-C-

C label

n. a classification by Underwriters Laboratories for doors with 3/4 hour rated fire protection

 

cabin-door hook

n. a U-shaped latch that pivots to encircle a strike projection

 

cable wired remote relocker

n. a spring loaded relock, triggered by release of the attached wire

 

cam

n. 1. a lock or cylinder component which transfers the rotational motion of a key or cylinder plug to the bolt works of a lock 2. the bolt of a cam lock

 

cam lock

n. a complete locking assembly in the form of a cylinder whose cam is the actual locking bolt

 

cane bolt

n. a surface mounted deadbolt designed to be moved by hand via a 90º bend in the bolt that serves as a handle

 

cap

1. n. a spring cover for a single pin chamber 2. n. a part which may serve as a plug retainer and/or a holder for the tailpiece 3. v. to install a cap

 

capping block

n. a holding fixture for certain interchangeable cores which aids in the installation of the caps

 

captains wheel

n. 1. a spoked handle on a safe used to extend or retract the bolts, 2. a spoked handle on a safe used to engage or disengage the pressure system

 

captured combination bit position

n. the position where a movable key insert is placed on a key

 

captured hinge

n. a hinge system for safes where the door may not be lifted off the body of the safe without the removal of one of the hinge blocks

 

card access system

n. an access control system that utilizes a controlled security card as the credential

 

card holder

n. a person to whom a card has been issued

 

card reader

n. a device which interprets coding resident on or in cards

 

carriage

n. 1. the movable assembly of a key machine which supports the key vise(s), 2. a changeable part of a clipper that holds the key blank

 

carry bar

n. the part of a multi-bolt safe boltworks to which the bolts are attached

 

case

n. the housing or body of a lock

 

case cover

n. the portion of a lock case which is designed to be removable to allow access to the mechanism

 

casement window

n. a window with a sash which pivots or swings to open

 

case ward

n. any ward directly attached to or projecting from a lock case

 

catch

n. any device that holds a door closed and may be released by simply pushing or pulling on the door

 

CBOK

abb. construction breakout key

 

CCW
abb. Counter Clockwise, as used in combination dialing instructions

 

central processing

adj. of or pertaining to an access control system in which all or most control functions are performed by the main computer

 

central station

n. a location designed for the express purpose of processing status signals for multiple alarm systems

 

certificate of occupancy

n. a document, granted by the authority having jurisdiction, permitting occupancy or use

 

chain bolt

n. a spring biased bolt operated by an attached chain, typically for mounting to the top of a door

 

chain lock

n. a device used to secure property with interlocking links and secured on both ends by a slide plate or a key locking device

 

chamber

n. any cavity in a cylinder plug and/or shell which houses the tumblers

 

change index

n. the point on a key changeable combination lock dial ring to which the old and new combinations must be dialed when changing the combination

 

change key

n. 1. a key which operates only one cylinder or one group of keyed alike cylinders in a keying system, 2. any device that is used to mechanically or electronically allow resetting of certain key or combination locks, see also "reset key" #1

 

changeable bit key

n. a key which can be recombinated by exchanging and/or rearranging portions of its bit or blade

 

changeable fence

n. the fence of a lever tumbler lock composed of multiple segments which may be set to various positions in order to change the combination of the lock

 

changeable lever

n. a lever tumbler typically made in two or more pieces which can be variably positioned with each other to change the effective location of the gate

 

changeable tumbler

n. a tumbler whose reference size can be changed mechanically without removal from the lock or cylinder

 

chassis

n. the part of a cylindrical lockset that contains the actuating mechanism and has a means for mounting trim and a bolt

 

check pin

n. a device resembling a bottom pin, found in a non-traditional chamber, used to restrict the rotation of the plug unless a specific area of the key is cut

 

cheek

n. a projection from a lock case that serves as a guide or race for another part

 

Chubb shackle

n. a hinged shackle with a pierced hole for the bolt in its movable end

 

CIL

abb. the title "Certified Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA

 

circular strike

n. a typically round, finished strike, usually driven into place in a drilled hole

 

CJIL

abb. the title "Certified Journeyman Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA

 

CJL

abb. the title Certified Journeyman Locksmith as awarded by the Professional Locksmith Association of Alberta

 

CJS

abb. the title "Certified Journeyman Safecracker" as awarded by NSO

 

