or altering a lock to suit a different key other than the original. The concept of Rekeying was invented by a visionary locksmith called Solomon Andrews in 1836. This concept or method is used when the owner suspects misuse of the existing lock by people who are unauthorized or there is a reported loss of the original key and changing the lock might prove very expensive.
Shear line
This is a term used when referring to cylinder locks. It is the line where the outer cylinder starts and the inner cylinder ends. This is a critical system that not only secures the lock but also aids the processes of Locksmithing without causing damage to the lock per se.
Terms used in Locksmithing and lockpicking are dynamic, they keep evolving as technology keeps widening the scope of work for locksmiths and lock pickers. So entrust your Locksmithing needs to a professional who will choose the tool which is just right and if you are lucky to get a chatty locksmith he might just familiarize you further with more such terms.
