Lockwiki - User contributions [en]

S&G 8088

2024-08-22T22:46:07Z

NKT: /* Sargent & Greenleaf 8088 */

=Sargent & Greenleaf 8088=

{{Lock model
|name = Sargent & Greenleaf 8088
|Img = File:SG_8088_padlock.jpg
|maker = [[Sargent & Greenleaf]]
|lock_type = [[Padlock]]
|lock_design = [[Combination]]
|years_produced = 195? - 1985
|patent = [https://patents.google.com/patent/US2673457A/ US 2,673,457]<br>[https://patents.google.com/patent/US2625032A/ US 2,625,032]
|related = [[S&G 8065]]<br>[[S&G 8077]]
}}

The '''8088''' is a [[UL 768]]-rated [[combination]] lock made by [[Sargent & Greenleaf]], and weighs around 1.1Kg. It is rated for 30 minutes of protection against [[Safecracking#Manipulation|manipulation]] and 10 minutes of protection against surreptitious attacks. There are no defined protections against destructive entry in the 8088 specifications.

The 8088 was developed in the 1950s for the United States government through one of Sargent & Greenleaf's government contracts.<ref>{{Ref Tobias LSS}}</ref> It has since been superceded by the [[S&G 8077]] and the [[S&G 8065]].

__TOC__

== Principles of operation ==

The 8088 is a combination lock that requires three numbers be correctly dialed into the lock for the shackle to be released. It uses three internal wheels and a fence-type mechanism similar to those used in traditional combination [[safe]] locks. The dial has fifty graduations numbered 0-49, giving the 8088 a total of 125,000 (50<sup>3</sup>) theoretical [[Differs|permutations]].

The 8088 functions very similar to traditional rotary [[combination]] safe locks. It uses a set of wheels, a drive cam, a fence, and a mechanism which resembles a butterfly. The butterfly hooks into the shackle, restricting its movement. When the correct combination is dialed the wheels and drive cam are properly aligned under the butterfly. Pulling the shackle causes the butterfly to collapse and pushes the fence into the gates, releasing the shackle.

The opening index mark is location at 12 o'clock on the face of the lock. The changing index, used to reset the combination, is located at 11 o'clock. All combinations are a three number sequence that ends with 0, for example 24-10-40-0 and 42-28-9-0. The last number is required to set the drive cam in the proper position. The factory combination is 25-0 (25-25-25-0), but older models may use 10-20-30-0.

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:SG_8088_open.jpg|8088 with back cover removed.
File:SG 8088 gates.jpg|True gates on each wheel.
File:SG 8088 butterfly.jpg|The butterfly component.
File:SG 8088 open back.jpg|8088 in the unlocked position.
</gallery></div>

'''Notes'''
* The dial of the 8088 may be stamped with a two digit number to prevent casual replacement of the lock.

== Opening instructions ==

These instructions use an example combination of 10-20-30-0

# Dial counter-clockwise four full revolutions, stopping on 10.
# Dial clockwise three full revolutions, stopping on 20.
# Dial counter-clockwise two full revolutions, stopping on 30.
# Dial clockwise to 0.
# Pull the shackle to unlock the padlock.

To dial the factory 25-0 combination (25-25-25-0), all wheels are dialed counter-clockwise four times, stopping at 25. Then dial clockwise, stopping at 0. Pull the shackle to unlock the padlock.

== Combination change instructions ==

# Unlock the lock using the correct combination.
# Hold the change key hole open while returning the shackle to the locked position.
# Dial the original combination, aligning each wheel with the changing index.
# Insert the change key into the change key hole and turn in 90° clockwise.
# Dial the new combination, aligning each wheel with the changing index.
# Turn the change key 90° counter-clockwise and remove it from the lock. Do not close the change key hole!
# Dial the new combination to the opening index and open the lock. Open the lock repeatedly to ensure the new combination works before closing the change key hole.

'''Notes'''
* The opening index is at 12 o'clock, the changing index at 11 o'clock.
* Incorrectly dialing any wheel to the opening index and closing the change key hole during step 3 will render the lock non-functional.<ref>Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc. [http://www.wheelpost.com/Documents_PDF/8088_instructions.pdf 8088 Padlock: Operating Instructions]</ref>

== Disassembly instructions ==

The 8088 cannot be disassembled non-destructively. Four retaining rods around the lock body must be drilled to allow the back cover to be removed. Rods are located at 2, 3, 9, and 10 o'clock on the back of the lock. The pins at 3 and 9 o'clock are horizontal while 2 and 10 are vertical.

== Vulnerabilities ==

The 8088 may be vulnerable to one or more of the following:

* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]
* [[Destructive entry]]

A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission memo from 1982 has the following to say:
<blockquote>
Obsolete Combination Padlocks
[...]
The current NRC-acceptable combination padlock is Sargent and Greenleaf Model 8077A. Its predecessor design was identified as Model 8088, appears to be currently available and is in use at some licensee facilities. The Model 8088 units can be easily defeated, do not meet the terms of Executive Order 12356, are not approved by GSA, and are not acceptable for the protection of either classified material or safeguards information.<ref>[http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/gen-comm/info-notices/1982/in82046.html Information Notice No. 82-46: DEFECTIVE AND OBSOLETE COMBINATION PADLOCKS] United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Inspection and Enforcement. 1982-11-26. Retrieved 2012-03-22.</ref>
</blockquote>

'''Notes'''
* Decoding is possible through both manipulation and radiological attacks.
* Semi-destructive decoding is possible, particularly drilling the lock body and viewing the wheel pack or fence.

== Gallery ==

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:SG 8088 back.jpg
File:SG 8088 butterfly removed.jpg
File:SG 8088 back open.jpg
</gallery></div>

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:SG_8088_wheels_fly.jpg
File:SG_8088_5.jpg
File:SG_8088_10.jpg
File:SG_8088_14.jpg
File:SG_8088_15.jpg
File:SG_8088_18.jpg
File:SG_8088_19.jpg
File:SG_8088_22.jpg
File:SG_8088_23.jpg
File:SG_8088_24.jpg
File:SG_8088_25.jpg
File:SG_8088_26.jpg
File:SG_8088_27.jpg
File:SG_8088_28.jpg
File:SG_8088_29.jpg
File:SG_8088_30.jpg
</gallery></div>

== References ==
<references />

== See also ==

* [[Combination]]
* [[UL 768]]
* [[Sargent & Greenleaf]]

[[Category:Sargent & Greenleaf|8088]]
[[Category:Combination locks]]
[[Category:UL 768 locks]]
[[Category:Padlocks]]
[[Category:Lock models]]

Key gauges

2021-06-29T15:48:48Z

NKT: /* Key Gauge */ Added Universal lever gauge

=Key Gauge=

[[Image:Lockwiki_Key_gauge.jpg|thumb|text-top|right|300px|Manual key gauges for various common keys.]]

A '''key gauge''' is a [[Locksmithing|locksmithing]] tool used to decode the cut depths of a [[Key|key]]. Key gauges are commonly used for key duplication, [[Decoding|decoding]], and creation of [[Bumping|bump]] keys.

__TOC__

<br clear=all>

==Styles of Key Gauges==
Key gauges come in various sizes and can often have more than one set of depth information on one gauge.

The most common type of key gauge is used to decode keys to determine the bitting. These usually consist of an angled slope, or stepped slope, indicating depth.

Another form is used for decoding, and also creating keys. By adding a set of spacing markers on an edge of the gauge, a key can be cut to code with nothing more than the key gauge and the skilled usage of an [[Impressioning |impressioning]] file.

==Universal Lever/warded Lock Key Gauges==

These are used to determine the outside gauge (on a pin key or blank) or the inside gauge (on a pipe key or blank) to fit over the drillpin.

The posts are stepped to reduce the size and weight of the gauge.

==Specific Lever Lock Key Gauges==
Lever locks are well suited to be measured and their bitting code determined with a key gauge. The difference in height between successive bitings is clearly visible with the eye. Double and single bitted lever lock keys can be measured in this way. In use the key is placed on the gauge and each bitting is visually decoded by matching it against the appropriate line. Keys can be read or decoded quickly and accurately.

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Keygauge.jpg|Key gauge measuring double bitted make up key (MUK).
</gallery></div>

==Electronic Key Gauges==

Add to me!

== Gallery ==

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Mul_T_Lock_key_gauge.jpg|Key gauge for [[Mul-T-Lock]] [[telescoping pin]]s.
File:Key_gauge_Lockcon_badge_2018-JWM.png | 2018 LockCon badge is a key gauge for ABUS C83.
</gallery></div>

==See also==
* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Locksmithing]]
* [[Decoding]]

{{Stub}}

[[Category:Decoding]][[Category:Keys]][[Category:Locksmithing]][[Category:Tools]]

Master Locksmiths Association

2021-06-18T21:21:47Z

NKT: Created page with "The Master Locksmiths Association is the UK's largest and longest established locksmithing organisation. http://www.locksmiths.co.uk"

The Master Locksmiths Association is the UK's largest and longest established locksmithing organisation.

http://www.locksmiths.co.uk

Sold Secure

2021-06-18T21:19:56Z

NKT: Created page with "Sold Secure was started by the Master Locksmiths Association, and is owned by, but independent of, it. The current mission statement is: "It is the Mission of Sold Secu..."

Sold Secure was started by the [[Master Locksmiths Association]], and is owned by, but independent of, it.

The current mission statement is:
"It is the Mission of Sold Secure to test and provide professional and accurate advice regarding effective security products to Commercial Customers, the Insurance Industry, the Home Office, the Police and the Public."

https://www.soldsecure.com/

Security Ratings

2021-06-18T21:15:09Z

NKT: /* Security Ratings and Standards */

=Security Ratings and Standards=

[[Lock]]s and [[safe]]s are standardized and rated by their ability to resist attack from pre-defined [[Lock#Compromise_of_locks|compromise]] techniques. The rating given to a particular lock or safe is a measure of the level of protection it is meant to provide, usually measured in time. Many government and law enforcement agencies use these ratings to select their own locks as well as recommend them to the public.

Various ratings and standards organizations around the world develop standards for locks, lock [[cylinder]]s, and associated hardware, such as [[bolt]]s and [[latch]]es. In the United States, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are the primary ratings organizations. In Europe, the European Committee for Standardization (Comite European de Normalisation) (CEN) provide rating and testing systems for security devices.

Recently, security ratings have come under increased scrutiny by security professionals and [[locksport]] groups for failing to include "real-world" compromise techniques and scenarios. Much of this criticism began with the media attention surrounding [[Bumping|key bumping]].

__TOC__

== History ==

In the United States, the Safe Manufacturers National Association originally tested safes and vaults. In 1921, Underwriters Laboratories began testing burglar alarms and locks. In 1923 they began testing safes, and in 1925 they began testing vault doors.

