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

Glossary of Terms

Day Gate

(n.) A barrier used to restrict passage during normal business hours, normally used at a vault entrance.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Day Key

(n.) 1. The key for a day gate or day operation of a safe or vault lock.
(n.) 2. A cash register key which does not allow audit or reset functions.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Daylock

(n.) 1. A locking device, other than the primary lock, used to maintain the safe in a locked condition.
(v.) 2. To insecurely close a safe or vault door without scrambling the combination, even though the door may not be opened by simply turning or pulling the handle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dead Pin

(n.) An immovable pin in a tubular lock which functions as a ward.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deadbolt, Dead Bolt

(n.) 1. A bolt on a lock that is moved by turning the key or knob without activation of a spring.
(n.) 2. The part of a lock that is engaged or withdrawn with a key.
Source: Dictionary.com
(n.) A bolt, which requires a deliberate action to extend, and which resists end pressure in the unlocking direction when fully extended.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deadlatch

(n.) A kind of latch whose bolt may be so locked by a detent that it can not be opened from the inside by the handle, or from the outside by the latch key.
Source: Dictionary.com

Deadlock

(n.) A lock which incorporates a deadbolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deadlocking

(adj.) Pertaining to any feature which, when fully engaged, resists attempts to move the latch or bolt in the unlocking direction through direct pressure.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deadlocking Latch

(n.) A latchbolt with a deadlocking mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Declining Step Key

(n.) A key whose cuts are equal or deeper as you proceed from bow to tip.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deco Key Finish

(n.) Any design embossed or imprinted on a key to give it an aesthetic appearance.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Decode

(v.) To determine a key combination by physical measurement of a key and/or cylinder parts.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Decoder Gauge

(n.) A measuring device which helps determine the combination of a lock or cylinder without removing the tumblers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Deflector Cover

(n.) A removable shield designed to prevent pin point drilling on a safe.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Degree Of Rotation

(n.) A specification for the angle at which a cut is made into a key blade as referenced from the perpendicular; e.g., right (R or 2), left (L or 1) or center (= perpendicular) (C). This specification is typically used for some high security keys.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Delamination

(v.) The process on older laminated door safes of having to remove some layers of the lamination to allow access to the lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Delayed Action Timer

(n.) A secondary device which prevents movement of a bolt or boltworks until a set amount of time has elapsed. The device is normally set or activated as part of the unlocking process.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Department Master Key

(n.) A master key which operates all or most master keyed locks of a given department.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Depth Key Set

(n.) A set of keys used to make a code original key on a key duplicating machine to a lock manufacturer's given set of key bitting specifications. Each key is cut with the correct spacing to one depth only in all bitting positions, with one key for each depth.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Derived Series

(n.) A series of blind codes and bittings which are directly related to those of another bitting list.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Detector Lever

(n.) A lever tumbler with an extra gate that, when elevated beyond the bolt fence, accepts a latching fence to prevent further movement of the tumbler.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Detector Lock

(n.) A lock containing a contrivance for showing whether it has been tampered with.
Source: Dictionary.com
(n.) A lock that incorporates a detector lever in its mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Detention Lock

(n.) A lock designed for securing a cell or other area in a prison or jail.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

DHI

(abb.) Door and Hardware Institute
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dial

(n.) 1. The typically rotatable member of a combination lock that may be used to differentiate locations on the combination wheels and cause operation of the lock.
(v.) 2. The act of turning or rotating a dial.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dial Insert Lock

(n.) A key operated cylinder used to lock the dial on a combination lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dial Ring

(n.) An escutcheon for a combination lock dial.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dialer

(n.) 1. A device which automatically places a telephone call to a pre-set number when activated.
(n.) 2. An electro-mechanical device which systematically tries different combinations on a dial operated combination lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Diamond Back

(adj.) Pertaining to a rim cabinet lock whose mounting flanges and case forms the general shape of a diamond.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Diamond Pick

(n.) A tumbler manipulation device with a triangular protrusion at its tip.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Digital Dial

(n.) A rotatable dial that causes a separate readable index, (typically digital), to change.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Digital Dialer

(n.) A telephone communication device that dials a programmed telephone number, and transmits, via tones or pulses, one or more signals to a digital receiver.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dimple

(n.) A key cut in a dimple key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dimple Key

(n.) A key whose cuts are drilled or milled into its blade surfaces. The cuts normally do not change the blade silhouette.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Direct Code

(n.) A designation assigned to a particular key which includes the actual combination of the key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Direct Drive

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a combination lock with the drive cam mounted on the dial's spindle shaft.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Direction Of Rotation

(n.) The direction a combination lock dial is to be turned when the combination is worked. It usually is specified as clockwise (CW) or right (R), or counter clockwise (CCW) or left (L).
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Disc Tumbler

(n.) 1. A flat tumbler which must be drawn into the cylinder plug by the proper key so that none of its extremities extends into the shell.
(n.) 2. A flat, usually rectangular tumbler with a gate which must be aligned with a sidebar by the proper key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Diskette Lock

(n.) A usually key operated device which blocks access to the drive for a removable disk.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Display Key

(n.) A special change key in a hotel master key system which will allow access to one designated guest room, even if the lock is in the shut out mode. It may also act as a shut out key for that room.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Divided Plug Keyway

