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VIRGINIA LOCKSMITH GLOSSERY

160 prep
n. a standard door preparation which consists of a 2-1/8" cross-bore with a 2-3/8" backset, and a 1" edge-bore with a mortise 1" wide and 2-1/4" high

161 prep
n. a standard door preparation which consists of a 2-1/8" cross-bore with a 2-3/4" backset, and a 1" edge-bore with a mortise 1-1/8" wide and 2-1/4" high

A2
n. an increment of .0125 typically used in a small format interchangeable core (SFIC)

A3
n. an increment of .018 typically used in a small format interchangeable core (SFIC)

A4
n. an increment of .021 typically used in a small format interchangeable core (SFIC)

access control
n. any barrier or device, either natural or man made, that limits or prohibits, free or unlimited access

access control cylinder
n. a replacement for a mechanical cylinder which incorporates electronic access control and allows the original host lock to function without additional wiring or hardware modifications

access control key fob
n. any device other than a key designed to allow a token to be used and carried on a key ring

accessory position
n. the position of an ignition switch intended to permit the use of radio or other equipment without turning on a drive train component

active case
n. the exit device case mounted on the stile of the door on which the lock is located

active leaf
n. the single door of a pair on which the active or locking hardware is mounted

active relocking device
n. a device that places its bolts every time a safe door is closed and activation via attack prevents it from retracting its bolts

active retainer
n. 1. a cylinder retaining mechanism which requires that the plug be rotated before the cylinder can be removed, 2. a plug retaining mechanism which requires that the plug be rotated before the retainer can be removed

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 ball hinge
n. a pivot with adjustable height for narrow stile doors

adjustable collar
n. a spring-loaded cylinder collar which can fill a range of gaps between the cylinder head and the door or escutcheon surface

adjustable mortise cylinder
n. any mortise cylinder whose length can be adjusted for a better fit in doors of varying thickness

AED
abb. anti-explosive device

AFTE
abb. Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners

after hours depository
n. a locked receptacle for the deposit of items after regular hours

AHC
abb. Architectural Hardware Consultant (as certified by DHI)

AHD
abb. after hours depository

AHJ
abb. authority having jurisdiction

alarm system
n. a system of electrical and/or electronic components which detect and report dangers, such as fire or intrusion

aligning tube
n. 1. a lock component which orients and joins the latch and knob spindles of certain bored locksets, 2. in some combination locks, a tube which houses the spindle, located between the dial ring and the lock

alignment pin
n. the perpendicular projection from a master lever in a master keyed lever tumbler lock, which engages a group of combination levers and moves their gates to align with the fence

all-section key blank
n. the key section which enters all keyways of a multiplex key system

ALOA
abb. Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.

Americans with Disabilities Act
n. a US federal law dealing with minimum standards of building accessibility, as well as other issues concerning individuals with disabilities

angularly bitted key
n. a key which has cuts made into the blade at various degrees of rotation from the perpendicular

annunciator n. an audible and/or visual signaling device

ANSI
abb. American National Standards Institute

ANSI strike
n. any of many strikes designed to fit door and frame preparations as specified in the applicable document in the ANSI A115 series, common usage refers to a strike with dimensions of 4 7/8" X 1 1/4"

ANSI 117.1
n. that section of the American National Standards Institute documents pertaining to handicap access

anti-friction
adj. pertaining to a feature which, upon contact with the strike, allows smoother operation of a latch bolt

anti-pass back
adj. of or pertaining to an access control system feature designed prevent consecutive use of a given credential to allow entry by more than one person at a time

anti-punch collar n. a two part system installed on a spindle shaft and safe body to prevent the spindle shaft from being punched into the lock case

anti-rap
adj. specifically designed to preclude bypass via attack based on sharp, repetitive blows to the mechanism

anti slip positioned
adj. of or pertaining to the orientation of a cam on a profile cylinder which requires rotation before it may be removed from the lock case

anti-wrench reinforcement spring
n. a lock cylinder spring designed to protect the inner and outer halves of a profile cylinder from being forcibly separated as a means of brute force entry

arbor
n. the threaded end of a safe door handle

architectural finish code
n. one of a series of specification codes used to indicate the color and texture of a metal end product that can be installed. Some finish specifications also note the base metal characteristics and processes used to obtain the end product.

architectural hardware
n. 1. fittings applied to protect a surface of, or to facilitate use of movable members in a building such as doors, windows, or cabinets, 2. various fixtures used in building construction

arm (of a closer)
n. door closer linkage which connects the closer to the frame or door, depending on the mounting style

armored escutcheon
n. a usually hardened escutcheon, typically beveled, that resists physical attack

armored face plate
n. a face plate that conceals all lock and/or cylinder mounting screws

ASIS
abb. American Society for Industrial Security

assembly occupancy
n. those buildings or areas which are designated as places of assembly according to life safety or building codes

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

astragal
n. a molding attached to the face of the active leaf of a pair of doors and overlapping the inactive leaf