== United States ==

;Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
* UL 72 (Tests for fire resistance of record protection equipment)
* UL 140 (Relocking devices for safes and vaults)
* UL 294 (Access control system units)
* UL 365 (Police station alarm units)
* [[UL 437]] (Key locks)
* UL 608 (Burglar-resistant vault doors)
* UL 609 (Local burglar alarm units and systems)
* UL 636 (Holdup alarm units)
* UL 639 (Intrusion detection units)
* UL 687 (Burglar-resistant safes)
* [[UL 768]] (Combination locks)
* UL 786 (Key locking systems)
* UL 887 (Time locking mechanism)
* UL 1023 (Household burglar alarm units)
* UL 1034 (Burglary-resistant electronic locking mechanisms)
* UL 1037 (Anti-theft alarms and devices)
* UL 1076 (Proprietary alarm units)
* UL 1610 (Central station alarm units)
* UL 2058 (High security electronic locks)

; Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association/American National Standards Instute (BHMA/ANSI)

* 156.2 (Bored and preassembled locks and latches)
* 156.3 (Exit devices)
* 156.5 (Auxillary locks)
* 156.12 (Interconnected locks and latches)
* 156.13 (Mortoise locks)
* 156.18 (Materials and finishes)
* 156.23 (Electromagnetic locks)
* 156.24 (Delayed egress locks)
* 156.25 (Electrified locking devices)
* 156.29 (Exit locks and alarms)
* [[156.30]] (High-security locks)
* 156.31 (Electric [[strike]]s)
* [[156.50]] (Conventional auxiliary locks and cylinders)
* [[156.68]] (Recommended practices for [[master keying]] systems)

== Europe ==

{{imbox|text=CEN standards are valid for most European countries. Many countries' standards organizations include CEN standards with modified names. For example, ''EN 1300:2004'' is known as ''BS EN 1300:2004'' in Britain and ''NS-EN 1300'' in Norway.}}

; European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
*EN 1047-2:2009 (Data rooms and data containers)
*EN 1143-1:2005+A1:2009 (Safes, ATM safes, strongroom doors and strongrooms)
*EN 1143-2:2001 (Deposit systems)
*EN 1300:2004 (High security locks)
*EN 12209:2003 (Locks and latches, mechanically operated locks, latches and locking plates)
*EN 14450:2005 (Secure [[safe]] cabinets)

; British Standards Institution (BSI)
*BS 3621:2004 (Thief resistant lock assemblies-Key egress)
*BS 7950:1997 (Casement and tilt/turn windows for domestic applications)
*BS 8220:???? (Guide for security of buildings against crime)
*BS 8621:2004 (Thief resistant lock assemblies - Keyless egress)
*BS EN 1300:2004 (High security locks)
*BS EN 1303:2005 (Cylinders for locks)
*BS EN 1906:2002 (Lever handles and knobs)
*BS EN 1935:2002 (Single-axis hinges)
*BS EN 12320:2001([[Padlock]]s and padlock fittings)

==United Kingdom==

* [[Sold Secure]] - a widely recognised attack test administered by the independent testing organisation Sold Secure.

==See also==
* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Covert_Entry|Covert Entry]]
* [[Surreptitious_Entry|Surreptitious Entry]]
* [[Destructive_Entry|Destructive Entry]]

[[Category:Security Ratings| ]][[Category:UL_437_locks]]

156.68

2021-02-06T01:27:35Z

NKT: /* BHMA/ANSI 156.28 */ Added "USA"

=BHMA/ANSI 156.28=

'''156.28''' is a USA [[security rating]] from the Builder's Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that defines the standards for [[master keying]] systems. 156.28 is one of the few BHMA/ANSI standards that is freely available.<ref>[http://www.buildershardware.com/A156-28_form.html ANSI/BHMA A156.28 American National Standard for Recommended Practices for Mechanical Keying Systems (PDF Request Form)]</ref>

__TOC__

== Definitions ==
; Change key
: A key that opens one lock or a group of keyed-alike locks in a given keying system.

; Concealed key control
: The requirement that all locks be marked with a standard symbol in a concealed location when the lock is installed.

; Control key
: A key that can remove or install a lock cylinder.

; Declining step key
: A key with a staircase style bitting pattern; descending towards the tip.

; Incidental master key
: A key that has a bitting capable of acting like a master key though it was not designed as a master key. (The standard text calls this an "unplanned shear line".)

; Keying conference
: A meeting between the end user and the key system designer where specifics of the key system are decided upon.

; Visual key control (VKC)
: The specification that keys and locks must be marked with standard keying symbols.

== System planning ==
A keying conference is held to determine system requirements and design parameters. All doors are assigned a unique identifier prior to the meeting. Identifiers are used during planning, installation, and maintenance of the system. Large systems may include floor plans, blueprints, and other helpful information.

Objectives of the keying conference:
* Determine level of key restriction.
* Identify key system administrators.
* Identify the scope of the key system.
* Identify the growth of the key system and the need for future expansion.
* Determine who will service the keying system.
* Determine the levels of keying and total number of key systems needed.
* Determine requirements of service, lock/key technology used, and any special functions.

== System development ==
Systems are developed with the user's preferences and requirements in mind. Generic or third-party systems should not be used.

* Top master keys (TMKs) should have a bitting that resists premature removal from the cylinder and [[lockpicking]]. Declining step bittings should not be used.
* TMKs should contain the shallowest possible cut to mitigate the possibility of a lower privilege key being modified into the TMK. When possible, the TMK should also contain one of the deepest possible cuts.
* System administrators will take all possible measures to ensure the TMK is not duplicated in a given geographical area. When [[Sectional keyway|multiplex keyways]] are used, their relationship must be considered during the TMK issuing process.
* Keyway profiles must be selected based on the amount of key control and system expansion required by the end user.
* The choice of master key progression should minimize the number of incidental master keys. Ideally, proper progression leaves no duplicate key bittings or key interchange. Random key bittings must never be used.
* All products must be labeled to indicate their relationship to doors and keysets in the system.

== Key management ==
Keying systems must be maintained properly to ensure their effectiveness. The following points facilitate an effective and secure key system:

* If returned keys should not be destroyed they should be kept in a lockable enclosure.
* If returned keys should be destroyed the key system adminitrators should develop a procedure for properly destroying keys.
* All issued keys should have records which indicate:
** Key holder
** Opening ("history of door location")
** Keyset to key holder
** Keyset to opening
** Key cabinet position (if applicable)
* No keys should be issued without written consent.
* Key issues should be minimal, with only one person in charge of this task with one backup available.

== Maintenance ==
* Changes to the system must use bitting patterns consistent with a given progression method.
* Only manufacturer approved components should be used to assemble/maintain locks.
* Personnel who key locks should be technically competent.
* Code-based key machines should be used to generate keys.
* All key machines should use manafacturer approves parts and related tools.
* Key machines must conform to manufacturer specified key bitting tolerances.
* An inventory of key bittings and lock specifics should be maintained for emergency situations.
* Information about key bittings and lock combinations should be kept secure.

== References ==
<references />

== See also ==
* [[Security rating]]
* [[156.30]]
* [[156.50]]
* [[Lock manufacturer]]

[[Category:Security Ratings]]
[[Category:Master keying]]

Mystery locks

2021-02-06T01:26:36Z

NKT: /* Unknown Lever Padock */ Typo

=Mystery locks=

This page lists Lockwiki content that does not have enough information for a complete page, such as an unknown brand or model of lock. The majority of the locks on this page will be either old or third party locks with little to no markings or public information. Please add info to this page or the [[Talk:Mystery locks|discussion page]] for any locks on this page. If a lock has enough information to identify brand ''and'' model, please give it its own page and remove it from this one.

__TOC__

== Unknown Lever Padlock ==

A lever mechanism padlock with no markings. Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Unk-1-front.JPG
File:Unk-1-front-uncovered.JPG
File:Unk-1-back.JPG
File:Unk-1-side.JPG
File:Unk-1-key.JPG
File:Unk-1-key-in-lock.JPG
File:Unk-1-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== [[Yale]] padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Yale_unk_1-front.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-back.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-bottom.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-front.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-back.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-in-lock.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-open-top.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Elgin padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Elgin-front.JPG
File:Elgin-back.JPG
File:Elgin-bottom.JPG
File:Elgin-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Corbin padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Corbin-front.JPG
File:Corbin-back.JPG
File:Corbin-bottom.JPG
File:Corbin-bottom-closeup.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Sargent padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Sargent-front.JPG
File:Sargent-back.JPG
File:Sargent-bottom.JPG
File:Elgin-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Star padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Star-front.JPG
File:Star-bottom.JPG
</gallery></div>

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Locks needing identification| ]]

Legal issues

2018-07-26T22:29:13Z

NKT: /* Transfer of Tools */ Updated link to statute and corrected "accoutrements".

=Legal Issues=

[[Lockpicking]] and [[Safecracking|safecracking]] are almost always legal hobbies when you own the [[lock]] or [[safe]] you are attempting to open. Most legal complications involve possession of tools.

In most jurisdictions, lockpicking and safecracking are only illegal under the following circumstances:

* Possession with intent to commit a crime
* Done '''without''' the permission of the lock/safe owner
* Prima facie (see below)

Regardless of what this page says, always verify your local and federal laws prior to purchasing, making, or selling any lockpicking and safecracking tools.

__TOC__

==Permission==

Lockpicking is generally allowed when permission is granted to the lockpicker by the owner of the lock. In this sense, picking locks that you own is legal. This is similar to the digital laws that allow you to legally hack your own computer.

==Possession of Tools==

Most governments require that the intent to commit a crime be present before possession of lockpicking tools is illegal. For example, crowbars and hammers can be used as burglary tools, but until intent is shown or a crime is committed they cannot be considered burglary tools. The same goes for lockpicking tools.

One important consideration is whether your state, local, or national laws consider possession to be ''prima facie'' intent to commit a crime. This establishes that possession of tools is illegal because it is "self evident" that tools will be used for malicious intent. In these jurisdictions it is usually required that you be in one of the following categories to legally possess tools:

* Government/Law Enforcement
* Lock manufacturer/distributor
* Locksmith (certification required, usually)
* Automobile dealer
* Repossessor

==Sale of Tools==

The legality of manufacturing, sale, and advertising of tools varies greatly between jurisdictions. In most cases sale is legal, but with various restrictions. Most laws require that sales or transfers of tools be recorded, sometimes with very strict documentation requirements. Jurisdictions that have prima facie laws in effect may require that sale be restricted to specific professions.

==Transfer of Tools==

In the United States, [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/39/3002a U.S.C 39.3002a] states that locksmithing tools are nonmailable and should be disposed of by the Postal Service (USPS). Exceptions to the rule include:

* A lock manufacturer or distributor
* A "bona fide" locksmith
* A "bona fide" repossesor
* A motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer

Being "bona fide" is not clearly defined, and the hobbyist is a grey area. In reality, most packages are allowed to continue through the postal system.

Another relevant law in the United States is [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1716A U.S.C. 18.1716A(b)] which prohibits sending lockpicks through other private delivery services such as UPS or Fedex unless you meet one of the exempted categories in USC Ch.39 Sec.3002A. This effectively prohibits any inter-state delivery of lockpicks using either the USPS or private courier unless you are exempted. In practice, online retailers and hobbyist organizations regularly sell and ship picks and other accoutrements without incident.

==Other Concerns==

The method of opening may constitute additional legal concerns. This is especially true if explosives, firearms, or hazardous materials (high temperatures, toxic gases, acids) are used. Remember to check all applicable local and federal laws for any additional circumstances. Furthermore, always consider any insurance contracts that may affect the use of manipulation or bypass on any locking component.

=Legality in the US, by state=
{{Template:Legal Issues:USChart}}

=Legality around the world, by country=
{{Template:Legal Issues:WorldChart}}

== See also ==
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Safecracking]]

[[Category:Lockwiki]]

Lockpick

2015-02-03T22:37:25Z

NKT: /* Types of Picks */

=Lockpick=

[[File:Sparrows.JPG|thumb|right|text-top|250px|A standard set of [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] lockpicks and tension tools.]]

