We're the experts, dont worry! ...but if it helps to know what we're talking about, take a look at the locksmith talk below.
Some terms commonly you may hear or start hear once you need a locksmith

Access Control - This refers to any type of barrier or device, that contorls access to unauthorized persons.

Alike change -This is more than one lock or latch which can be operated by the same key.

All to pass - Often referred to as “locks to pass” i.e. a numb of locks which can be passed or opened by the same key.

Angle cuts - Measurement for the angle between the two sides of a key cut.

Anti-thrust bolt - A spring bolt for a night latch which cannot be pushed back when it has extended and locked a door, although it can be withdrawn by a knob or a key.
Anti-thrust plate - An overlapping metal plate fitted to outward opening doors in order to prevent access to lock bolts.

Automatic deadlatch - A deadlatch, the main bolt of which is automatically deadlocked when the door is shuts.

Auxiliary Lock - The name given to any additional lock that is fitted to a door with an existing lock already fitted.

Backplate - The plate, fixed on a door, to which the moving parts of a lock or latch are attached to properly secure it to the door.

Backset - The horizontal distance from the outside face of the outer forend to the centre of the keyhole/follower hole - specifically called the “keyhole backset” or “follower backset”.

Banbury Lock - (Also known as a wooden stock lock) - which is an old style lock in which the various metal pieces are fitted separately in a block of wood which, in effect, forms the lock case.

Bar - The part between the pockets which is slotted to allow the bolt stump to pass through.

Barrel and Curtain It is the full name of a security device fitted in some locks to turn and close the keyhole when the key or any other instrument inserted through the keyhole is turned. The barrel is a tubular part surrounding that portion of the shank of the key which enters the lock, and the curtain, attached to the barrel, is a disc fitting close to the underside of the cap of the lock. A spring with its end to enter the notch in the edge of the curtain is usually fitted to keep the barrel and curtain in place.

Barrel Bolt - Is a kind of door bolt having a round shoot running in a long continuous guide or strap and attached to the backplate.

Bathroom lock - Commonly used in bathrooms, hence the name. A lock with a springbolt operable on both sides by furniture and a deadbolt operable from the inside only, usually by thumb turn.

Belly - The generally curved edge which the key touches.

Bell Box - The protective enclosure that surrounds a household bell or an electronic alarm system.

Biometric - An operating function of a lock which relies on the human finger prints as a key. Also used on photocopiers

Birmingham Bar - A steel bar fitted to the inside face of a door frame on the hinge side.

Bit or key bit - This part of a key which is specially shaped or notched to operate the mechanism of its own particular lock or latch.

Bitting - The art of shaping or notching of a key blank to transform it into a key to operate a particular lock or latch.

Blade - That part of a cylinder or lever key that is to be or has been notched.

Blank or key blank - A partly made key, which has been shaped to enter the keyhole of a certain type of lock or latch. The blade has not been finally notched to operate any individual lock, so can operate as a skeleton key.

Bolt - The part of a lock or latch which provides the fastening or engagement by protruding from the case or forend to engage in the staple, striking plate, link, shackle or other equivalent lock part.

Bolt head - The portion of a bolt that protrudes beyond the case or forend of a lock

Bolt hole - The hole in a case, forend, plate or staple which guides and/or houses the bolt.

Bolt Stump - This is the bit that upstands, usually rectangular in section, on a dead bolt or runner which passes through the slot or gating in the levers as the bolt moves.

Bow - The part of a key which is held in the fingers when operating the lock or latch.

Box Lock - A lock for fitting to the front of a box with a hinged lid. In the larger sizes the bolt of the lock, usually key operated, has two locking points to engage the two links on the linkplate which is fixed to the lid.

Box Striker - A striking plate having a box shape around the bolt hole to receive the deadbolt, used for serious security.

Bridge Ward - The kind fitted in some two-sided locks, the wards being fixed to a plate or bridge which is in the centre of the thickness of the lock and carried on cheeks.

Bullet or Bulleted -
1. In a key, bullets are the longitudinal grooves/projections on a key bit requiring a keyhole formed to suit.
2. In a lock, they are the corresponding grooves/projections at the keyhole, designed to prevent the entry of a key which is not properly shaped.

Burglar Bars - Steel bars, usually in round or square frames fixed internally to windows. This is prevalent in inner city areas.

