Lock: Difference between revisions

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=Locks=
A lock is a mechanical fastening device used to restrict access to an area or enclosure.  A lock consists of a bolt and a cylinder. It is the duty of the lock to restrict the movement of the bolt until the cylinder has allowed the bolt to be retracted.  Locks are traditionally opened by using a proper [[Keys|key]] or [[Combination_lock|combination]]. Modern locks may incorporate various digital access control features, such as [[Biometrics|biometrics]].  There several major types of locks with most modern high security locks being hybrid designs.


== Locks ==
== History ==
A lock is a device used to actuate or control access.  The actual lock rarely holds anything shut--that is the duty of the bolt or latch the lock controls.  Most locks have keys that are used to operate the lock, while some have combinations or electronic sensors that unlock the lock.  There several major categories of locks, based on design.  Some locks incorporate extra security features, but still fall under a general umbrella category.  The types are pin-tumbler, wafer, lever, combination (wheel) and combination (dial).
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== [[Pin_tumbler|Pin-tumbler]] ==
Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by [[Linus_Yale|Linus Yale]]. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the [[Plug|plug]].


== pin-tumbler ==
== [[Wafer]] ==
Pin-Tumbler locks are commonly found in padlocks and doors.  Some have keys oriented so the thin part of the key interacts with the pins.  These are simply called pin-tumbler.  Some have keys oriented so that the flat side of the key interacts with the pins.  These are called dimple locks, because the "cuts" in the key are dimples in the flat side of the key.
 
== wafer ==
Wafer locks behave a lot like pin-tumbler locks, only instead of pins, they have flat disks with holes in the center.  These disks are placed in grooves in a plug, on top of springs.  When the lock is locked, some tumblers protrude from the plug, into a groove in the cylinder, blocking the rotation.  when the correct key is inserted, the disks retract into the plug so that it can rotate.
Wafer locks behave a lot like pin-tumbler locks, only instead of pins, they have flat disks with holes in the center.  These disks are placed in grooves in a plug, on top of springs.  When the lock is locked, some tumblers protrude from the plug, into a groove in the cylinder, blocking the rotation.  when the correct key is inserted, the disks retract into the plug so that it can rotate.


== Lever ==
== Lever ==
Lever locks are operated by simultaneously raising several levers to the right height.  Each lever has a gate cut in it.  The bolt has a stump that goes through each gate.  when locked, it the stump will be on one side of the gate; when unlocked on the other side.  The key actually moves the bolt while raising the levers.
Lever locks are operated by simultaneously raising several levers to the right height.  Each lever has a gate cut in it.  The bolt has a stump that goes through each gate.  when locked, it the stump will be on one side of the gate; when unlocked on the other side.  The key actually moves the bolt while raising the levers.


== Combination ==
examples: safe locks with dials, cheap master locks, luggage locks, bike locks


== combination (wheel) ==
==[[Hybrid]]==
more to come.  examples: safe locks with dials, cheap master locks at schools
 
 
== combination (dial) ==
more to come.  examples: luggage locks, bike locks
 
 
This article needs a LOT of work, but i felt this page should at least exist.

Revision as of 19:27, 30 December 2008

Locks

A lock is a mechanical fastening device used to restrict access to an area or enclosure. A lock consists of a bolt and a cylinder. It is the duty of the lock to restrict the movement of the bolt until the cylinder has allowed the bolt to be retracted. Locks are traditionally opened by using a proper key or combination. Modern locks may incorporate various digital access control features, such as biometrics. There several major types of locks with most modern high security locks being hybrid designs.

History

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Pin-tumbler

Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by Linus Yale. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the plug.

Wafer

Wafer locks behave a lot like pin-tumbler locks, only instead of pins, they have flat disks with holes in the center. These disks are placed in grooves in a plug, on top of springs. When the lock is locked, some tumblers protrude from the plug, into a groove in the cylinder, blocking the rotation. when the correct key is inserted, the disks retract into the plug so that it can rotate.

Lever

Lever locks are operated by simultaneously raising several levers to the right height. Each lever has a gate cut in it. The bolt has a stump that goes through each gate. when locked, it the stump will be on one side of the gate; when unlocked on the other side. The key actually moves the bolt while raising the levers.

Combination

examples: safe locks with dials, cheap master locks, luggage locks, bike locks

Hybrid