A '''lockpick''' (or '''pick''', '''pick lock''') is a tool used in [[lockpicking]] to manipulate components to their proper positions. The [[Lock#Lock_Designs|type of lock]] being picked and the preferences of the lockpicker will determine which type and style of lockpick used. In most cases, a [[Tension|tension tool]] is used with the pick to successfully pick the lock. Picks that are specifically designed for [[Raking|rake picking]] techniques as known as rakes.

The possession of lockpicks is [[Legal Issues|considered illegal]] in some parts of the world. Lockpicks are categorized as "burglary tools" in many places, but most laws do not consider them such until they are used with the intent to commit a crime.

__TOC__
<br clear=all>

== Types of Picks ==

The type and design of lockpicking tools varies greatly. Different [[Lock#Lock_designs|lock designs]] require different types of picks and [[Tension|tension tools]] to manipulate the internal components.

; [[Pin-tumbler]] picks

Pin-tumbler picks are typically flat, thin pieces of metal. The tip of the pick comes in various shapes designed to facilitate movement and feedback in the lock. Common handle materials are metal, heat shrink tubing, plastic, rubber, and wood.

* Ball / Round
* Deforest pick
* Diamond
* Long hook
* Half ball
* Reach pick
* Short hook
* Snowman / Figure 8
* Rakes (commonly snake, C rake, S rake, M rake, L rake, City rake)
* Bogota rake

; [[Dimple]] picks

Dimple picks use small, "flag" style picks that are rotated rather than raised. These are smaller than pin-tumbler picks and come in a variety of designs. Dimple rakes are also common. Traditional pin-tumbler picks can also be used to pick dimple locks.

; [[Disc-detainer]] picks

Disc-detainer picks typically use a 2-in-1 Hobbs style pick which provides independent torsion and manipulation controls. Some, such as the Ford Tibbe 6 disc lock have dedicated picks which allow manipulation and tension of each disc via a system of telescoped tubes.

; [[Lever]] picks

Lever picks came first in the form of bent pieces of wire as well as the traditional jigglers and skeleton keys, the latter of which were a hold-over from picks for warded lever locks. For the more advanced multi-lever locks, 2-in-1 Hobbs style picks were invented and refined, and are still common for non-curtained locks. Other methods include try-out keys, pin & cam systems and various means to read the lever number via the keyhole or, occasionally, elsewhere, via systems such as plasticine reader keys, rotational measurement devices and, especially for detainer lever locks, a steerable fibrescope which can optically decode the gate positions.

; [[Tubular]] picks

The simplest pick for a tubular lock is a tensioner and a straight piece of wire. Picking proceeds as with other lock types. More commonly, a dedicated pick is used, which has a wire for each pin arranged to match the 7, 8 etc. pins as well as a method for tensioning the lock. These are normally used to self-impression the lock, meaning that the tool will use the binding order of the lock to recreate the correct key without prior knowledge, and can be startlingly effective against locks that have no countermeasures to them. Against those with countermeasures, a dedicated pick such as the Peterson Pro1 is normally required which will allow each pick wire to be adjusted individually by hand.

; [[Wafer]] picks

Wafer locks share picking tools with pin-tumbler locks but also have their own variety of picks which include wavy, smooth designs. Wafer picks are often marketed as "jigglers" due to the heavy emphasis on raking techniques to open these locks.

; [[Warded]] picks

Picks for warded locks can consist of bent wires, but more commonly they consist of simplified keys, known as skeleton keys. A set of keys can be simplified to create one or two keys that will open the entire range of that type of warded lock, be it a warded single lever mortice lock or a warded padlock.

== Gallery ==

<div align="center"><gallery perrow=5>
File:KlomPicks.JPG|A [[pin-tumbler]] and [[wafer]] lockpicking set.
File:Lockwiki_Pin-tumbler_picks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_Pick_24_Piece.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_lockpicks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Wafer_jiggler_picks.jpg|A [[wafer]] jiggler set.
File:ABUS_Plus_pick_Jaako.jpg|A [[disc-detainer]] pick for the [[ABUS Plus]] lock.
File:Pick_Abus_Plus.jpg|Another [[ABUS Plus]] pick.
File:Pick_Southourd_Tubular.jpg|A 7-pin [[tubular]] pick.
File:Peterson_Pro1_pick.jpg|A [[tubular]] lockpicking tool.
File:Handcuff_pick.jpg|A [[Handcuff]] pick made from a bobby pin.
File:Warded_MasterLock_skeleton_key.jpg|A simplified key which will open all of this type of warded Master padlock.
</gallery></div>

== See also ==
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Tension]]
* [[Locksport]]

[[Category:Lockpicking]]

{{Stub|Type=Lockpicking}}

Lockpick

2015-02-03T22:36:29Z

NKT: /* Gallery */

=Lockpick=

[[File:Sparrows.JPG|thumb|right|text-top|250px|A standard set of [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] lockpicks and tension tools.]]

A '''lockpick''' (or '''pick''', '''pick lock''') is a tool used in [[lockpicking]] to manipulate components to their proper positions. The [[Lock#Lock_Designs|type of lock]] being picked and the preferences of the lockpicker will determine which type and style of lockpick used. In most cases, a [[Tension|tension tool]] is used with the pick to successfully pick the lock. Picks that are specifically designed for [[Raking|rake picking]] techniques as known as rakes.

The possession of lockpicks is [[Legal Issues|considered illegal]] in some parts of the world. Lockpicks are categorized as "burglary tools" in many places, but most laws do not consider them such until they are used with the intent to commit a crime.

__TOC__
<br clear=all>

== Types of Picks ==

The type and design of lockpicking tools varies greatly. Different [[Lock#Lock_designs|lock designs]] require different types of picks and [[Tension|tension tools]] to manipulate the internal components.

; [[Pin-tumbler]] picks

Pin-tumbler picks are typically flat, thin pieces of metal. The tip of the pick comes in various shapes designed to facilitate movement and feedback in the lock. Common handle materials are metal, heat shrink tubing, plastic, rubber, and wood.

* Ball / Round
* Deforest pick
* Diamond
* Long hook
* Half ball
* Reach pick
* Short hook
* Snowman / Figure 8
* Rakes (commonly snake, C rake, S rake, M rake, L rake, City rake)
* Bogota rake

; [[Dimple]] picks

Dimple picks use small, "flag" style picks that are rotated rather than raised. These are smaller than pin-tumbler picks and come in a variety of designs. Dimple rakes are also common. Traditional pin-tumbler picks can also be used to pick dimple locks.

; [[Disc-detainer]] picks

Disc-detainer picks typically use a 2-in-1 Hobbs style pick which provides independent torsion and manipulation controls. Some, such as the Ford Tibbe 6 disc lock have dedicated picks which allow manipulation and tension of each disc via a system of telescoped tubes.

; [[Lever]] picks

Lever picks came first in the form of bent pieces of wire as well as the traditional jigglers and skeleton keys, the latter of which were a hold-over from picks for warded lever locks. For the more advanced multi-lever locks, 2-in-1 Hobbs style picks were invented and refined, and are still common for non-curtained locks. Other methods include try-out keys, pin & cam systems and various means to read the lever number via the keyhole or, occasionally, elsewhere, via systems such as plasticine reader keys, rotational measurement devices and, especially for detainer lever locks, a steerable fibrescope which can optically decode the gate positions.

; [[Tubular]] picks

The simplest pick for a tubular lock is a tensioner and a straight piece of wire. Picking proceeds as with other lock types. More commonly, a dedicated pick is used, which has a wire for each pin arranged to match the 7, 8 etc. pins as well as a method for tensioning the lock. These are normally used to self-impression the lock, meaning that the tool will use the binding order of the lock to recreate the correct key without prior knowledge, and can be startlingly effective against locks that have no countermeasures to them. Against those with countermeasures, a dedicated pick is normally required which will allow each pick wire to be adjusted individually by hand.

; [[Wafer]] picks

Wafer locks share picking tools with pin-tumbler locks but also have their own variety of picks which include wavy, smooth designs. Wafer picks are often marketed as "jigglers" due to the heavy emphasis on raking techniques to open these locks.

; [[Warded]] picks

Picks for warded locks can consist of bent wires, but more commonly they consist of simplified keys, known as skeleton keys. A set of keys can be simplified to create one or two keys that will open the entire range of that type of warded lock, be it a warded single lever mortice lock or a warded padlock.

== Gallery ==

<div align="center"><gallery perrow=5>
File:KlomPicks.JPG|A [[pin-tumbler]] and [[wafer]] lockpicking set.
File:Lockwiki_Pin-tumbler_picks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_Pick_24_Piece.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_lockpicks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Wafer_jiggler_picks.jpg|A [[wafer]] jiggler set.
File:ABUS_Plus_pick_Jaako.jpg|A [[disc-detainer]] pick for the [[ABUS Plus]] lock.
File:Pick_Abus_Plus.jpg|Another [[ABUS Plus]] pick.
File:Pick_Southourd_Tubular.jpg|A 7-pin [[tubular]] pick.
File:Peterson_Pro1_pick.jpg|A [[tubular]] lockpicking tool.
File:Handcuff_pick.jpg|A [[Handcuff]] pick made from a bobby pin.
File:Warded_MasterLock_skeleton_key.jpg|A simplified key which will open all of this type of warded Master padlock.
</gallery></div>

== See also ==
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Tension]]
* [[Locksport]]

[[Category:Lockpicking]]

{{Stub|Type=Lockpicking}}

Lockpick

2015-02-03T22:33:30Z

NKT: /* Types of Picks */

=Lockpick=

[[File:Sparrows.JPG|thumb|right|text-top|250px|A standard set of [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] lockpicks and tension tools.]]

A '''lockpick''' (or '''pick''', '''pick lock''') is a tool used in [[lockpicking]] to manipulate components to their proper positions. The [[Lock#Lock_Designs|type of lock]] being picked and the preferences of the lockpicker will determine which type and style of lockpick used. In most cases, a [[Tension|tension tool]] is used with the pick to successfully pick the lock. Picks that are specifically designed for [[Raking|rake picking]] techniques as known as rakes.

The possession of lockpicks is [[Legal Issues|considered illegal]] in some parts of the world. Lockpicks are categorized as "burglary tools" in many places, but most laws do not consider them such until they are used with the intent to commit a crime.

__TOC__
<br clear=all>

== Types of Picks ==

The type and design of lockpicking tools varies greatly. Different [[Lock#Lock_designs|lock designs]] require different types of picks and [[Tension|tension tools]] to manipulate the internal components.

; [[Pin-tumbler]] picks

Pin-tumbler picks are typically flat, thin pieces of metal. The tip of the pick comes in various shapes designed to facilitate movement and feedback in the lock. Common handle materials are metal, heat shrink tubing, plastic, rubber, and wood.

* Ball / Round
* Deforest pick
* Diamond
* Long hook
* Half ball
* Reach pick
* Short hook
* Snowman / Figure 8
* Rakes (commonly snake, C rake, S rake, M rake, L rake, City rake)
* Bogota rake

; [[Dimple]] picks

Dimple picks use small, "flag" style picks that are rotated rather than raised. These are smaller than pin-tumbler picks and come in a variety of designs. Dimple rakes are also common. Traditional pin-tumbler picks can also be used to pick dimple locks.

; [[Disc-detainer]] picks

Disc-detainer picks typically use a 2-in-1 Hobbs style pick which provides independent torsion and manipulation controls. Some, such as the Ford Tibbe 6 disc lock have dedicated picks which allow manipulation and tension of each disc via a system of telescoped tubes.