Bush - A lining (usually brass) around the key - or follower - hole in a lock case, giving smoother working and longer life to the rotating parts. The keyhole bush is often milled so as to form wards on one or both sides of the inside of the lock case. See "Sashwards"

Cabinet lock - A generic term to include any lock which is in use for pieces of furniture like cupboards, drawers, chests, boxes and the like.

Cam - Usually a tongue fixed to the end of the plug of a cylinder lock or latch. This is the typical locking mechanism for Filing Cabinet Locks and Mailbox Locks.

Cam lock - A complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt.

Cap (of the lock) - The removable cover to a lock mechanism.

Case - That part of a lock or latch containing the mechanism.

Casement Door - A hinge door or two doors almost wholly glazed; often called a French Window.

Casement Window - Wwindow in which one or two lights are hinged to open.

CCTV – Closed Circuit Television is system of hidden or visible cameras linked to a security monitor.

Centres - The measurement in an upright or sash lock between the centre of the keyhole and the centre of the follower hole.

Chamber - The hole or holes in cylinder housings that house top pins and springs.

Chain Lock - a device used to secure property with interlocking links and secured on both ends by a slide plate or a key locking device. Usually used alongside another form of lock for increased security.

Chamber- is any cavity in a cylinder plug or shell which houses the tumblers.

Change Key - The key which opens one certain lock, the term is
usually used with Master-Keyed Suites.

Changing Key - One used in some keyless combination and change key locks to enable the combination to be altered.

Circlip - A ring with open ends which can be sprung into place on a plug or other part to permit rotation but to stop endways movement.

Claw bolt -Type of deadbolt having pivoted claws which swing out sideways when the bolt is extended. Such locks are usually fixed to sliding doors.

Clutch headed screw - Threaded screws suitable for wood or metal with a shaped head allowing clockwise action to fix but no anticlockwise action to remove.

Close shackle padlock - A padlock the body of which is built up so that the minimum amount of shackle is visible when locked. It offers improved security against forcing or use of bolt-croppers.

Coined - Which signifies embossing, that is, the forcing of cold metal between dies to give it form without cutting the metal.

Collar - The shoulder on the shank of a rim, mortice or bitted key, controlling the point at which the key comes to rest after being fully inserted into the lock.

Collar - Ward A side ward cut closest to the pin adjacent to the collar.

Combination Lock - lock which is operated by the input of a specific series or sequence of numbers or letters is a combination lock.

Composite Safes are burglar resistive and fire resistive. Fire ratings and burglar ratings specify how resistant they are.
Concealed fixing - A strong backplate is screwed to the door, the lock case slides over it and is secured in position by two or more grub screws which are concealed whenever the door is closed. This is usually associated with security nightlatches.

Connecting bar - The thin metal strip fitted to the rear of the plug which transmits the motion from the tumbler mechanism of the cylinder to the springbolt in the case of a cylinder rim lock. It passes through the thickness of the door, and is usually indented at intervals to facilitate shortening to the correct length.
Connecting screws - The two screws which fix the cylinder body to the backplate.

Cover - The part of a lock or latch which covers the mechanism and is fixed, usually by screwing.
Cross differ - An error situation whereby change keys (servant keys) operate more than one lock when this was not intended.

Cross rail - The horizontal member of a door.

Cross suiting - This is a departure from straightforward master keying and is best explained by examples of cases which often occur:
1. Two or more different servant keys are required to pass one lock, all being in the same suite.
2. One servant key is required to pass two or more different locks, all being in the same suite.
3. A servant or submaster key of one subsuite is required to pass one or more locks in another subsuite.

Cut cabinet lock - A cupboard or drawer lock, the flange of which is recessed into the edge of the drawer or door.

Curtain -Abbreviation for barrel and curtain.

Cylinder - 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. Easily recognizable as the outside unit where the key goes in of a lock on a door.

Cylinder Guard Protective cylinder mounting device that covers the cylinder on the front of a door to deter prying eyes.

Cylinder housing - With all component parts removed, this forms the main body or housing of a cylinder.

Cylinder key - A key, having a bow and long blade in which V-cuts are made along the upper edge to operate the pins and drivers in a pin tumbler mechanism.

Cylinder rose (or ring) - A shaped metal disc which surrounds the outer face of the cylinder of a cylinder mechanism assembly. It usually stands slightly proud of the outside face of door.