ATM
abb. automatic teller machine

ATT
abb. attendant's key

attack resistance
adj. design qualities of a product that render brute force physical defeat methods less effective or ineffective

attendant's key
n. a selective master key used in a hospital keying system

audit overrun
n. a means of attack designed to eliminate entries in an access control database, overfilling and scrolling off previous entries

audit trail
n. a specific group of events selected from transaction records and listed sequentially

authority having jurisdiction
n. that person, usually within a municipality, charged with the application and interpretation of local life safety codes

automatic closing
adj. pertaining to a door which is equipped with a door closer, or other device to close it without manual intervention. Frequently found in Life Safety and fire code requirements.

automatic deadbolt
n. a deadbolt designed to extend itself fully when the door is closed

automatic flush bolt
n. a flush bolt designed to extend itself when both leaves of the pair of doors are in the closed position

automatic key machine
n. a machine capable of cutting keys with manual operations limited to loading and unloading keys

automatic teller machine
n. a device for dispensing cash, receiving deposits and performing other banking functions upon presentation of the proper authorization

auxiliary lock
n. any lock installed in addition to the primary lockset

auxiliary spring
n. a secondary spring used to support the lever handles of a lockset

auxiliary spring rose
n. oversized trim that interlocks with a lock chassis and external lever as a means to mount an auxiliary spring

Access Control Device
n. Any device or system that selectively allows entry by certain persons to an area while excluding others. Usually, this term is not used to refer to ordinary key-operated locks but rather to push-button, card access, or biometric systems. This can be anything from a simple mechanical push-button lock to retinal scanners, palm scanners or badge readers wired to magnetic or electrical locking devices.
ADA
see Americans with Disabilities Act.
Alarm System
n. A system of electrical and/or electronic components which detect and report dangers, such as fire or intrusion.

ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
n. A US federal law dealing with minimum standards of building accessibility, as well as other issues concerning individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation provides for stiff civil penalties for any business, workplace, or public institution that fails to provide appropriate access to disabled persons.
Annunciator
n. Audible and visual signaling device.
Astrigal
n. A molding attached to the face of the active leaf of a pair of doors and overlapping the inactive leaf.

Automatic Door Opener
n. A device which automatically controls the opening or position of a door.
CCTV
see Closed-Circuit Television.
Cipher Lock
see Push-Button Lock