; [[Lever]] picks

Lever picks came first in the form of bent pieces of wire as well as the traditional jigglers and skeleton keys, the latter of which were a hold-over from picks for warded lever locks. For the more advanced multi-lever locks, 2-in-1 Hobbs style picks were invented and refined, and are still common for non-curtained locks. Other methods include try-out keys, pin & cam systems and various means to read the lever number via the keyhole or, occasionally, elsewhere, via systems such as plasticine reader keys, rotational measurement devices and, especially for detainer lever locks, a steerable fibrescope which can optically decode the gate positions.

; [[Tubular]] picks

The simplest pick for a tubular lock is a tensioner and a straight piece of wire. Picking proceeds as with other lock types. More commonly, a dedicated pick is used, which has a wire for each pin arranged to match the 7, 8 etc. pins as well as a method for tensioning the lock. These are normally used to self-impression the lock, meaning that the tool will use the binding order of the lock to recreate the correct key without prior knowledge, and can be startlingly effective against locks that have no countermeasures to them. Against those with countermeasures, a dedicated pick is normally required which will allow each pick wire to be adjusted individually by hand.

; [[Wafer]] picks

Wafer locks share picking tools with pin-tumbler locks but also have their own variety of picks which include wavy, smooth designs. Wafer picks are often marketed as "jigglers" due to the heavy emphasis on raking techniques to open these locks.

; [[Warded]] picks

Picks for warded locks can consist of bent wires, but more commonly they consist of simplified keys, known as skeleton keys. A set of keys can be simplified to create one or two keys that will open the entire range of that type of warded lock, be it a warded single lever mortice lock or a warded padlock.

== Gallery ==

<div align="center"><gallery perrow=5>
File:KlomPicks.JPG|A [[pin-tumbler]] and [[wafer]] lockpicking set.
File:Lockwiki_Pin-tumbler_picks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_Pick_24_Piece.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Goso_lockpicks.jpg|A [[pin-tumbler]] lockpicking set.
File:Wafer_jiggler_picks.jpg|A [[wafer]] jiggler set.
File:ABUS_Plus_pick_Jaako.jpg|A [[disc-detainer]] pick for the [[ABUS Plus]] lock.
File:Pick_Abus_Plus.jpg|Another [[ABUS Plus]] pick.
File:Pick_Southourd_Tubular.jpg|A 7-pin [[tubular]] pick.
File:Peterson_Pro1_pick.jpg|A [[tubular]] lockpicking tool.
File:Handcuff_pick.jpg|A [[Handcuff]] pick made from a bobby pin.
</gallery></div>

== See also ==
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Tension]]
* [[Locksport]]

[[Category:Lockpicking]]

{{Stub|Type=Lockpicking}}

Lever

2015-02-03T22:08:11Z

NKT: /* Components */

=Lever=
{{cleanup}}

A '''lever''' (or '''lever tumbler''') is a [[lock]] design that uses flat pieces of metal (also known as levers) and a [[bolt]] as locking components. In this article, 'lever lock' does not mean a locking lever handle incorporating a cylinder locking device.
In most designs, the position of the levers prevents the bolt from retracting. When positioned properly, a gate in the lever allows the bolt to move (shot or withdrawn). Lever locks are historically one of the most popular lock designs, but use has declined as less expensive [[pin-tumbler]] locks have gained popularity. Lever locks are popular in Europe (particularly the UK), eastern Europe, and some parts of South America, as residential and commercial [[door]] locks and on [[safe]]s. Safe-deposit boxes in banks around the world use lever designs heavily.

__TOC__

== History ==

A single locking tumbler was used on many Roman metal locks, often in association with wards. Many early door locks had no case, with a bolt and locking tumbler mounted on a backplate. From at least 13C, some locks had these components mounted in a wood stock without a backplate — this lock design is the Banbury lock (the reason for this name is unknown). These designs did not use fences and gates, but rather a simple pivoted tumbler or lever that the key had to move (typically, lift) out of the way in order for the bolt to move. Security was provided by [[Warded|warding]].
Other locks had a backplate mounted in a wood stock - the [plate] stock lock.

=== Barron lock ===
In 1778, [[Robert Barron]] patented [BP1200] the principle of all modern mechanical security locks — the double-acting movable detainer. His patent describes 'the gating or racking to allow a stump on the tumbler to pass through the bolt, or an opening in the tumbler to allow a stump on the bolt to pass through.' These two (of several possible) realisations of the double-acting movable detainer principle are now usually described as 'lever locks'. Barron's was the first lever lock that used a stump and gates. This technique requires each lever be moved to a precise distance (typically, height) at which the stump can pass through the gate. Overlifting or underlifting a lever leaves it blocking the stump - hence "Double acting"; older locks' levers only needed to be moved upwards to clear — more than that had no effect, as they had already cleared the obstacle. Barron, and after him his son, and others, used only the arrangement of stumps on the tumblers with gates in the bolt tail. This arrangement would prove in the long run less successful than Barron's other suggestion of a stump on the bolt tail and gates in the tumblers.
The realisation Barron used is practically limited to 4 tumblers, and most locks had only 2. The other arrangement allows an unlimited number of levers to be stacked on the same pivot, blocking the same stump.
The double-acting movable detainer principle is still in use to this day in lever locks, but also including [[pin-tumbler]] locks by [[Linus_Yale_Jr|Linus Yale, Jr]].

=== Chubb lock ===
[[File:Chubb_lock.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The [[Chubb]] Detector lock.]]

In 1818, Charles and [[Jeremiah Chubb]] patented [BP4219] a lock design based on Barron's work. Their version used the placement of stump on the bolt tail and gates in the levers. These levers have 2 pockets, with the bolt stump moving through the gate in the lever fence (or bar) from one pocket to the other, as the bolt moves. This design is commonly associated with the name of Chubb, and is still in use today in many locks. They also added a device called the ''detector'', an extra lever that triggered by overlifting of the main levers. When triggered, the detector would lock the bolt until it was reset [regulated, in Chubbs' word] with a special key. To make it more convenient to use, the Chubb detector lock was modified slightly in 1824 so that it could be reset by the working key, instead of a separate 'regulating' key. The concept of the ‘detector’ was that the lock not only responded to the true key, it also recognised a wrong key or picking attempt, and signalled this to the proper keyholder by a change of state. The concept was invented by Ruxton in 1816 [BP4027] but his realisation was not a practical success. The Chubb lock was the first to have a practical detector, combined with lever tumblers. [[Chubb]] later added false notches or serrations on the fences of the levers which prematurely bound components if tension were applied when the component was in the incorrect position. This anti-picking idea was originally introduced on Bramah locks from 1817, and also used on Anthony Strutt's lever lock of 1819 — the first to use end-gated levers. It was later included in [[security pins]] and many other lock designs.
In 1820, Mallet patented a rotating barrel and curtain that closed off the keyhole when the key was turned and hindered independent movement of picking instruments. This addition helped to prevent [[decoding]]. De La Fons would later also be granted a patent for this same idea, in 1846. Although not widely used before 1851, the combined barrel-and-curtain are now commonly used security features of high-security lever locks - the name usually simply abbreviated to 'curtain'.

=== Tucker and Reeves ===
In 1851, a new design surfaced with a bolt that was not rigidly fixed but could shift on one end. Patented by Tucker and Reeves, this design aimed to thwart picking attempts involving pressure on the bolt. The shifting bolt made it harder to feel the gates inside the lock as it shifted. In 1853, the design was refined to include a rotating barrel that prevented movement of the bolt until a key was inserted.

=== Parsons lock ===
Another form of ‘lever’ lock was Thomas Parsons’ balance lock [BP8350] of 1832. This originally had a plurality of levers pivoted around their midpoint (earlier levers were pivoted at one endpoint) below the bolt tail, each lever having a hook (of differing lengths) at both ends. Spring pressure pressed the hooks at one end into a notch in the bolt tail, (locking the bolt against movement). The key steps pushed on the other ends of the levers. The key bit pressed those ends towards the bolt, which had notches for these hooks also. (There are two notches each end of the bolt tail, for the shot and withdrawn positions of the bolt.) The correct key balanced every lever with neither end hooking into the bolt. Because the balance levers take little strain, they can be thin, so that using 7 was common, and up to 20 in some safe locks.
This linear lock enjoyed considerable success in the 19th C. A cylinder locking device version made by CAWI appeared in 1951, using essentially the same idea, differently realised.

Numerous detail variations in the lever mechanism have been invented. Levers may be arranged to slide rather than pivot. The bolt tail may be within the lever stack (typically, in the middle). Levers all on one pivot may be arranged to pivot in opposite directions (typically, alternate levers). Or there may be a plurality of lever stacks, and a plurality of stumps. Such locks are mainly used for high grade safes.
Several anti-pressure devices, and other pick-resisting features, have been invented.
There have also appeared several lever cylinder locking devices, of which the Ingersoll Impregnable is notable. It has been made under licence in the USA by Sargant & Greenleaf.

'Simple' should not be equated to 'insecure'. Designs using a double-bitted key with unsprung levers having closed bellies, cheaply made in zinc alloy castings, are widely-used on medium-grade safes in Europe. Lever steps on one bit move the levers, the corresponding steps on the other bit stop the levers moving too far. The levers are end-gated, (allowing a strongly-fixed and well-supported bolt stump) with numerous serrated false notches. Locks of this type are practically impossible to pick tentatively, and inside a safe door are well-protected against force. Usually, re-lockers are also connected, to frustrate disrupting the lock by force or explosive.

Many lever locks are less demanding of production precision than cylinder locks, and this has increased the popularity of physically robust lever locks in eastern Europe in the past few decades.

== Principles of Operation ==

Although this describes the typical arrangement, several other realisations also occur.

A stack of levers is placed in the lock. Every lever must be properly moved (typically raised) by the key to allow the bolt stump fixed to the bolt tail to pass through the gates of the levers, retracting or extending the bolt. Each lever may have a different sized belly, or a different gate position to provide [[differs]].

See also: [[Detainers]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== Components ==

; Levers
: The primary locking component of lever lock. Each lever is a flat piece of metal with a gate which must be moved to the proper position to allow the stump to pass through and retract or extend the bolt. Each lever is normally impelled by a spring, usually fixed to the lever. Some levers use a thinned belly section referred to as "conning" to ensure the lever interfaces with the correct bitting area on the key.

; Stump
: The stump is a protrusion usually fixed to the [[bolt]]. The stump prevents the bolt from being extended or retracted until the levers are properly positioned. Traditional designs have the stump and levers interconnected (pockets are closed, with the stump sitting inside each lever).

; Washers
: Washers are flat (often metal) plates placed between each lever to ensure that each lever is properly raised by each bitting cut. They are not universal, but common in outdoor facing lever locks that require a high degree of reliability, especially in harsh conditions. On some cheaper locks they are replaced by stamped bumps which maintain the spacings without increasing the parts count.

; Barrel and Curtain (now combined and usually referred to simply as 'curtain')
: This is a component used in the keyhole to help prevent direct access to the levers after the key or pick is rotated in the lock. When the key turns, the curtain blocks the keyhole. The barrel hampers the independent movements of a 2-in-1 pick of the design originally used by A C Hobbs. This protects against casual manipulation of the levers, but does not preclude [[lockpicking]] attacks completely.