Deadbolt - The square-ended bolt of a lock that needs a key (or thumblock inside) to either lock or unlock. Once the bolt is extended it cannot be forced back and can only be opened using the locking mechanism. It is not a good idea to have a thumb turn with the deadbolt if used on glass or wood panelled doors.

Deadlatch - A nightlatch or latch, the springbolt of which can be locked (or deadlocked) by key or other means.

Deadlock - A lock having only a square-ended deadbolt operable from one or both sides by key, and occasionally from outside only by key, inside by thumb turn.

Detainer –
1. A generic term, not widely used, for any part such as a lever or tumbler which keeps a lock bolt in position
2. The name of the sliding security members in Butter’s System locks.

Differs - An abbreviation of “different combinations” or changes.

Disc tumblers - The small shaped discs in the disc tumbler mechanism which are the means of providing different combinations.

Disc tumbler lock - A cylinder lock having disc instead of pin tumblers.

Divided Follower - Name for a split follower, to allow single operation form either side of a lock case.

Door Closer - A device for closing a door or gate automatically after opening.

Door Knob - A doorknob is a popular type of used for opening and closing a door, but not normally locking. In its simplest form, a doorknob provides only a place to grab so that the door may be pulled toward oneself. On most modern doors, however, doorknobs can be turned to operate a latching mechanism, which normally holds the door closed.

Door viewer - Optical device fitted through a door to enable observation without opening the door, commonly referred to as a ‘spy hole’

Double Feather Spring - Two separate feather springs, fitting closely together one inside the other. Alternatively both may be made from one length of material and remain joined at one end. A spring so made is more lively and likely to last longer than a single spring of thicker material.

Double-handed lock -
1. lock designed for use either as a right or left hand installation without alteration, generally by turning upside down. The keyhole has a circular formation at each end of the slot to accept the shank of the key.
2. cupboard lock, the bolt of which can be shot either way to protrude from either side of the case.

Double locking -
1. By introducing a different cam arrangement into the action of a cylinder rim nightlatch it is possible to give a double or deadlocking facility at no extra cost. A simple opposite turn of the key in the outside cylinder deadlocks both bolt and inside knob simultaneously. This gives protection against the bolt-forcing and the glass or wood panel breaking intruder.
2. Also where a lever lock shoots its bolt by more than one turn of the key, thus doubling the distance of its shoot.

Drilled-through spindle - Usually shortened to DY. A spindle with a few holes drilled at each end, one of which accepts the screw passing through the neck of the knob (or lever handle) in the door furniture.

Drillpin - A fixed stump or pin in a lock onto which the hollow shank of a pipe key fits when inserted to operate the lock.

Drivers - Pins that rest outside the plug of a cylinder when the key has created the shear line and are housed in the chambers of the cylinder housing. Drivers can be of various shapes other than cylindrical, so as to form anti-rap pins or anti-pick pins. See “Mushroom Drivers”.

Drop –
1. In drawer, chest, box or similar cabinet locks, the vertical distance from the outside face of the top edge or selvage to the centre of the keyhole.
2. Sometimes this term is used for a keyhole cover on a padlock.

Drop Arm - The member C in the illustration below, by which the bolt of the keyless combination lock is operated when the combination is set up.

Dust cap - A keyhole cover on a padlock and some car-door locks to prevent dust from entering the keyway. It is actually an escutcheon.

Ear of Key or shoulder - The projecting stop on one or both edges of a pin tumbler or other key near the bow to prevent the key from being pushed too far into the lock.

Easy action - A lock is designed so that only light spring pressure is required to move the bolt; additional spring pressure is required to move the follower and lock furniture. This is necessary especially when lock furniture comprises of lever handles, the handles then return to their correct position.

Electrified Lockset is the name given to any lock that’s operated electronically.

Emergency Service - A service which is available to call upon at any time of any and every day of the year. Sometimes referred to as 24 hour service or Round the clock service. A company offering an emergency service is best placed to service your emergency when other locksmiths are finished or have not yet started their days work.

Escutcheon - The cover for the keyhole of a mortice or similar lock.

Face Plate A face plate is the finished, removable plate which covers the front of some locks. This is used to protect the cylinder from prying

Fail Safe is a feature of security systems which releases locking mechanisms in the event of an emergency.
False Notches or false gating –
1. The notches in the bar of the levers and the bolt stump of some locks to improve the security against attempted picking.
2. Cuts or notches which are put in some keys to give the appearance of greater intricacy although they serve no useful purpose.