Closed-Circuit Television
n. A television system connected by cables to monitors so events can be recorded or supervised remotely.
Barrier Free
n. Having to do with the absence of restrictions to access by the handicapped.
Bit and Barrel Key
n. Also known as a "Bit Key", "Barrel Key", or a "Skeleton Key".
Code Cut Key
n. A series of letters or numbers found on some locks. In the case of office furniture and some padlocks, the number is stamped or printed right on the face of the lock. Some automobile manufacturers also stamp or print this number somewhere on the vehicle. Others vehicle manufacturers keep the key code on file and can look it up for the owner by the VIN number. With a valid key code, one can originate a key using books or software and special key-cutting equipment.
Concealed
adj. Installed within the door or frame, mortised and hidden from view.
Continuous Hinge
n. A heavy-duty hinge that runs the entire length of the door, rather than at 2, 3, or 4 individual points.
Cylinder
n. The lock component where the key is inserted.
Also known as a "Cylinder" or a "Keyhole".
Cypher Lock
see Push-Button Lock
DCJS
Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Deadbolt
n. A locking device that, once fully extended, cannot be retracted except by operating the locking device (usually a key cylinder or thumb-turn knob). It cannot be "jimmied," "shimmed" or pushed back.
Double Sided
adj. A lock that has cylinders on both sides of the lock --as opposed to a single sided lock that has a thumb turn on one side of the lock.
Door Closer
n. A device which automatically controls the closing or position of a door usually via a hydraulic mechanism.
Door Coordinator
n. In conjunction with a pair of doors, a device designed to cause the inactive leaf to close first.
Door Knob
see Key-In-Knob
Door Viewer
n. A viewer drilled into the door that allows one to see outside without needing to open the door. Also known as a "Door Viewer", "Peephole", or "Eyehole".
Electrified Lockset
n. A lock which is controlled electrically.
Entrance Handle Set
see Picture Handle Set
Fire Alarm
n. A system designed to detect and report conditions which may indicate the presence of a fire.
Fire Exit Device
n. An exit device which may legally be installed on a fire door. Distinguished from other exit devices because it:
1) is labeled for both fire and panic and
2) has no means of locking the latch in a retracted position.
Also known as a "Fire Exit Device", "Panic Bar", or "Crash Bar".
Fire Detection Closer
n. A device that will shut a door automatically when fire is detected to prevent the spread of fire.
Fire Resistant
adj. Levels of fire-resistance are measured and rated, either by the manufacturer of the product or by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL). Good quality fire-resistive safes are available with 1 hour, 350 degree labels and even more. This is the minimum recommended level of protection for documents.
Flush Bolt
n. A bolt that is mortised into the edge of a door that will lock either or both the top and bottom of the door. Usually used on a pair of doors so that one door will remain closed or inactive, allowing the other door to lock into it.
Full Surface Mounted
adj. Installed on the surface, or outside, of the door.
Grade 1, 2, or 3
adj. This is a durability and security rating that is issued by ANSI. Specific security features and the durability of the product (the expected number of "cycles "or operations the product endures before wearing out) determine its grade. Grade 1 locks are very heavy-duty and are the only ones suitable for high-traffic public areas. Think of Grade 1 locks as "industrial strength." Grade 2 locks are "commercial strength." They are suitable for areas with moderate traffic, such as the employee-only areas of an office. Grade 3 locks are suitable only for residential applications. They will only last in a low-traffic area where people are not likely to abuse the product or treat it roughly.
Grip Handle Set
see Picture Handle Set
High Security
adj. Generally any lock that uses patented or unconventional design features to thwart the most common types of attacks on locks -picking, drilling, key duplication, and force. Most High-security locks are especially resistant to vandalism and conventional means of fitting a key. Some, but not all high-security locks also come with restricted keys.
Impression
v. This refers to a method of fitting a key to a lock without disassembling it.
Interchangeable Core
n. Locks that are designed to facilitate frequent rekeying without disassembling the lock. A special key called a control key is used to remove and replace the cylinder or core.
Also known as an "IC Core", "IC Lock", or "IC Cylinder".
Key Blank
n. The uncut keys that are kept in stock before they are cut into a working key.
Key-In-Knob
n. Any door handle lock with a key operated cylinder in one or more knobs. Also known as a "Key-In-Knob", "Knobset", "Door Knob", or "Knob Lock".
Keyway
n. The channels or grooves in a lock that the key must pass through that distinguish one type of lock cylinder from another. Also called a "Profile".
Knob Lock
see Key-In-Knob
Knobset
see Key-In-Knob
Latch Protector
n. A device fastened to the door or frame that prevents access to the latch so it cannot be pried or forced back. Also known as a "Latch Protector", "Latch Guard", or a "Blocker Plate".
Lockset
n. A locking device, complete with trim, mounting hardware and strike.
Master Keyed
v. To organize a set of locks typically where each lock opens with it's own different key, yet one key will also open all the locks, allowing selective entry to doors to certain users.
Master Key System
n. An organized set of locks typically where each lock opens with it's own different key, yet one key will also open all the locks, allowing selective entry to doors to certain users.
Mortise
adj. Pertaining to a method of installation in which only the face plate and trim is exposed. The lock case is installed in a pocket in the door or drawer.
Mortise Style Handle Set
see Picture Handle Set
Padlock
n. A detachable and portable lock with a shackle which locks into its case.
Panic Bar
see Fire Exit Device.
Panic Exit Device
see Fire Exit Device.
Patio Door
n. Also known as a "Patio Door" or "Sliding Door".
Picture Handle Set
n. An ornate lockset typically found on the front door of houses consisting of a long handle with a thumb-piece and a deadbolt mounted above. Also known as a "Picture Handle Set", "Grip Handle Set", "Entrance Handle Set", or "Mortise Style Handle Set".
Push-Button Lock
n. Push-button lock. Also known as a "Push-Button Lock", "Cypher Lock", or "Cipher Lock".
Rekey
v. Generally entails disassembling a lock to replace the pins or tumblers inside. Once completed, the lock requires a different key to operate than before.
Rim Mounted
adj. A device that is mounted on the surface of the door rather than installed within the door itself.
Security Bar
n. A device typically fastened to the outside of a desk or filing cabinet that provides higher protection and is locked with a padlock.
Sidewinder
n. A higher security typeof key with cuts on the side of the blade, as opposed to the edges. A special machine is required to cut these. Typically found on newer luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Lexus, etc. Also known as "Sidewinder" or "Laser Cut Key".
Single Sided
adj. A lock that has a cylinder on one side of the lock and a thumbturn on the other.
Telephone Entry System
n. An entry system typically found in an apartment lobby where a visitor can use a keypad to dial up the person being visited so the visitor can be let into the lobby remotely.
Transponder
n. An electronic device that emits a unique radio signal. When the key is operated in the ignition lock, the on-board computer transmits a radio signal to the key. If the key is properly programmed, it echoes back the correct signal. The computer then allows the engine to start.
Trim
n. Exposed components of a lockset or latchset which allow operation, enhance appearance or provide protection.
Underwriters Laboratories Listed
adj. Listed in a directory as having passed specific Underwriters Laboratories testing showing that it meets minimum required standards for safety and functionality.
VATS
see Vehicle Anti-Theft System.
Vehicle Anti-Theft System
n. An electronic system in some General Motors vehicles which uses a resistor pellet of varying value imbedded in a mechanical ignition key.
Vertical Rod
adj. A device (particularly a panic bar) that has rods that lock both the top and bottom of the door, as opposed to the side of a door.
Wafer
n. A method of locking acylinder as opposed to a pin. It is generally a lower security than pin locks and are usually found in desk locks or other small furniture locks. Also known as a "Disc".
Wrap-Around-Plate
n. A metal sleeve that isput around the lock and strike that reinforces the door and hides cosmetic damage. Also known as a "Door Sleeve", "Wrap-Around-Plate", or a "Door Wrap".