== Vulnerabilities ==

Lever locks (in common with other locks) are vulnerable to a variety of attacks, depending on their design. Tentative picking is increasingly difficult as the number of levers increases. Many security locks also incorporate features which hamper manipulation, and additionally, warding is also sometimes used to this end (just as in pin tumbler locks). Tools to pick and decode lever locks are not as widely available as their [[pin-tumbler]] counterparts, largely because the tools required are more laborious to make, and expensive, and are more likely to be specialized to each lock, unlike pin tumbler and wafer tumbler [[picks]]. However, devices do exist and can be effective. Often, more specialised tools are made for a size and design for an individual model of lever lock.
In general, well-made lever locks incorporating several pick-resisting features are likely to be physically stronger and more resistant to manipulation than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks. They are likely to be larger, and typically have slightly larger keys. Lever locks in widespread use tend to have fewer differs than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks, although trial of keys is hindered by the greater weight of keys needed and the slower rate at which they can be tested. Keys for different models of lever locks have a considerable variety of sizes, further impeding trial of keys.

One- and two-level masterkeying is used for small suites, and has been much used in institutions in the past. Most lever locks are not well-suited to complex large-scale or multi-level masterkeying. Those with [[detainers]] are generally better for this than those with H gate levers.

Many security lever locks are well-protected against drilling, so that this attack usually needs more work than most pin tumbler cylinders. Drill points vary from one lock model to another and are not visible externally.
Lever locks, especially those with a protective curtain, are highly resistant to severe weather conditions.

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]

'''Notes'''
* Lever locks are not subject to [[key bumping]] or [[pick gun]] attacks.

== References ==
<references />
PULFORD, Graham (2007). High Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference. ISBN 0750684372.

== See also ==

* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Lockpicking]]

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Lever locks| ]]

Detainer levers

2015-02-03T00:40:44Z

NKT:

Lever locks are commonly grouped into two types - detainer and [[lever]].

Most in common use have a H shaped gate completely contained within the lever. Thus it is impossible to see the position of the gates from outside without penetration of the outer shell or at least the door.

Detainer locks however have a cut notch on the front edge. Operation is such that the key lifts the detainer to the correct height for a mechanism to test the detainer positions, then resets. This requires a marked increase in complexity so is only found in higher end locks such as the successful high security Chubb 110 series.

(Note that on some newer UK domestic lever locks, the end of the lever is open for the bolt to slide though. They have only half of the H inside the lever, and look somewhat like a detainer, but they are not true detainers as they are not tested but directly interact with the stump. The reason for this change is due to the increase of the locking bolt length requirement in BS3621:2003 and manufacturers needed to increase the bolt travel without changing the key size.)

The detainer allows mechanical advantage to amplify the variations of the key in the 110 series, and this allows for 9 cuts to the key, symmetric about the middle 5th cut, interacting with the 5 detainers, to have 9 different lifts with no MACS restrictions. Further, because the mechanism checks the detainer for a notch at the correct height, it is possible to have a detainer with, for example, a notch at the 3rd cut lift height and the 6th cut height which will still prevent a key with a 4th or 5th cut from working, unlike a common lever lock.

[[File:110_detainers.jpg]]

Lever

2015-02-03T00:40:16Z

NKT: /* Principles of Operation */

=Lever=
{{cleanup}}

A '''lever''' (or '''lever tumbler''') is a [[lock]] design that uses flat pieces of metal (also known as levers) and a [[bolt]] as locking components. In this article, 'lever lock' does not mean a locking lever handle incorporating a cylinder locking device.
In most designs, the position of the levers prevents the bolt from retracting. When positioned properly, a gate in the lever allows the bolt to move (shot or withdrawn). Lever locks are historically one of the most popular lock designs, but use has declined as less expensive [[pin-tumbler]] locks have gained popularity. Lever locks are popular in Europe (particularly the UK), eastern Europe, and some parts of South America, as residential and commercial [[door]] locks and on [[safe]]s. Safe-deposit boxes in banks around the world use lever designs heavily.

__TOC__

== History ==

A single locking tumbler was used on many Roman metal locks, often in association with wards. Many early door locks had no case, with a bolt and locking tumbler mounted on a backplate. From at least 13C, some locks had these components mounted in a wood stock without a backplate — this lock design is the Banbury lock (the reason for this name is unknown). These designs did not use fences and gates, but rather a simple pivoted tumbler or lever that the key had to move (typically, lift) out of the way in order for the bolt to move. Security was provided by [[Warded|warding]].
Other locks had a backplate mounted in a wood stock - the [plate] stock lock.

=== Barron lock ===
In 1778, [[Robert Barron]] patented [BP1200] the principle of all modern mechanical security locks — the double-acting movable detainer. His patent describes 'the gating or racking to allow a stump on the tumbler to pass through the bolt, or an opening in the tumbler to allow a stump on the bolt to pass through.' These two (of several possible) realisations of the double-acting movable detainer principle are now usually described as 'lever locks'. Barron's was the first lever lock that used a stump and gates. This technique requires each lever be moved to a precise distance (typically, height) at which the stump can pass through the gate. Overlifting or underlifting a lever leaves it blocking the stump - hence "Double acting"; older locks' levers only needed to be moved upwards to clear — more than that had no effect, as they had already cleared the obstacle. Barron, and after him his son, and others, used only the arrangement of stumps on the tumblers with gates in the bolt tail. This arrangement would prove in the long run less successful than Barron's other suggestion of a stump on the bolt tail and gates in the tumblers.
The realisation Barron used is practically limited to 4 tumblers, and most locks had only 2. The other arrangement allows an unlimited number of levers to be stacked on the same pivot, blocking the same stump.
The double-acting movable detainer principle is still in use to this day in lever locks, but also including [[pin-tumbler]] locks by [[Linus_Yale_Jr|Linus Yale, Jr]].

=== Chubb lock ===
[[File:Chubb_lock.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The [[Chubb]] Detector lock.]]

In 1818, Charles and [[Jeremiah Chubb]] patented [BP4219] a lock design based on Barron's work. Their version used the placement of stump on the bolt tail and gates in the levers. These levers have 2 pockets, with the bolt stump moving through the gate in the lever fence (or bar) from one pocket to the other, as the bolt moves. This design is commonly associated with the name of Chubb, and is still in use today in many locks. They also added a device called the ''detector'', an extra lever that triggered by overlifting of the main levers. When triggered, the detector would lock the bolt until it was reset [regulated, in Chubbs' word] with a special key. To make it more convenient to use, the Chubb detector lock was modified slightly in 1824 so that it could be reset by the working key, instead of a separate 'regulating' key. The concept of the ‘detector’ was that the lock not only responded to the true key, it also recognised a wrong key or picking attempt, and signalled this to the proper keyholder by a change of state. The concept was invented by Ruxton in 1816 [BP4027] but his realisation was not a practical success. The Chubb lock was the first to have a practical detector, combined with lever tumblers. [[Chubb]] later added false notches or serrations on the fences of the levers which prematurely bound components if tension were applied when the component was in the incorrect position. This anti-picking idea was originally introduced on Bramah locks from 1817, and also used on Anthony Strutt's lever lock of 1819 — the first to use end-gated levers. It was later included in [[security pins]] and many other lock designs.
In 1820, Mallet patented a rotating barrel and curtain that closed off the keyhole when the key was turned and hindered independent movement of picking instruments. This addition helped to prevent [[decoding]]. De La Fons would later also be granted a patent for this same idea, in 1846. Although not widely used before 1851, the combined barrel-and-curtain are now commonly used security features of high-security lever locks - the name usually simply abbreviated to 'curtain'.

=== Tucker and Reeves ===
In 1851, a new design surfaced with a bolt that was not rigidly fixed but could shift on one end. Patented by Tucker and Reeves, this design aimed to thwart picking attempts involving pressure on the bolt. The shifting bolt made it harder to feel the gates inside the lock as it shifted. In 1853, the design was refined to include a rotating barrel that prevented movement of the bolt until a key was inserted.

=== Parsons lock ===
Another form of ‘lever’ lock was Thomas Parsons’ balance lock [BP8350] of 1832. This originally had a plurality of levers pivoted around their midpoint (earlier levers were pivoted at one endpoint) below the bolt tail, each lever having a hook (of differing lengths) at both ends. Spring pressure pressed the hooks at one end into a notch in the bolt tail, (locking the bolt against movement). The key steps pushed on the other ends of the levers. The key bit pressed those ends towards the bolt, which had notches for these hooks also. (There are two notches each end of the bolt tail, for the shot and withdrawn positions of the bolt.) The correct key balanced every lever with neither end hooking into the bolt. Because the balance levers take little strain, they can be thin, so that using 7 was common, and up to 20 in some safe locks.
This linear lock enjoyed considerable success in the 19th C. A cylinder locking device version made by CAWI appeared in 1951, using essentially the same idea, differently realised.

Numerous detail variations in the lever mechanism have been invented. Levers may be arranged to slide rather than pivot. The bolt tail may be within the lever stack (typically, in the middle). Levers all on one pivot may be arranged to pivot in opposite directions (typically, alternate levers). Or there may be a plurality of lever stacks, and a plurality of stumps. Such locks are mainly used for high grade safes.
Several anti-pressure devices, and other pick-resisting features, have been invented.
There have also appeared several lever cylinder locking devices, of which the Ingersoll Impregnable is notable. It has been made under licence in the USA by Sargant & Greenleaf.

'Simple' should not be equated to 'insecure'. Designs using a double-bitted key with unsprung levers having closed bellies, cheaply made in zinc alloy castings, are widely-used on medium-grade safes in Europe. Lever steps on one bit move the levers, the corresponding steps on the other bit stop the levers moving too far. The levers are end-gated, (allowing a strongly-fixed and well-supported bolt stump) with numerous serrated false notches. Locks of this type are practically impossible to pick tentatively, and inside a safe door are well-protected against force. Usually, re-lockers are also connected, to frustrate disrupting the lock by force or explosive.

Many lever locks are less demanding of production precision than cylinder locks, and this has increased the popularity of physically robust lever locks in eastern Europe in the past few decades.

== Principles of Operation ==

Although this describes the typical arrangement, several other realisations also occur.

A stack of levers is placed in the lock. Every lever must be properly moved (typically raised) by the key to allow the bolt stump fixed to the bolt tail to pass through the gates of the levers, retracting or extending the bolt. Each lever may have a different sized belly, or a different gate position to provide [[differs]].

See also: [[Detainers]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== Components ==

; Levers
: The primary locking component of lever lock. Each lever is a flat piece of metal with a gate which must be moved to the proper position to allow the stump to pass through and retract or extend the bolt. Each lever is normally impelled by a spring, usually fixed to the lever. Some levers use a thinned belly section referred to as "conning" to ensure the lever interfaces with the correct bitting area on the key.

; Stump
: The stump is a protrusion usually fixed to the [[bolt]]. The stump prevents the bolt from being extended or retracted until the levers are properly positioned. Traditional designs have the stump and levers interconnected (pockets are closed, with the stump sitting inside each lever).

; Washers
: Washers are flat (often metal) plates placed between each lever to ensure that each lever is properly raised by each bitting cut. They are not universal, but common in outdoor facing lever locks that require a high degree of reliability, especially in harsh conditions.

; Barrel and Curtain (now combined and usually referred to simply as 'curtain')
: This is a component used in the keyhole to prevent direct access to the levers after the key or pick is rotated in the lock. When the key turns, the curtain blocks the keyhole. The barrel hampers the independant movements of a 2-in-1 pick of the design originally used by A C Hobbs. This protects against casual manipulation of the levers, but does not preclude [[lockpicking]] attacks completely.