Feather Spring - A spring made of flat strip bent approximately to a V shape with a loop or eye at the apex of the V to fit over a stump of the Lockcase.

Final exit door - The exit door through which entry must later be obtained, and so cannot be bolted.

Flat steel key - A key made from steel sheet or strip, without corrugations in the thickness, but having the edge notched to provide the differs.

Flush Bolt - Door bolt which can be recessed flush into the edge or face of a door.
Follower - That part of the latchbolt or which or horns which act on the bolt foot. springbolt mechanism containing a square hole to admit the spindle withdraws the springbolt when turned. It has one or two projections.

Forend - That part of the lock or latch through which the bolt protrude, and by which the lock or latch is fixed to the door.

Four-way lock - A rim lock so made that it can be fitted as either a right hand or left hand installation on doors opening either inwards or outwards, without alteration, except that in some types the springbolt may need reversing.

Full rebated - A mortice lock or latch with a specially shaped forend and striking plate to suit the shaped meeting edge of a single door which overlaps the door frame or a pair of doors which overlap each other - and such overlap or rebate is at the centre of the door thickness. Such locks or latches are always handed, and the hand must be stated when ordering together with the size of the rebate. See “Handing”.

Full width Padbar - A steel bar usually purpose-made which spans the full width opening of a door with supporting brackets or staples fixed to the frame and secured by a padlock.

Furniture - The additional items needed, which are screwed to one or both sides of the door to enable a lock or latch to be manually operated. Known as door furniture, lock or latch furniture, locksets or latchsets and can be either a knob, lever handle, pull handle or push button.

Gating - The slot in a lever through which the bolt stump passes or goes into during the travel of the bolt or runner.

Grand Master Key - When a series of locks is divided into two or more sub-suites the key which controls all the sub-suites (i.e. all the locks in the entire complex) is called the grand master key.

Great Grand Master Key - One higher in degree than a grand master key. It is used only in very special arrangements of master keyed locks.

Guards - A guard is a fixed part inside a lock to prevent false keys from turning, or to prevent an instrument ‘from reaching the bolt or levers. Some guards are plates suitably shaped which the manufacturer can arrange variously in a number of locks to provide the differs.

Gunmetal - Another term for bronze. NB. To avoid confusion between Polished Brass Polished Bronze is symbolised by PG Handleset A complete lock or latch assembly which incorporates a pitcher handle. Effectively a doorknob with a locking mechanism built inside

Hasp and staple - A fastening in two pieces for a door or box to be secured by a padlock. The hinged part is called the hasp which is fitted to the door or lid of a box and shuts over the staple, which is on the door frame or the body of the box. For real security it is essential to use a hasp and staple with concealed fixing,

High Lift Lever - There are two kinds known by this name. One like A is truly a high lift lever because it must be lifted as high as possible to allow the bolt to move. The other kind as B has to be lifted high but not to the full extent. It can be overlifted and then the portion of bar below the gating prevents movement of the bolt. This form of lever is sometimes called a high middle lift lever which serves as a distinctive if not very exact term

High Security Cylinders offer improved resistance against drilling, lock picking, impressioning and other forms of forced entry.

Hinge Bolts Fixed - steel protrusions fitted into the rear edge or hinge side of doors, closing into holes cut into the door frame, to protect from forced attack on the hinge side of the door.

Hold backstop - A thumb slide on the case of a cylinder rim nightlatch or in the forend of a cylinder mortice lock used either to hold back or to deadlock the main bolt.

Hook bolt - A pivoted springbolt, the head of which is shaped in the form of a hook.

Hook Ward Key - The ward is fixed in the lock case formed as part of a circle like a wheel ward, but with a return or flange so that a cut in the key to fit would be L shape.

Horizontal lock - A mortice or rim lock having the follower hole further from the forend than the keyhole, but in the same horizontal plane. Used when knob furniture is specified to prevent the barking of knuckles on the door frame.

Ignition Lock is the lock assembly associated with a vehicles on and off switch in the car.

Impressioning is a method of making new keys for a lock without taking the lock apart.

Interpassing - Cross suiting is another name. Imitation BMA An electro deposited powder or lacquer finish on metal to simulate as nearly as possible the genuine Bronze Metal Antique finish. It is known as IBMA

Jamb - The vertical member of a door or window frame. In some areas the top rail of a door frame is referred to as the top jamb

Jimmy Proof locks feature a bolt which interlocks with the strike.