(n.) A cylinder plug divided at the keyway into two parts. Either part may be replaced to result in a different keyway combination via different warding for the keyway.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dog

(v.) 1. To place an exit device in the holdback mode.
(n.) 2. In marine applications the latch for a hatch.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dogging Cylinder

(n.) A key operated cylinder used to dog an exit device.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dogging Device

(n.) In an exit device, a mechanism used to temporarily disable the latch from locking.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dogging Key

(n.) A key or tool used to dog an exit device.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dogging Screw

(n.) A screw used to dog an exit device.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Bumper

(n.) An obstruction installed to prevent a door or lock from contacting another object.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Closer

(n.) A device designed to regulate the closing of a door automatically by various means.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Control

(n.) Any device which controls the opening, closing or position of a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Holder

(n.) Any device designed to maintain a door in the open position.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Lug

(n.) A non-movable projection on a safe door that helps keep the door in the locked position.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Puller

(n.) A tool designed to open a safe deposit box by forcibly pulling the door and breaking the lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Silencer

(n.) A bumper installed in the jamb stop to quiet the closing of a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Swing

(adj.) The direction and degree to which a door opens, as LH 90º, RH 180º, etc.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Door Viewer

(n.) A device with one or more lenses, mounted in a door at eye level, which allows a limited view through a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Bitted Key

(n.) A key typically bitted on two opposite surfaces.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Cut

(n.) Two bittings for the same tumbler position.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Cylinder

(adj.) Pertaining to a lock with two keyed cylinders.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Cylinder Deadlock

(n.) A deadbolt lock whose bolt may be operated by a key from either side.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double D

(n.) 1. A shape consisting of two opposing arcs and two opposing flats.
(adj.) 2. Having such a shape.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double D Punch

(n.) A tool used to make a double D hole.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Horn

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a safe deposit type lock which requires two separate holes through the door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Locking

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a lock with one or more bolts with different functions, typically a latch and a deadbolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Pin

(v.) To place more than one master pin in a single pin chamber.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double Throw Bolt

(n.) A deadbolt that has two distinct extended positions, both of which are deadlocked.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double-Acting Closer

(n.) A door closer designed to be used on a double-acting door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double-Acting Door

(adj.) A door that may be pushed open from either side.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double-Acting Hinge

(n.) A hinge which permits movement of a door in either direction from the closed position.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Double-Acting Lever Tumbler

(n.) One that must be lifted a precise amount, neither too little nor too much to allow movement of a bolt.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Draw Sheet

(n.) A page with a completed matrix of potential combinations used in Matrix Format Master Keying.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drawback Latch/Lock

(n.) A latch/lock whose latch is disengaged by pushing or pulling an actuator toward the hinge side of the jamb.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drill Point

(n.) The exact measurement of the location used to drill a locked up container to effect an opening.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drive Cam

(n.) The first wheel rotated by a dial or key that has an opening designed to allow the fence, lever, or tailbar to enter and facilitate in opening of the lock or safe.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drive In

(adj.) Pertaining to a latch or bolt with a round face.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Driver Spring

(n.) A spring placed on top of the pin stack to exert pressure on the pin tumblers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drop

(n.) A pivoting or swinging dust cover.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drop Bolt

(n.) A lock with an interlocking bolt which moves vertically and may enter loops on the strike.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drop In

(n.) The gate area of the drive cam where the lever nose drops into. Usually identified with a corresponding number on the dial.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drop Ring

(n.) A looped handle which can pivot, typically recessed and falls flush with the door face when not in use.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Drop-In Point

(n.) The location in a combination lock where the wheel gates are aligned with the fence.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dual Custody

(n.) 1. A function designed to require the presence of two persons with two different keys, combinations or codes to operate the same device.
(adj.) 2. Pertaining to such a function.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dual Locking Cylinder

(n.) A style of lock cylinder whose key operates two independent locking mechanisms within the cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dumb Card

(n.) An authorization credential that presents recorded data only.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dumb Reader

(n.) An access control interrogation device that can only relay data to a controller.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dumbbell Pin

(n.) A spool pin with serrations at the larger diameter ends.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dummy

(adj.) Pertaining to any type of non-active device applied for aesthetic purposes.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dummy Cylinder

(n.) A non-functional facsimile of a rim or mortise cylinder used for appearance only, usually to conceal a cylinder hole.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dummy Trim

(n.) Non active trim applied for aesthetic purposes.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Duplex

(n.) An early trade name used by Yale for locks which offer the functionality of master keying by incorporating two cylinders on the same side of the door, or two keyways in a lever tumbler lock. One keyway is for the change key and the other keyway is for the 'master key'.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Duplicate

(v.) To copy.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Duplicate Key

(n.) Any key reproduced from a pattern key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Duress Code

(n.) A special combination or operation sequence which conveys an alarm or other signal to a remote location while allowing access.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dust Box

(n.) An enclosure applied under a strike to enhance appearance and/or performance.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dust Cover

(n.) A device designed to prevent foreign matter from entering a mechanism through the keyway.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dust Proof Cylinder

(n.) A cylinder designed to prevent foreign matter from entering either end of the keyway.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dust Proof Strike

(n.) A typically floor mounted strike that has a spring loaded internal plunger designed to keep the receptacle free of dust and debris.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Dutch Door Bolt

(n.) A bolt which secures the top section of a Dutch door to the bottom section.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council