== Vulnerabilities ==

Lever locks (in common with other locks) are vulnerable to a variety of attacks, depending on their design. Tentative picking is increasingly difficult as the number of levers increases. Many security locks also incorporate features which hamper manipulation, and additionally, warding is also sometimes used to this end (just as in pin tumbler locks). Tools to pick and decode lever locks are not as widely available as their [[pin-tumbler]] counterparts, largely because the tools required are more laborious to make, and expensive, and are more likely to be specialized to each lock, unlike pin tumbler and wafer tumbler [[picks]]. However, devices do exist and can be effective. Often, more specialised tools are made for a size and design for an individual model of lever lock.
In general, well-made lever locks incorporating several pick-resisting features are likely to be physically stronger and more resistant to manipulation than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks. They are likely to be larger, and typically have slightly larger keys. Lever locks in widespread use tend to have fewer differs than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks, although trial of keys is hindered by the greater weight of keys needed and the slower rate at which they can be tested. Keys for different models of lever locks have a considerable variety of sizes, further impeding trial of keys.

One- and two-level masterkeying is used for small suites, and has been much used in institutions in the past. Most lever locks are not well-suited to complex large-scale or multi-level masterkeying. Those with [[detainers]] are generally better for this than those with H gate levers.

Many security lever locks are well-protected against drilling, so that this attack usually needs more work than most pin tumbler cylinders. Drill points vary from one lock model to another and are not visible externally.
Lever locks, especially those with a protective curtain, are highly resistant to severe weather conditions.

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]

'''Notes'''
* Lever locks are not subject to [[key bumping]] or [[pick gun]] attacks.

== References ==
<references />
PULFORD, Graham (2007). High Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference. ISBN 0750684372.

== See also ==

* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Lockpicking]]

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Lever locks| ]]

File:110 detainers.jpg

2015-02-03T00:37:23Z

NKT: 1st generation Chubb 110 detainer levers showing examples of gate positions and a simulated mastered detainer.

== Summary ==
1st generation Chubb 110 detainer levers showing examples of gate positions and a simulated mastered detainer.
== Licensing ==
{{PD-user }}

Detainer levers

2015-02-03T00:28:44Z

NKT: Detainer locks

Lever

2015-02-03T00:03:35Z

NKT: /* Vulnerabilities */

=Lever=
{{cleanup}}

A '''lever''' (or '''lever tumbler''') is a [[lock]] design that uses flat pieces of metal (also known as levers) and a [[bolt]] as locking components. In this article, 'lever lock' does not mean a locking lever handle incorporating a cylinder locking device.
In most designs, the position of the levers prevents the bolt from retracting. When positioned properly, a gate in the lever allows the bolt to move (shot or withdrawn). Lever locks are historically one of the most popular lock designs, but use has declined as less expensive [[pin-tumbler]] locks have gained popularity. Lever locks are popular in Europe (particularly the UK), eastern Europe, and some parts of South America, as residential and commercial [[door]] locks and on [[safe]]s. Safe-deposit boxes in banks around the world use lever designs heavily.

__TOC__

== History ==

A single locking tumbler was used on many Roman metal locks, often in association with wards. Many early door locks had no case, with a bolt and locking tumbler mounted on a backplate. From at least 13C, some locks had these components mounted in a wood stock without a backplate — this lock design is the Banbury lock (the reason for this name is unknown). These designs did not use fences and gates, but rather a simple pivoted tumbler or lever that the key had to move (typically, lift) out of the way in order for the bolt to move. Security was provided by [[Warded|warding]].
Other locks had a backplate mounted in a wood stock - the [plate] stock lock.

=== Barron lock ===
In 1778, [[Robert Barron]] patented [BP1200] the principle of all modern mechanical security locks — the double-acting movable detainer. His patent describes 'the gating or racking to allow a stump on the tumbler to pass through the bolt, or an opening in the tumbler to allow a stump on the bolt to pass through.' These two (of several possible) realisations of the double-acting movable detainer principle are now usually described as 'lever locks'. Barron's was the first lever lock that used a stump and gates. This technique requires each lever be moved to a precise distance (typically, height) at which the stump can pass through the gate. Overlifting or underlifting a lever leaves it blocking the stump - hence "Double acting"; older locks' levers only needed to be moved upwards to clear — more than that had no effect, as they had already cleared the obstacle. Barron, and after him his son, and others, used only the arrangement of stumps on the tumblers with gates in the bolt tail. This arrangement would prove in the long run less successful than Barron's other suggestion of a stump on the bolt tail and gates in the tumblers.
The realisation Barron used is practically limited to 4 tumblers, and most locks had only 2. The other arrangement allows an unlimited number of levers to be stacked on the same pivot, blocking the same stump.
The double-acting movable detainer principle is still in use to this day in lever locks, but also including [[pin-tumbler]] locks by [[Linus_Yale_Jr|Linus Yale, Jr]].

=== Chubb lock ===
[[File:Chubb_lock.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The [[Chubb]] Detector lock.]]

In 1818, Charles and [[Jeremiah Chubb]] patented [BP4219] a lock design based on Barron's work. Their version used the placement of stump on the bolt tail and gates in the levers. These levers have 2 pockets, with the bolt stump moving through the gate in the lever fence (or bar) from one pocket to the other, as the bolt moves. This design is commonly associated with the name of Chubb, and is still in use today in many locks. They also added a device called the ''detector'', an extra lever that triggered by overlifting of the main levers. When triggered, the detector would lock the bolt until it was reset [regulated, in Chubbs' word] with a special key. To make it more convenient to use, the Chubb detector lock was modified slightly in 1824 so that it could be reset by the working key, instead of a separate 'regulating' key. The concept of the ‘detector’ was that the lock not only responded to the true key, it also recognised a wrong key or picking attempt, and signalled this to the proper keyholder by a change of state. The concept was invented by Ruxton in 1816 [BP4027] but his realisation was not a practical success. The Chubb lock was the first to have a practical detector, combined with lever tumblers. [[Chubb]] later added false notches or serrations on the fences of the levers which prematurely bound components if tension were applied when the component was in the incorrect position. This anti-picking idea was originally introduced on Bramah locks from 1817, and also used on Anthony Strutt's lever lock of 1819 — the first to use end-gated levers. It was later included in [[security pins]] and many other lock designs.
In 1820, Mallet patented a rotating barrel and curtain that closed off the keyhole when the key was turned and hindered independent movement of picking instruments. This addition helped to prevent [[decoding]]. De La Fons would later also be granted a patent for this same idea, in 1846. Although not widely used before 1851, the combined barrel-and-curtain are now commonly used security features of high-security lever locks - the name usually simply abbreviated to 'curtain'.

=== Tucker and Reeves ===
In 1851, a new design surfaced with a bolt that was not rigidly fixed but could shift on one end. Patented by Tucker and Reeves, this design aimed to thwart picking attempts involving pressure on the bolt. The shifting bolt made it harder to feel the gates inside the lock as it shifted. In 1853, the design was refined to include a rotating barrel that prevented movement of the bolt until a key was inserted.

=== Parsons lock ===
Another form of ‘lever’ lock was Thomas Parsons’ balance lock [BP8350] of 1832. This originally had a plurality of levers pivoted around their midpoint (earlier levers were pivoted at one endpoint) below the bolt tail, each lever having a hook (of differing lengths) at both ends. Spring pressure pressed the hooks at one end into a notch in the bolt tail, (locking the bolt against movement). The key steps pushed on the other ends of the levers. The key bit pressed those ends towards the bolt, which had notches for these hooks also. (There are two notches each end of the bolt tail, for the shot and withdrawn positions of the bolt.) The correct key balanced every lever with neither end hooking into the bolt. Because the balance levers take little strain, they can be thin, so that using 7 was common, and up to 20 in some safe locks.
This linear lock enjoyed considerable success in the 19th C. A cylinder locking device version made by CAWI appeared in 1951, using essentially the same idea, differently realised.

Numerous detail variations in the lever mechanism have been invented. Levers may be arranged to slide rather than pivot. The bolt tail may be within the lever stack (typically, in the middle). Levers all on one pivot may be arranged to pivot in opposite directions (typically, alternate levers). Or there may be a plurality of lever stacks, and a plurality of stumps. Such locks are mainly used for high grade safes.
Several anti-pressure devices, and other pick-resisting features, have been invented.
There have also appeared several lever cylinder locking devices, of which the Ingersoll Impregnable is notable. It has been made under licence in the USA by Sargant & Greenleaf.

'Simple' should not be equated to 'insecure'. Designs using a double-bitted key with unsprung levers having closed bellies, cheaply made in zinc alloy castings, are widely-used on medium-grade safes in Europe. Lever steps on one bit move the levers, the corresponding steps on the other bit stop the levers moving too far. The levers are end-gated, (allowing a strongly-fixed and well-supported bolt stump) with numerous serrated false notches. Locks of this type are practically impossible to pick tentatively, and inside a safe door are well-protected against force. Usually, re-lockers are also connected, to frustrate disrupting the lock by force or explosive.

Many lever locks are less demanding of production precision than cylinder locks, and this has increased the popularity of physically robust lever locks in eastern Europe in the past few decades.

== Principles of Operation ==

Although this describes the typical arrangement, several other realisations also occur.

A stack of levers is placed in the lock. Every lever must be properly moved (typicaly raised) by the key to allow the bolt stump fixed to the bolt tail to pass through the gates of the levers, retracting or extending the bolt. Each lever may have a different sized belly, or a different gate position to provide [[differs]].

<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== Components ==

; Levers
: The primary locking component of lever lock. Each lever is a flat piece of metal with a gate which must be moved to the proper position to allow the stump to pass through and retract or extend the bolt. Each lever is normally impelled by a spring, usually fixed to the lever. Some levers use a thinned belly section referred to as "conning" to ensure the lever interfaces with the correct bitting area on the key.

; Stump
: The stump is a protrusion usually fixed to the [[bolt]]. The stump prevents the bolt from being extended or retracted until the levers are properly positioned. Traditional designs have the stump and levers interconnected (pockets are closed, with the stump sitting inside each lever).

; Washers
: Washers are flat (often metal) plates placed between each lever to ensure that each lever is properly raised by each bitting cut. They are not universal, but common in outdoor facing lever locks that require a high degree of reliability, especially in harsh conditions.

; Barrel and Curtain (now combined and usually referred to simply as 'curtain')
: This is a component used in the keyhole to prevent direct access to the levers after the key or pick is rotated in the lock. When the key turns, the curtain blocks the keyhole. The barrel hampers the independant movements of a 2-in-1 pick of the design originally used by A C Hobbs. This protects against casual manipulation of the levers, but does not preclude [[lockpicking]] attacks completely.

== Vulnerabilities ==

Lever locks (in common with other locks) are vulnerable to a variety of attacks, depending on their design. Tentative picking is increasingly difficult as the number of levers increases. Many security locks also incorporate features which hamper manipulation, and additionally, warding is also sometimes used to this end (just as in pin tumbler locks). Tools to pick and decode lever locks are not as widely available as their [[pin-tumbler]] counterparts, largely because the tools required are more laborious to make, and expensive, and are more likely to be specialized to each lock, unlike pin tumbler and wafer tumbler [[picks]]. However, devices do exist and can be effective. Often, more specialised tools are made for a size and design for an individual model of lever lock.
In general, well-made lever locks incorporating several pick-resisting features are likely to be physically stronger and more resistant to manipulation than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks. They are likely to be larger, and typically have slightly larger keys. Lever locks in widespread use tend to have fewer differs than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks, although trial of keys is hindered by the greater weight of keys needed and the slower rate at which they can be tested. Keys for different models of lever locks have a considerable variety of sizes, further impeding trial of keys.