Keep or Keeper - Particularly in the North, for a staple or striking plate.

Key - A removable device for operating the mechanism of its own lock, locking latch or nightlatch.

Key-bitting machine or key cutting machine - A machine for cutting
keys from key blanks.

Key blank - A partly made key, which has been shaped to enter the keyhole of a certain type of lock or latch, but of which the blade has not been finally shaped to operate the mechanism of the lock.

Key change - A term sometimes used instead of “differ”. The change or differ of the key is generally indicated by numbers and sometimes numbers and letters marked on the bow.

Keyhole - The hole into which the key enters to operate the lock or latch.

Key Pad entry system is often a simplified alphanumeric keypad. The device requires the user to depress keys in a predetermined order, either sequentially or simultaneously to gain access to a room or building electronicly.

Key Steps - This term usually means the bolt step and lever steps of a key for a lever lock.

Key Retaining Locks feature a mechanism which only allows the user to remove their key once the lock has been closed.

KIK -This is a lockset with a locking mechanism in the door knob.

Latch - The type of product with one bolt only, the bevelled springbolt or roller bolt, to latch or fasten the door, but not capable of being locked. Certain types, e.g. locking latches, nightlatches, or deadlatches, can, however, be locked by key or other means.

Latchbolt – Another name for a ‘Springbolt’

Latchset - A latch complete with necessary furniture including a spindle, ready for fixing to the door.

Latchset furniture or latch furniture - A latchset, minus the latch.

Lever - A fiat shaped movable detainer in a lock, usually for the purpose of providing security and differs. The lever in a lock have to be actually moved by the key to operate the lock. The belly of the lever is cut away to various depths to provide different combinations.

Lever mechanism - A lock mechanism which has one or more levers.

Lever and warded mechanism - The lever mechanism with the addition of wards, usually for providing a greater number of differs.

Lever handle - A piece of lock or latch furniture, usually on a rose or plate, for use as an alternative to a knob for operating the springbolt of a lock or latch. All British lever handles are spring-loaded to ensure the return to horizontal after use, but Continental lever handles are not usually spring-loaded and thus when used with British locks or latches, sometimes tend to sag below the horizontal after a comparatively short period of use, unless additional springing is included in the lock action.

Lever Pivot - The stump in a lock on which the levers swing.

Link Plate - The complementary member of box, desk and other locks which is fixed to the lid or some part of a cabinet, for example, and has one or more projecting links to enter the lock and engage the bolt.

Lip - The projection on one side of a striking plate on the surface of which the springbolt of the lock or latch first strikes when the door is closed. It is usually radiused or bevelled to guide the springbolt.

Live bolt - See “Springbolt”.

Lock - A device operated usually, but not always, by a key, having one or more bolts or other members to fasten and secure a door, lid, drawer or other member.

Lockable bolt - A bolt that can be shot and locked in position by the use of a removable key.

Locking latch - A latch with a bevelled springbolt or roller bolt which is capable of being locked or secured, usually by key.

Lockout When you or someone else is not able to gain access into a home, vehicle or business.

Lock Pick is a tool or instrument, other than the specifically designed key, made for the purpose of manipulating tumblers in a lock or cylinder into the locked or unlocked position through the keyway.

Lockset - A lock complete with necessary furniture including a spindle, ready for fixing to the door.

Lockset furniture or lock furniture - A lockset, minus the lock.

Locksmith - A person who has been trained to have the knowledge and ability to professionally select, install, service and bypass all the components of an electrical or mechanical lock.

Lock Stile is the vertical edge of a door where a lock or latch is fitted.

Locking Wheel Nuts & BOLTS are used to prevent the theft of wheels from a vehicle

London strip - A steel bar fitted to the inside face of a door frame, shaped to accommodate the staple or striker of a rim latch lock.

Long shackle - A padlock shackle with a greater amount of clearance than the normal standard shackle.

Lubrication - On no account should oil be used to lubricate pin-tumbler cylinders.

Master Code is the default code for an electronic lock before the user selects their own.

Master Key - A key which will open every lock in a master keyed suite.

Master Keyed - A lock or latch capable-of being operated also by a master key as well as its own change.

Master Pins - Small pins sometimes called wafers to build up chamber pin loading in pin tumbler master keyed cylinders.

