Lock

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.