One- and two-level masterkeying is used for small suites, and has been much used in institutions in the past. Most lever locks are not well-suited to complex large-scale or multi-level masterkeying. Those with [[detainers]] are generally better for this than those with H gate levers.

Many security lever locks are well-protected against drilling, so that this attack usually needs more work than most pin tumbler cylinders. Drill points vary from one lock model to another and are not visible externally.
Lever locks, especially those with a protective curtain, are highly resistant to severe weather conditions.

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]

'''Notes'''
* Lever locks are not subject to [[key bumping]] or [[pick gun]] attacks.

== References ==
<references />
PULFORD, Graham (2007). High Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference. ISBN 0750684372.

== See also ==

* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Lockpicking]]

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Lever locks| ]]

Lever

2015-02-02T23:57:18Z

NKT: /* Chubb lock */

=Lever=
{{cleanup}}

A '''lever''' (or '''lever tumbler''') is a [[lock]] design that uses flat pieces of metal (also known as levers) and a [[bolt]] as locking components. In this article, 'lever lock' does not mean a locking lever handle incorporating a cylinder locking device.
In most designs, the position of the levers prevents the bolt from retracting. When positioned properly, a gate in the lever allows the bolt to move (shot or withdrawn). Lever locks are historically one of the most popular lock designs, but use has declined as less expensive [[pin-tumbler]] locks have gained popularity. Lever locks are popular in Europe (particularly the UK), eastern Europe, and some parts of South America, as residential and commercial [[door]] locks and on [[safe]]s. Safe-deposit boxes in banks around the world use lever designs heavily.

__TOC__

== History ==

A single locking tumbler was used on many Roman metal locks, often in association with wards. Many early door locks had no case, with a bolt and locking tumbler mounted on a backplate. From at least 13C, some locks had these components mounted in a wood stock without a backplate — this lock design is the Banbury lock (the reason for this name is unknown). These designs did not use fences and gates, but rather a simple pivoted tumbler or lever that the key had to move (typically, lift) out of the way in order for the bolt to move. Security was provided by [[Warded|warding]].
Other locks had a backplate mounted in a wood stock - the [plate] stock lock.

=== Barron lock ===
In 1778, [[Robert Barron]] patented [BP1200] the principle of all modern mechanical security locks — the double-acting movable detainer. His patent describes 'the gating or racking to allow a stump on the tumbler to pass through the bolt, or an opening in the tumbler to allow a stump on the bolt to pass through.' These two (of several possible) realisations of the double-acting movable detainer principle are now usually described as 'lever locks'. Barron's was the first lever lock that used a stump and gates. This technique requires each lever be moved to a precise distance (typically, height) at which the stump can pass through the gate. Overlifting or underlifting a lever leaves it blocking the stump - hence "Double acting"; older locks' levers only needed to be moved upwards to clear — more than that had no effect, as they had already cleared the obstacle. Barron, and after him his son, and others, used only the arrangement of stumps on the tumblers with gates in the bolt tail. This arrangement would prove in the long run less successful than Barron's other suggestion of a stump on the bolt tail and gates in the tumblers.
The realisation Barron used is practically limited to 4 tumblers, and most locks had only 2. The other arrangement allows an unlimited number of levers to be stacked on the same pivot, blocking the same stump.
The double-acting movable detainer principle is still in use to this day in lever locks, but also including [[pin-tumbler]] locks by [[Linus_Yale_Jr|Linus Yale, Jr]].

=== Chubb lock ===
[[File:Chubb_lock.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The [[Chubb]] Detector lock.]]

In 1818, Charles and [[Jeremiah Chubb]] patented [BP4219] a lock design based on Barron's work. Their version used the placement of stump on the bolt tail and gates in the levers. These levers have 2 pockets, with the bolt stump moving through the gate in the lever fence (or bar) from one pocket to the other, as the bolt moves. This design is commonly associated with the name of Chubb, and is still in use today in many locks. They also added a device called the ''detector'', an extra lever that triggered by overlifting of the main levers. When triggered, the detector would lock the bolt until it was reset [regulated, in Chubbs' word] with a special key. To make it more convenient to use, the Chubb detector lock was modified slightly in 1824 so that it could be reset by the working key, instead of a separate 'regulating' key. The concept of the ‘detector’ was that the lock not only responded to the true key, it also recognised a wrong key or picking attempt, and signalled this to the proper keyholder by a change of state. The concept was invented by Ruxton in 1816 [BP4027] but his realisation was not a practical success. The Chubb lock was the first to have a practical detector, combined with lever tumblers. [[Chubb]] later added false notches or serrations on the fences of the levers which prematurely bound components if tension were applied when the component was in the incorrect position. This anti-picking idea was originally introduced on Bramah locks from 1817, and also used on Anthony Strutt's lever lock of 1819 — the first to use end-gated levers. It was later included in [[security pins]] and many other lock designs.
In 1820, Mallet patented a rotating barrel and curtain that closed off the keyhole when the key was turned and hindered independent movement of picking instruments. This addition helped to prevent [[decoding]]. De La Fons would later also be granted a patent for this same idea, in 1846. Although not widely used before 1851, the combined barrel-and-curtain are now commonly used security features of high-security lever locks - the name usually simply abbreviated to 'curtain'.

=== Tucker and Reeves ===
In 1851, a new design surfaced with a bolt that was not rigidly fixed but could shift on one end. Patented by Tucker and Reeves, this design aimed to thwart picking attempts involving pressure on the bolt. The shifting bolt made it harder to feel the gates inside the lock as it shifted. In 1853, the design was refined to include a rotating barrel that prevented movement of the bolt until a key was inserted.

=== Parsons lock ===
Another form of ‘lever’ lock was Thomas Parsons’ balance lock [BP8350] of 1832. This originally had a plurality of levers pivoted around their midpoint (earlier levers were pivoted at one endpoint) below the bolt tail, each lever having a hook (of differing lengths) at both ends. Spring pressure pressed the hooks at one end into a notch in the bolt tail, (locking the bolt against movement). The key steps pushed on the other ends of the levers. The key bit pressed those ends towards the bolt, which had notches for these hooks also. (There are two notches each end of the bolt tail, for the shot and withdrawn positions of the bolt.) The correct key balanced every lever with neither end hooking into the bolt. Because the balance levers take little strain, they can be thin, so that using 7 was common, and up to 20 in some safe locks.
This linear lock enjoyed considerable success in the 19th C. A cylinder locking device version made by CAWI appeared in 1951, using essentially the same idea, differently realised.

Numerous detail variations in the lever mechanism have been invented. Levers may be arranged to slide rather than pivot. The bolt tail may be within the lever stack (typically, in the middle). Levers all on one pivot may be arranged to pivot in opposite directions (typically, alternate levers). Or there may be a plurality of lever stacks, and a plurality of stumps. Such locks are mainly used for high grade safes.
Several anti-pressure devices, and other pick-resisting features, have been invented.
There have also appeared several lever cylinder locking devices, of which the Ingersoll Impregnable is notable. It has been made under licence in the USA by Sargant & Greenleaf.

'Simple' should not be equated to 'insecure'. Designs using a double-bitted key with unsprung levers having closed bellies, cheaply made in zinc alloy castings, are widely-used on medium-grade safes in Europe. Lever steps on one bit move the levers, the corresponding steps on the other bit stop the levers moving too far. The levers are end-gated, (allowing a strongly-fixed and well-supported bolt stump) with numerous serrated false notches. Locks of this type are practically impossible to pick tentatively, and inside a safe door are well-protected against force. Usually, re-lockers are also connected, to frustrate disrupting the lock by force or explosive.

Many lever locks are less demanding of production precision than cylinder locks, and this has increased the popularity of physically robust lever locks in eastern Europe in the past few decades.

== Principles of Operation ==

Although this describes the typical arrangement, several other realisations also occur.

A stack of levers is placed in the lock. Every lever must be properly moved (typicaly raised) by the key to allow the bolt stump fixed to the bolt tail to pass through the gates of the levers, retracting or extending the bolt. Each lever may have a different sized belly, or a different gate position to provide [[differs]].

<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== Components ==

; Levers
: The primary locking component of lever lock. Each lever is a flat piece of metal with a gate which must be moved to the proper position to allow the stump to pass through and retract or extend the bolt. Each lever is normally impelled by a spring, usually fixed to the lever. Some levers use a thinned belly section referred to as "conning" to ensure the lever interfaces with the correct bitting area on the key.

; Stump
: The stump is a protrusion usually fixed to the [[bolt]]. The stump prevents the bolt from being extended or retracted until the levers are properly positioned. Traditional designs have the stump and levers interconnected (pockets are closed, with the stump sitting inside each lever).

; Washers
: Washers are flat (often metal) plates placed between each lever to ensure that each lever is properly raised by each bitting cut. They are not universal, but common in outdoor facing lever locks that require a high degree of reliability, especially in harsh conditions.

; Barrel and Curtain (now combined and usually referred to simply as 'curtain')
: This is a component used in the keyhole to prevent direct access to the levers after the key or pick is rotated in the lock. When the key turns, the curtain blocks the keyhole. The barrel hampers the independant movements of a 2-in-1 pick of the design originally used by A C Hobbs. This protects against casual manipulation of the levers, but does not preclude [[lockpicking]] attacks completely.

== Vulnerabilities ==

Lever locks (in common with other locks) are vulnerable to a variety of attacks, depending on their design. Tentative picking is increasingly difficult as the number of levers increases. Many security locks also incorporate features which hamper manipulation, and additionally, warding is also sometimes used to this end (just as in pin tumbler locks). Tools to pick and decode lever locks are not as widely available as their [[pin-tumbler]] counterparts, largely because the tools required are more laborious to make, and expensive, and specialized to each lock, unlike pin tumbler and wafer tumbler [[picks]]. However, devices do exist and can be effective. Often, tools must be made of a size and design for an individual model of lever lock.
In general, well-made lever locks incorporating several pick-resisting features are likely to be physically stronger and more resistant to manipulation than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks. They are likely to be larger, and typically have slightly larger keys. Lever locks in widespread use tend to have fewer differs than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks, although trial of keys is hindered by the greater weight of keys needed. Keys for different models of lever locks have a considerable variety of sizes, further impeding trial of keys.

One- and two-level masterkeying is used for small suites, and has been much used in institutions in the past. Lever locks are not well-suited to complex large-scale or multi-level masterkeying.

Many security lever locks are well-protected against drilling, so that this attack usually needs more work than most pin tumbler cylinders. Drill points vary from one lock model to another and are not visible externally.
Lever locks are highly resistant to severe weather conditions.

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]

'''Notes'''
* Lever locks are not subject to [[key bumping]] or [[pick gun]] attacks.

== References ==
<references />
PULFORD, Graham (2007). High Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference. ISBN 0750684372.

== See also ==

* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Lockpicking]]

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Lever locks| ]]

Lever

2015-02-02T23:55:46Z

NKT: /* Barron lock */

=Lever=
{{cleanup}}

A '''lever''' (or '''lever tumbler''') is a [[lock]] design that uses flat pieces of metal (also known as levers) and a [[bolt]] as locking components. In this article, 'lever lock' does not mean a locking lever handle incorporating a cylinder locking device.
In most designs, the position of the levers prevents the bolt from retracting. When positioned properly, a gate in the lever allows the bolt to move (shot or withdrawn). Lever locks are historically one of the most popular lock designs, but use has declined as less expensive [[pin-tumbler]] locks have gained popularity. Lever locks are popular in Europe (particularly the UK), eastern Europe, and some parts of South America, as residential and commercial [[door]] locks and on [[safe]]s. Safe-deposit boxes in banks around the world use lever designs heavily.