Mechanism - The arrangement of the component parts and the manner in which they perform to achieve the required security and differing when operated by its key.

Mortice A hole cut into the thickness of one edge of a door to receive a mortice lock or latch.

Mortice lock - A lock or latch which is morticed or let into the thickness of the door from the meeting edge and held in position by screws through the forend.

Mortise To mortise is to prepare, by removing stock material from the edge of a door, drawer, frame or opening to create a recess which allows the flush fit or insetting of relevant lock or other hardware.

Mushroom driver - A driver in the cylinder mechanism which is tapered and has a mushroom shaped head. These provide a very effective anti-pick element, as they cannot be lifted by a lock-pick or similar item.

Narrow case lock or latch - A rim lock or latch, the case of which is made specially narrow, usually less than three inches wide, for fixing to the narrow stile of a panelled or flush door.

NFS - Stands for Non Fail Safe and indicates a security system does NOT feature fail safe features.

Nib Ward - The simplest form of ward made by pressing inwards a portion of the metal of the case or cap of the lock. A key to suit only requires a plain slot in the bit.

Nightlatch - A rim or mortice latch with a bevelled springbolt or roller bolt which shoots when the door is closed, but can be withdrawn by key from outside and by knob or lever handle from inside. Usually provided with a stop knob, slide or snib to hold the bolt retracted and to deadlock the bolt when shot in the closed position.

Nozzle - A circular boss or ferrule containing the keyhole on some cabinet locks, including locker locks. Correctly relating to lever cabinet locks.

Offset Cam A cam which is bent to have its ends in different planes.

One-sided lock- A lock which has a keyhole on one side only, so that it can be operated by key from one side only, usually outside. One-way action - An action where the follower will turn only one way.

Override Code is a code for an electronic lock that will override the users own code in case of emergency.

Padlock - A comparatively small removable and portable locking device, usually but not always key operated on one side only. The locking member is a circular hinged sliding or swivelled shackle which passes through a hole in a staple, locking bar or similar member.

Pan - The removable mechanism chamber attached to the inside face of a safe door.

Panel grilles - Steel grilles made to size with various infills of expanded diamond mesh, square weldmesh or fancy infills, usually fitted internally.

Panic Buttons are featured in some alarm systems and allow the alarm to be activated instantly in event of an emergency.

Passing - Any key which operates a lock is said to pass the lock. If locks are made “alike change” one key will pass all the locks.

Peg Ward - A combination of wards resembling a sash ward but fixed by pegs to the lock case.

Pin key - A key with solid shank and a projecting blade at one end and a bow at the other.

Pins - Usually the lower of each pair of tumblers in the pin tumbler cylinder mechanism. The upper are known as drivers.

Pipe key - A key with a flat bit and a hollow circular shank to locate on the drillpin. Used only on one-sided locks.

Plate This is a plate which covers the cylinder to protect it from being pried or pulled

Plug - The part of the pin-tumbler cylinder mechanism or disc tumbler cylinder mechanism into which the key enters and which the key turns. It houses the pins of a pin tumbler cylinder mechanism or the discs and springs of a disc tumbler cylinder mechanism.

Pocket - The name of each segmental space in a lever which, while surrounding the bolt stump, allows the lever to rise and fall whether the lock bolt is in or out.

Postal handle - A letter plate with a pull handle.

Postal knocker - A letter plate with a pull handle, the latter specially adapted and used as a knocker.

Panic Buttons are featured in some alarm systems and allow the alarm to be activated instantly in event of an emergency.

Rack Bolt - A bolt, usually a door bolt, which is toothed so that it may be operated by a pinion.

Radiused forend - A lock forend which is shaped radially, for use on one of a pair of swing doors.

Re-key - To change the existing combination of a cylinder or lock. This means you will have a new key and your older keys will no longer work.

Retaining Ring
1. Usually a ring made of spring material which can be sprung open or closed for getting into position in order to retain some part or parts and a circlip.

Rim Cylinder is a cylinder typically used with surface applied locks and attached with a back plate and machine screws. It has a tailpiece to actuate the lock mechanism.

Rounded forend - A forend with rounded ends. It is used when the mortice for a forend is cut out by router, usually by machined manufacture of wood or metal doors.

Rebate - The measurement of the stepped reduction or recess in the forend of a rebated lock.

Rebated - A mortice lock or latch with a forend specially shaped to correspond with the shaped meeting edge of the door for which it is intended. See “Full Rebated”.

