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=Locks=
=Lock=
A lock is a device used to restrict access.  It is the duty of the lock to restrict access until the correct key, whether it is a combination, electronic signal, or a tradional physical key is used to operate the lock. Modern locks may incorporate various digital access control features, such as [[Biometrics|biometrics]]. There several major types of locks with many modern high security locks being hybrid designs.
 
[[Image:Lockwiki_Kwikset_Smartkey.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The Kwikset Smartkey lock.]]
 
A '''lock''' is a device used to restrict access to an area or enclosure.  It is the duty of the lock to restrict access until the correct [[Key|key]] or [[Combination|combination]] is used to operate the lock. Most modern locks are a combination of a [[Cylinder|cylinder]] and a [[Bolt|bolt]]. There several major types of locks with many high security locks being hybrid designs.
 
__TOC__


== History ==
== History ==
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== Lock Designs ==
== Lock Designs ==


;[[Combination]]
; [[Axial|Axial/Tubular]]
:A keyless lock that uses numbers, letters, or symbols for input. A specific combination of input properly aligns internal components so that the lock can be opened. Most commonly associated with [[Safe|safe]] locks, or locks found on school lockers. Combination locks range from low to high security.
: A pin-tumbler based design with pins arranged in a circle and accessible from the face of the lock.
 
; [[Combination]]
: A keyless lock that uses numbers, letters, or symbols for input. A specific combination of input properly aligns internal components so that the lock can be opened. Most commonly associated with [[Safe|safes]] or combination padlocks. Combination locks range from low to high security.
 
; [[Dimple]]
: A pin-tumbler based design that uses a horizontal keyway rather than the traditional vertical style. High-security dimple locks have various security features that most traditional pin-tumblers don't. Namely, the use of [[Telescoping_pin|telescoping pins]].
 
; [[Disc_detainer|Disc-detainer]]
: Uses flat metal tumblers that interface with a [[sidebar]] to prevent rotation of the plug. Separate from wafer designs because discs are usually rotated rather than lifted.
 
; [[Electronic_lock|Electronic]]
: A lock that is operated via electronic means. Electronic locks may incorporate various digital access control features, such as [[Biometrics|biometrics]]. Electronic locks usually provide advanced auditing and key control capabilities, but generally are not any more secure than traditional locks. Many electronic locks are also combination locks.


;[[Disc_detainer|Disc-detainer]]
; [[Hybrid lock|Hybrid]]
:Uses flat metal tumblers that interface with a [[Sidebar|sidebar]] to prevent rotation of the plug. Separate from wafer designs because discs are usually rotated rather than lifted.
: Hybrid locks encompass combinations of all lock designs. Many modern high security locks are hybrid designs.


;[[Electronic_lock|Electronic]]
; [[Lever]]
:A lock that is operated via electronic means. Electronic locks provide advanced auditing and key control capabilities, but generally are not any more secure than traditional locks.
: Uses flat metal tumblers (levers) with a gate. Lever locks range from low to high security. One of the oldest lock types, next to warded.


;[[Hybrid]]
; [[Magnetic lock|Magnetic]]
:Hybrid locks encompass combinations of all lock designs. Many modern high security locks are hybrid designs.
: Uses magnetism to properly position components. Most magnetic locks use the tradtional plug/cylinder arrangement with magnetic components blocking the shear line. Magnetic locks can vary from low to high security.


;[[Lever]]
; [[Pin-tumbler]]
:One of the oldest lock types, next to warded. Uses flat metal tumblers (levers) with a gate. The levers are actuated by the key, and once aligned properly allow the bolt to be actuated. Lever locks range from low to high security.
: Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the [[plug]]. Pin-tumbler locks range from low to high security. [[Dimple]] and [[Axial|axial/tubular]] locks are simply pin-tumblers with modified designs. Currently the most popular lock design worldwide.  


;[[Pin_tumbler|Pin-tumbler]]
; [[Wafer]]
:Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by [[Linus_Yale|Linus Yale]]. Currently the most popular lock design worldwide. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the [[Plug|plug]]. Pin-tumbler locks range from low to high security. [[Dimple|dimple]] and [[Axial|axial/tubular]] locks are simply pin-tumblers with modified designs.
: Uses flat metal tumblers to prevent rotation of the plug. Wafer locks range from low to high security, with the vast majority of wafer locks being low security.


;[[Wafer]]
; [[Warded]]
:Uses flat metal tumblers to prevent rotation of the plug. Wafer locks range from low to high security, with the vast majority of wafer locks being low security.
: Uses internal wards to obstruct the rotation of incorrect keys. One of the oldest lock designs, but provides minimal security by modern standards.  


;[[Warded]]
== Lock Types ==
:One of the oldest lock designs; uses internal wards to obstruct the rotation of incorrect keys. Warded locks provide minimal security by today's standards.


== Locking Bolt Mechanisms ==
; [[Cam_lock|Cam Lock]]
: A lock that uses the cam or [[Actuator|actuator]] as the bolt mechanism.


;Deadbolt
; [[Cylinder|Cylinder]]
:A locking bolt that is held in place by end pressure. Traditionally a square shape, but may also be a claw or hook. Extremely popular in residential and commercial usage.
: A lock that uses a rotating cylinder to actuate the locking bolt.


;Latch/Spring
; [[Padlock]]
:A spring-biased locking bolt. May be used as the locking mechanism padlocks, namely low security or [[Warded|warded]] padlocks. Popular in residential usage.
: A lock that uses a self-recessed bolt or shackle and is not mounted to a door or wall. Many padlocks use a cylinder-based lock design.


