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=Locks=
=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.
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 many modern high security locks being hybrid designs.


== History ==
== History ==
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== [[Pin_tumbler|Pin-tumbler]] ==
== Lock Designs ==
Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by [[Linus_Yale|Linus Yale]]. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the [[Plug|plug]].


== [[Wafer]] ==
;[[Combination]]
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.
:A keyless lock that uses numbers, letters, or symbols for input. A specific combination of input properly aligns internal components so that the lock can be opened. Most commonly associated with [[Safe|safe]] locks. Combination locks range from low to high security.


== Lever ==
;[[Disc_detainer|Disc-detainer]]
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.
:Uses flat metal tumblers that interface with a [[Sidebar|sidebar]] to prevent rotation of the plug. Seperate from wafer designs because discs are usually rotated rather than lifted.


== Combination ==
;[[Electronic_lock|Electronic]]
examples: safe locks with dials, cheap master locks, luggage locks, bike locks
:A lock that is operated via electronic means. Electronic locks provide advanced auditing and key control capabilities, but generally are not any more secure than traditional locks.


==[[Hybrid]]==
;[[Hybrid]]
:Hybrid locks encompass combinations of all lock designs. Many modern high security locks are hybrid designs.
 
;[[Lever]]
:One of the oldest lock types, next to warded. Uses flat metal tumblers (levers) with a gate. The levers are actuated by the key, and once aligned properly allow the bolt to be actuated. Level locks range from low to high security.
 
;[[Pin_tumbler|Pin-tumbler]]
:Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by [[Linus_Yale|Linus Yale]]. Currently the most popular lock design worldwide. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the [[Plug|plug]]. Pin-tumbler locks range from low to high security. [[Dimple|dimple]] and [[Axial|axial/tubular]] locks are simply pin-tumblers with modified designs.
 
;[[Wafer]]
:Uses flat metal tumblers to prevent rotation of the plug. Wafer locks range from low to high security, with the vast majority of wafer locks being low security.
 
;[[Warded]]
:One of the oldest lock designs; uses internal wards to obstruct the rotation of incorrect keys. Warded locks provide minimal security by today's standards.
 
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== Lock Types ==
 
Deadbolt
Latch/Spring
Padlock
Safe/Vault
Cam
 
-->

Revision as of 20:07, 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 many modern high security locks being hybrid designs.

History

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Lock Designs

Combination
A keyless lock that uses numbers, letters, or symbols for input. A specific combination of input properly aligns internal components so that the lock can be opened. Most commonly associated with safe locks. Combination locks range from low to high security.
Disc-detainer
Uses flat metal tumblers that interface with a sidebar to prevent rotation of the plug. Seperate from wafer designs because discs are usually rotated rather than lifted.
Electronic
A lock that is operated via electronic means. Electronic locks provide advanced auditing and key control capabilities, but generally are not any more secure than traditional locks.
Hybrid
Hybrid locks encompass combinations of all lock designs. Many modern high security locks are hybrid designs.
Lever
One of the oldest lock types, next to warded. Uses flat metal tumblers (levers) with a gate. The levers are actuated by the key, and once aligned properly allow the bolt to be actuated. Level locks range from low to high security.
Pin-tumbler
Originally invented by the Egyptians, modernized by Linus Yale. Currently the most popular lock design worldwide. Uses moving pins to prevent rotation of the plug. Pin-tumbler locks range from low to high security. dimple and axial/tubular locks are simply pin-tumblers with modified designs.
Wafer
Uses flat metal tumblers to prevent rotation of the plug. Wafer locks range from low to high security, with the vast majority of wafer locks being low security.
Warded
One of the oldest lock designs; uses internal wards to obstruct the rotation of incorrect keys. Warded locks provide minimal security by today's standards.