Record Safes are designed to protect important documents and papers from fire.

Release - A striker in various forms to replace the lock strike and is operated electronically.

Re-locker - A locking mechanism independent of any key operations, mounted remotely within a safe mechanism so as to relock the boltwork under certain forced attacks.

Repeat differs - That supply of differs which have been issued previously. This is usually associated with master keyed suites and where a replacement lock is required to have the same differ as the original.

Reversed bolt - A springbolt which has been turned round in its case to suit a door opening outwards instead of inwards.

Rigid grilles - Heavy duty, welded construction, rod or bar grilles, usually fitted externally or internally to the fabric of a building.

Rim Cylinder - This relates to a pack which usually comprises the cylinder with plug, rose, ‘connecting bar, two connecting screws and two keys.

Rim lock or latch - A lock or latch that is fitted by screwing on to the inside face of the door.

Roller bolt - A springbolt made in the form of a roller, instead of being bevelled. It is recommended for more silent and easier closing of a door.

Rose -
1. A cylinder rose or ring in cylinder locks or latches. It is a shaped metal disc which surrounds the outer face of the cylinder
2. In door furniture, it is the small plate to which the lever handle or knob is affixed and which is screwed to the door surface.

Safe A substantial, secure container with varying degrees of security and/or fire resistance, used to store valuables against fire or theft. This can be secured with either a key or combination locking mechanism.

Safe Lock A general term for the many varieties of key operated and other locks for safes.

Sash lock - An upright mortice lock, consisting of a latch bolt and a key operated bolt.

Sash ward - Used in rim and mortice locks, alone or in conjunction with levers for the purpose of obtaining or increasing the differs. Formed pieces of concentric metal are affixed around the inside of the keyhole. It also serves as a keyhole bush.

Scotch spring lock - A two-bolt rim lock with the reversible springbolt above or below the horizontal plane of the follower. The scotch spring tapers and its thicker end are fastened to the lock case, the thinner end bears on a pivoted arm fixed to the end of the bolt. Secondary Lock is the same as an auxiliary lock

Servant key - The change key of one lock in a master keyed or grand master keyed suite.

Set Screw - One which tightens or fastens another part after assembly or adjustment.

Shackle - The hinged, sliding or swivelling loop shaped member of a padlock. The heel of the shackle remains always in the padlock body and the toe of the shackle comes out when unlocked. A double locking padlock gives the greatest security against forcing because there are two separate bolts locking outwards in opposite directions, one into a niche in the heel of the shackle, and the other into the toe of the shackle. This is sometimes called heel and toe locking.

Shank - The part of a pin or pipe key between the bow and the end, excluding the blade.

Shear Line - The term is used to denote the line of the circumference of the plug in the bore of a pin tumbler cylinder.

Shoot -
1. The outward movement of a lock bolt and the distance which it travels under the action of a spring or key. Shoot applies more particularly to spring bolts, throw being a better word for dead bolts.
2. The sliding part of a door bolt.

Shoot (of bolt) - The distance a springbolt moves under the action of its spring.

Shoulder (or bow stop) - The projection or ear or shape that controls the point at which a cylinder or disk tumbler comes to rest when fully inserted into the lock. It is the datum point from which spacing cuts are measured.

Side Bar This is a metallic bar placed vertically on the door near the frame to prevent someone prying the door open

Side Wards - Notches cut into the sides of bitted keys so fashioned to enable the key to turn.

Silent Signal alarms send a signal to an alarm receiving centre instead of sounding an audible alarm.

Skeleton key - A key, the blade of which has been cut away sufficiently to allow the blade to pass any wards or obstructions within the lock and throw or retract the bolt. There is no universal skeleton key.

Sliding grilles - Steel sliding grille gates in single or double leaf, running on top and bottom guide tracks, locked by padlock or integral lock.

Sliding Lever - A lever which slides between or on guides instead of swinging on a pivot.
Spindle - That part of the door furniture usually of square section which passes through the follower hole and is fitted to the knob or lever handle to operate the springbolt.
Spoon - The flattened end of a padlock shackle containing the bolt hole or slot which the bolt enters.

Spacer - A distance piece of thin metal placed between the levers of some locks.

Spacing - The term used to describe the horizontal distances across a key blade or bit.