__TOC__

== History ==

A single locking tumbler was used on many Roman metal locks, often in association with wards. Many early door locks had no case, with a bolt and locking tumbler mounted on a backplate. From at least 13C, some locks had these components mounted in a wood stock without a backplate — this lock design is the Banbury lock (the reason for this name is unknown). These designs did not use fences and gates, but rather a simple pivoted tumbler or lever that the key had to move (typically, lift) out of the way in order for the bolt to move. Security was provided by [[Warded|warding]].
Other locks had a backplate mounted in a wood stock - the [plate] stock lock.

=== Barron lock ===
In 1778, [[Robert Barron]] patented [BP1200] the principle of all modern mechanical security locks — the double-acting movable detainer. His patent describes 'the gating or racking to allow a stump on the tumbler to pass through the bolt, or an opening in the tumbler to allow a stump on the bolt to pass through.' These two (of several possible) realisations of the double-acting movable detainer principle are now usually described as 'lever locks'. Barron's was the first lever lock that used a stump and gates. This technique requires each lever be moved to a precise distance (typically, height) at which the stump can pass through the gate. Overlifting or underlifting a lever leaves it blocking the stump - hence "Double acting"; older locks' levers only needed to be moved upwards to clear — more than that had no effect, as they had already cleared the obstacle. Barron, and after him his son, and others, used only the arrangement of stumps on the tumblers with gates in the bolt tail. This arrangement would prove in the long run less successful than Barron's other suggestion of a stump on the bolt tail and gates in the tumblers.
The realisation Barron used is practically limited to 4 tumblers, and most locks had only 2. The other arrangement allows an unlimited number of levers to be stacked on the same pivot, blocking the same stump.
The double-acting movable detainer principle is still in use to this day in lever locks, but also including [[pin-tumbler]] locks by [[Linus_Yale_Jr|Linus Yale, Jr]].

=== Chubb lock ===
[[File:Chubb_lock.jpg|thumb|right|text-top|300px|The [[Chubb]] Detector lock.]]

In 1818, Charles and [[Jeremiah Chubb]] patented [BP4219] a lock design based on Barron's work. Their version used the placement of stump on the bolt tail and gates in the levers. These levers have 2 pockets, with the bolt stump moving through the gate in the lever fence (or bar) from one pocket to the other, as the bolt moves. This design is commonly associated with the name of Chubb, and is still in use today in many locks. They also added a device called the ''detector'', an extra lever that triggered by overlifting of the main levers. When triggered, the detector would lock the bolt until it was reset [regulated, in Chubbs' word] with a special key. To make it more convenient to use,the Chubb detector lock was modified slightly in 1824 so that it could be reset by the working key, instead of a separate 'regulating' key. The concept of the ‘detector’ was that the lock not only responded to the true key, it also recognised a wrong key or picking attempt, and signalled this to the proper keyholder by a change of state. The concept was invented by Ruxton in 1816 [BP4027] but his realisation was not a practical success. The Chubb lock was the first to have a practical detector, combined with lever tumblers. [[Chubb]] later added false notches or serrations on the fences of the levers which prematurely bound components if tension were applied when the component was in the incorrect position. This anti-picking idea was originally introduced on Bramah locks from 1817, and also used on Anthony Strutt's lever lock of 1819 — the first to use end-gated levers. It was later included in [[security pins]] and many other lock designs.
In 1820, Mallet patented a rotating barrel and curtain that closed off the keyhole when the key was turned and hindered independent movement of picking instruments. This addition helped to prevent [[decoding]]. De La Fons would later also be granted a patent for this same idea, in 1846. Although not widely used before 1851, the combined barrel-and-curtain are now commonly used security features of high-security lever locks - the name usually simply abbreviated to 'curtain'.

=== Tucker and Reeves ===
In 1851, a new design surfaced with a bolt that was not rigidly fixed but could shift on one end. Patented by Tucker and Reeves, this design aimed to thwart picking attempts involving pressure on the bolt. The shifting bolt made it harder to feel the gates inside the lock as it shifted. In 1853, the design was refined to include a rotating barrel that prevented movement of the bolt until a key was inserted.

=== Parsons lock ===
Another form of ‘lever’ lock was Thomas Parsons’ balance lock [BP8350] of 1832. This originally had a plurality of levers pivoted around their midpoint (earlier levers were pivoted at one endpoint) below the bolt tail, each lever having a hook (of differing lengths) at both ends. Spring pressure pressed the hooks at one end into a notch in the bolt tail, (locking the bolt against movement). The key steps pushed on the other ends of the levers. The key bit pressed those ends towards the bolt, which had notches for these hooks also. (There are two notches each end of the bolt tail, for the shot and withdrawn positions of the bolt.) The correct key balanced every lever with neither end hooking into the bolt. Because the balance levers take little strain, they can be thin, so that using 7 was common, and up to 20 in some safe locks.
This linear lock enjoyed considerable success in the 19th C. A cylinder locking device version made by CAWI appeared in 1951, using essentially the same idea, differently realised.

Numerous detail variations in the lever mechanism have been invented. Levers may be arranged to slide rather than pivot. The bolt tail may be within the lever stack (typically, in the middle). Levers all on one pivot may be arranged to pivot in opposite directions (typically, alternate levers). Or there may be a plurality of lever stacks, and a plurality of stumps. Such locks are mainly used for high grade safes.
Several anti-pressure devices, and other pick-resisting features, have been invented.
There have also appeared several lever cylinder locking devices, of which the Ingersoll Impregnable is notable. It has been made under licence in the USA by Sargant & Greenleaf.

'Simple' should not be equated to 'insecure'. Designs using a double-bitted key with unsprung levers having closed bellies, cheaply made in zinc alloy castings, are widely-used on medium-grade safes in Europe. Lever steps on one bit move the levers, the corresponding steps on the other bit stop the levers moving too far. The levers are end-gated, (allowing a strongly-fixed and well-supported bolt stump) with numerous serrated false notches. Locks of this type are practically impossible to pick tentatively, and inside a safe door are well-protected against force. Usually, re-lockers are also connected, to frustrate disrupting the lock by force or explosive.

Many lever locks are less demanding of production precision than cylinder locks, and this has increased the popularity of physically robust lever locks in eastern Europe in the past few decades.

== Principles of Operation ==

Although this describes the typical arrangement, several other realisations also occur.

A stack of levers is placed in the lock. Every lever must be properly moved (typicaly raised) by the key to allow the bolt stump fixed to the bolt tail to pass through the gates of the levers, retracting or extending the bolt. Each lever may have a different sized belly, or a different gate position to provide [[differs]].

<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== Components ==

; Levers
: The primary locking component of lever lock. Each lever is a flat piece of metal with a gate which must be moved to the proper position to allow the stump to pass through and retract or extend the bolt. Each lever is normally impelled by a spring, usually fixed to the lever. Some levers use a thinned belly section referred to as "conning" to ensure the lever interfaces with the correct bitting area on the key.

; Stump
: The stump is a protrusion usually fixed to the [[bolt]]. The stump prevents the bolt from being extended or retracted until the levers are properly positioned. Traditional designs have the stump and levers interconnected (pockets are closed, with the stump sitting inside each lever).

; Washers
: Washers are flat (often metal) plates placed between each lever to ensure that each lever is properly raised by each bitting cut. They are not universal, but common in outdoor facing lever locks that require a high degree of reliability, especially in harsh conditions.

; Barrel and Curtain (now combined and usually referred to simply as 'curtain')
: This is a component used in the keyhole to prevent direct access to the levers after the key or pick is rotated in the lock. When the key turns, the curtain blocks the keyhole. The barrel hampers the independant movements of a 2-in-1 pick of the design originally used by A C Hobbs. This protects against casual manipulation of the levers, but does not preclude [[lockpicking]] attacks completely.

== Vulnerabilities ==

Lever locks (in common with other locks) are vulnerable to a variety of attacks, depending on their design. Tentative picking is increasingly difficult as the number of levers increases. Many security locks also incorporate features which hamper manipulation, and additionally, warding is also sometimes used to this end (just as in pin tumbler locks). Tools to pick and decode lever locks are not as widely available as their [[pin-tumbler]] counterparts, largely because the tools required are more laborious to make, and expensive, and specialized to each lock, unlike pin tumbler and wafer tumbler [[picks]]. However, devices do exist and can be effective. Often, tools must be made of a size and design for an individual model of lever lock.
In general, well-made lever locks incorporating several pick-resisting features are likely to be physically stronger and more resistant to manipulation than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks. They are likely to be larger, and typically have slightly larger keys. Lever locks in widespread use tend to have fewer differs than comparable pin tumbler cylinder locks, although trial of keys is hindered by the greater weight of keys needed. Keys for different models of lever locks have a considerable variety of sizes, further impeding trial of keys.

One- and two-level masterkeying is used for small suites, and has been much used in institutions in the past. Lever locks are not well-suited to complex large-scale or multi-level masterkeying.

Many security lever locks are well-protected against drilling, so that this attack usually needs more work than most pin tumbler cylinders. Drill points vary from one lock model to another and are not visible externally.
Lever locks are highly resistant to severe weather conditions.

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]
* [[Bypass]]

'''Notes'''
* Lever locks are not subject to [[key bumping]] or [[pick gun]] attacks.

== References ==
<references />
PULFORD, Graham (2007). High Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference. ISBN 0750684372.

== See also ==

* [[Lock]]
* [[Key]]
* [[Lockpicking]]

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Lever locks| ]]

Mystery locks

2015-02-02T23:50:25Z

NKT: /* Unknown Lever Lock */

=Mystery locks=

This page lists Lockwiki content that does not have enough information for a complete page, such as an unknown brand or model of lock. The majority of the locks on this page will be either old or third party locks with little to no markings or public information. Please add info to this page or the [[Talk:Mystery locks|discussion page]] for any locks on this page. If a lock has enough information to identify brand ''and'' model, please give it its own page and remove it from this one.

__TOC__

== Unknown Lever Padock ==

A lever mechanism padlock with no markings. Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Unk-1-front.JPG
File:Unk-1-front-uncovered.JPG
File:Unk-1-back.JPG
File:Unk-1-side.JPG
File:Unk-1-key.JPG
File:Unk-1-key-in-lock.JPG
File:Unk-1-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== [[Yale]] padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Yale_unk_1-front.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-back.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-bottom.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-front.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-back.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-key-in-lock.JPG
File:Yale_unk_1-open-top.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Elgin padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Elgin-front.JPG
File:Elgin-back.JPG
File:Elgin-bottom.JPG
File:Elgin-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Corbin padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Corbin-front.JPG
File:Corbin-back.JPG
File:Corbin-bottom.JPG
File:Corbin-bottom-closeup.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Sargent padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Sargent-front.JPG
File:Sargent-back.JPG
File:Sargent-bottom.JPG
File:Elgin-open.JPG
</gallery></div>

== Star padlock, model unknown ==

Added by [[User:JasonAller|JasonAller]]

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Star-front.JPG
File:Star-bottom.JPG
</gallery></div>

[[Category:Locks]]
[[Category:Locks needing identification| ]]