;Padlock Shackle
== Locking Bolt Mechanisms ==
:A steel shackle detained by ball bearings or a spring-biased protrusion. Shackles without a double-locking system are usually susceptible to [[Bypass|shimming]].


;Cam
:''See [[Bolt]] or [[Latch]].''
:A lock that uses the [[actuator]] as the locking bolt. Popular on vending machines and file cabinets.


== Compromise of Locks ==
== Compromise of Locks ==


Security of locks can be compromised many ways, depending on the type, manufacturer and model, and the installation and maintenance details of a target lock. The practice of compromising locks for entertainment is known as [[Locksport|locksport]].
Security of locks can be compromised many ways, depending on the type, manufacturer and model, and the installation and maintenance details of a target lock. The practice of compromising locks as a hobby is known as [[Locksport|locksport]].


;[[Lockpicking]]
; [[Lockpicking]]
: Internal components are manipulated to allow the lock to be opened.
: Internal components are manipulated to allow the lock to be opened.


;[[Bypass]]
; [[Bypass]]
: The non-cylinder portions of the lock are attacked, such as the locking [[Bolt|bolt]] or the bolt [[Actuator|actuator]].
: The non-cylinder portions of the lock are attacked, such as the locking [[Bolt|bolt]] or the [[Actuator|actuator]].


;[[Impressioning]]
; [[Impressioning]]
: A working key is duplicated or internal components are manipulated to provide a working key.
: A working key is duplicated or internal components are manipulated to provide a working key.


;[[Decoding]]
; [[Decoding]]
: The proper position of internal components is decoded via the key or manipulation of components.
: The proper position of internal components is decoded via examination of the key or manipulation of internal components.


;[[Destructive_Entry|Destructive Entry]]
; [[Destructive_Entry|Destructive Entry]]
: Destruction of the lock or surrounding materials, such as a door or wall.
: Destruction of or damage to the lock or surrounding materials, such as a door or wall. Also known as forced entry.
 
; Robbery/Violence
: The proper key or combination is foricbly obtained from authorized users by threatening or inflicting physical or emotional harm.
 
; Deception
: The proper key or combination is obtained via theft, impersonation, blackmail, or fraud.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[How_Locks_Work|How Locks Work]]
* [[Locksmithing]]
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Locksmithing]]
* [[Locksport]]
* [[Locksport]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Key]]


[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Locks| ]]

Revision as of 19:23, 21 April 2016

Lock

The Kwikset Smartkey lock.

A lock is a device used to restrict access to an area or enclosure. It is the duty of the lock to restrict access until the correct key or combination is used to operate the lock. Most modern locks are a combination of a cylinder and a bolt. There several major types of locks with many high security locks being hybrid designs.

History

Add to me!

Lock Designs

Axial/Tubular
A pin-tumbler based design with pins arranged in a circle and accessible from the face of the lock.
Combination
A keyless lock that uses numbers, letters, or symbols for input. A specific combination of input properly aligns internal components so that the lock can be opened. Most commonly associated with safes or combination padlocks. Combination locks range from low to high security.
Dimple
A pin-tumbler based design that uses a horizontal keyway rather than the traditional vertical style. High-security dimple locks have various security features that most traditional pin-tumblers don't. Namely, the use of telescoping pins.
Disc-detainer
Uses flat metal tumblers that interface with a sidebar to prevent rotation of the plug. Separate from wafer designs because discs are usually rotated rather than lifted.
Electronic
A lock that is operated via electronic means. Electronic locks may incorporate various digital access control features, such as biometrics. Electronic locks usually provide advanced auditing and key control capabilities, but generally are not any more secure than traditional locks. Many electronic locks are also combination locks.
Hybrid
Hybrid locks encompass combinations of all lock designs. Many modern high security locks are hybrid designs.
Lever
Uses flat metal tumblers (levers) with a gate. Lever locks range from low to high security. One of the oldest lock types, next to warded.
Magnetic
Uses magnetism to properly position components. Most magnetic locks use the tradtional plug/cylinder arrangement with magnetic components blocking the shear line. Magnetic locks can vary from low to high security.
Pin-tumbler
Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the plug. Pin-tumbler locks range from low to high security. Dimple and axial/tubular locks are simply pin-tumblers with modified designs. Currently the most popular lock design worldwide.
Wafer
Uses flat metal tumblers to prevent rotation of the plug. Wafer locks range from low to high security, with the vast majority of wafer locks being low security.
Warded
Uses internal wards to obstruct the rotation of incorrect keys. One of the oldest lock designs, but provides minimal security by modern standards.

Lock Types

Cam Lock
A lock that uses the cam or actuator as the bolt mechanism.
Cylinder
A lock that uses a rotating cylinder to actuate the locking bolt.
Padlock
A lock that uses a self-recessed bolt or shackle and is not mounted to a door or wall. Many padlocks use a cylinder-based lock design.

Locking Bolt Mechanisms

See Bolt or Latch.

Compromise of Locks

Security of locks can be compromised many ways, depending on the type, manufacturer and model, and the installation and maintenance details of a target lock. The practice of compromising locks as a hobby is known as locksport.

Lockpicking
Internal components are manipulated to allow the lock to be opened.
Bypass
The non-cylinder portions of the lock are attacked, such as the locking bolt or the actuator.
Impressioning
A working key is duplicated or internal components are manipulated to provide a working key.
Decoding
The proper position of internal components is decoded via examination of the key or manipulation of internal components.
Destructive Entry
Destruction of or damage to the lock or surrounding materials, such as a door or wall. Also known as forced entry.
Robbery/Violence
The proper key or combination is foricbly obtained from authorized users by threatening or inflicting physical or emotional harm.
Deception
The proper key or combination is obtained via theft, impersonation, blackmail, or fraud.

See also