Spiral - Spring
1. A spring made of wire to approximately V shape like a feather spring; with one or more coils formed at the apex of the V to fit over a stump in the lock case. A coil spring

Spring-loaded - Moved under the control of, or against the pull of, a spring fixed at one end.

Spring shackle padlock - A padlock, the shackle of which springs open when unlocked, and is locked by snapping to.

Springbolt- called the latchbolt. A bolt having the outer edge shaped by bevelling of the vertical face. It is a bolt which may be pushed back into the lock-case and will return to the extended position without mechanical assistance.

Springlatch - A latch with one bevelled springbolt that locks the door when shut. It is opened by key from the outside and by knob from inside.

Staple -
1 A box-like fitting on the jamb of an inward opening door, and into which the bolt or bolts of a rim latch or lock shoot when door is closed. Some staples are lipped to act as a guide for the springbolt.
2. Part of a hasp and staple for use with a padlock. The padlock shackle passes through the eye or hole in the staple.

Steel lining - Steel sheet linings applied to external or both faces of a door; usually screwed and bolted through.

Stile - A vertical member of a door.

Stop knob - A device incorporated in some latches and locking latches to hold the bolt retracted or deadlock the bolt when door is closed.

Stop button -There are generally two in number. They are incorporated in the forend of certain cylinder mortice nightlatches or locks. One button, when depressed, renders the outside furniture inoperable and the other, when depressed, restores the power of operation. They are useful for privacy and on vestibule doors. They are sometimes referred to as “stopworks”.

Straight cabinet lock - A cabinet lock, with no flange on the case, for flush fitting to cupboards and drawers.

Striking plate - Sometimes referred to as a ‘striker’ or ‘strike’. It is a shaped flat metal plate fixed to the door frame or jamb with one or more bolt holes into which the bolt or bolts shoot. There is a shaped projecting lip on one side to guide the springbolt. It is used with all mortice locks or latches, and with rim locks or latches with reversed springbolt on an outward opening door.

Sub Grand Master Key - A key which will operate all locks in its own main group or of a grand master keyed system.

Sub Master Key - A key which will operate all locks in its own smaller group of a grand master keyed system.

Suite - A group or collection of locks and/or locking latches and padlocks of different types and changes incorporated together under a master key or grand master key.

Swipe Card Entry is an entry system which has become increasingly popular in recent years in the commercial world.

Talon - The gap that is formed by two curves to the radius of the bolt step of the key in a deadbolt lathe or runner of a lever lock where the key engages the bolt.

Tamper Resistant Fastenings are screws without threads that need special tools to be removed.

Thatcham is the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (MIRRC). They publish lists of approved vehicle security products and systems. Some insurers insist that a Thatcham approved security system be fitted as a condition of cover on certain high-risk vehicles.

Throating - The space between the collar and the nearer edge of the bit of two side keys.

Throw - The distance a deadbolt moves under the action of its key.

Thumb turn - A small fitting, on the inside of a mortice lock, which is gripped between thumb and finger to operate the deadbolt.

Till lock - A drawer lock, or more correctly a cabinet lock which has a springbolt that shoots upwards and a vertical keyhole.

Tie bars - The horizontal members of a vertical bar grille.

Time Lock - A clockwork or electric timing device which disallows operation of a lock or the opening of a door on safes or Strong Rooms.

Toe - extreme tip of a bitted key.

Tubular mortice lock or latch - A lock or latch so designed that the case is tubular in form. The fitting of this type of latch requires only the drilling of a round hole into the edge of the door into which the lock or latch is fitted.

Tumbler - A movable detainer which must be lifted before the bolt of a lock can move.

Unibolt is a single sheet of steel used as an alternative to multiple bolts in a safe door.

Upright lock - A mortice or rim lock upright in form, of which the case is narrow and the centres of the follower hole and keyhole are in the same vertical plane. shash lock.

V-Cuts - The tumbler cuts in pin tumbler, disc tumbler and similar keys.

Ward is the name given to a block in a locking system that prevents the wrong key from being used to open it. Wards alone give very little security.

Warded lock - Any lock or padlock, the mechanism of which makes use only of wards. Not recommended, due to lack of security.

Wheel Ward - This kind is often seen in cabinet locks. There may be one or more wards made of sheet metal of different heights bent into a curve. If fixed directly under the keyhole, the key cannot enter fully unless notched to suit. If the wards are fixed at the side of the keyhole, the key may be able to enter but cannot turn unless the cuts in the bit correspond with the wards.