Pin tumbler
Pin-tumbler
A cylinder based lock design that uses movable pins to prevent rotation of the plug. Pin-tumbler cylinders are one of the most popular lock types in the world. Changes to the original design of the pin-tumbler
History
Pin-tumbler locks were originally conceived in ancient Egypt. The design used a series of pins that, when locked, would prevent movement of the bolt by resting inside the bolt itself. This was the first use of a shear line and was a major discovery that is the basis for all cylinder based locks in modern use.
Many cultures adopted the design throughout history, but it would not be widely used until Linus Yale modified the pin-tumbler design in 1848.
Principles of Operation
Add to me!
Vulnerabilities
Pin-tumblers are vulnerable to a wide variety of attacks. The specifics of the pin-tumbler design and manufacturing tolerances will determine the exact vulnerabilities present, but most pin-tumblers are vulnerable to at least one or more of the following:
- Lockpicking
- Pick Guns
- Key Bumping
- Tryout Keys
- Comb Picks
- Impressioning
- Decoding
- Bypass
- Desctructive Entry