CK

1. abb. change key 2. abb. control key

 

cladding

n. an outer casing, usually metallic, typically filled with concrete to protect a safe against theft or penetration

 

clamshell

n. the two piece housing (usually plastic) that encases the upper steering column and ignition lock on some automotive applications

 

claw bolt

n. a bolt with one or more fingers, which extend out of the bolt and lock behind the strike as the bolt reaches the locked position

 

clear opening

n. a portal providing clearance through which passage is unhampered

 

clevis

n. a device to permanently attach a chain to a padlock

 

clipper

n. a hand held key bitting punch, often incorporating a trigger-like handle

 

closed gated

adj. pertaining to a lever tumbler whose gate is pierced into the body of the tumbler. The lever(s) surround the fence in both the locked and unlocked positions.

 

closed knob

n. a knob without an opening in its face

 

closed loop

n. a detection circuit where discontinuity in a branch will result in a reportable condition

 

closer size

adj. a numerical value related to the applied force of a door closer, with a larger number being a stronger force. Older closers were assigned alphabetic size designations, where A was the smallest.

 

closet latch

n. a latchset which has a turning device with minimum projection in place of the inside knob or lever

 

closet spindle

n. a spindle with a thumbturn attached to one end

 

closing combinated

adj. pertaining to a lever lock which is automatically combinated to the last key to extend the bolt

 

cloverleaf cam

n. a style of mortise cylinder cam with three lobes: a ball shaped longer center, and angular projections on either side

 

clutch

n. 1. the part of a profile cylinder which transfers rotational motion from the inside or outside element to a common cam or actuator, 2. the feature of a lever handle lockset which allows free movement of the lever when locked, 3. the feature of a cylinder which allows turning the plug without operation of the lock when a certain pressure is applied without the correct key

CMIL

abb. the title "Certified Master Institutional Locksmith" as awarded by ILA

 

CMK

abb. construction master key

 

CMK'd

abb. construction master keyed

 

CML

abb. the title "Certified Master Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA

 

CMS

abb. the title "Certified Master Safecracker" as awarded by NSO

 

CMST

abb. the title "Certified Master Safe Technician" as awarded by SAVTA

 

CO

abb. certificate of occupancy

 

code

n. 1. a designation assigned to a particular key combination for reference when additional keys or cylinders may be needed. See also, "blind code", "direct code", and "key symbol", 2. a standard for Life Safety, structural integrity, fire safety, etc., either incorporated into the statutes of a given jurisdiction, or a model standard

 

code key

n. a key cut to a specific code rather than duplicated from a pattern key. it may or may not conform to the lock manufacturer's specifications

 

code original key

n. a code key which conforms to the lock manufacturer's specifications

 

code series

n. an ordered sequence of unique codes related to specific key combinations, key sections and manufacturers

 

coercivity

adj. the measure (usually expressed in Oersteds) of a magnetic material's resistance to being recorded or erased. Magnetic stripe cards are either low coercivity or high coercivity.

 

comb attack

n. 1. a pin tumbler defeat tactic using a series of straight pins or teeth on a single tool, intended to push the pin stack past the shear line, 2. a defeat tactic used to force a spring cover off a pin tumbler cylinder

 

combinate

v. to set a combination in a lock, cylinder, or key

 

combination

n. the group of numbers which represent the bitting of a key and/or the tumblers of a lock or cylinder

 

combination lock

n. a lock which is operated by local input of a specific series or sequence of numbers or letters

 

combination wafer

n. a type of disc tumbler used in certain binary type disc tumbler key-in-knob looks. Its presence requires that a cut be made in that position of the operating key(s)

 

combination wheel

n. a wheel type tumbler in a combination lock

 

compensate drivers

v. to select longer or shorter top pins, depending on the length of the rest of the pin stack, in order to achieve a uniform pin stack height

 

complementary keyway

n. usually a disc tumbler keyway used in master keying. It accepts keys of different sections whose blades contact different bearing surfaces of the tumblers.

 

composite blank

n. a blank designed to enter two or more simplex keyways

 

composite keyway

n. a keyway which has been enlarged to accept more than one key section, often key sections of more than one manufacturer

 

compound bitted key

n. a key with at least one compound cut

 

compound cut

n. a bitting which has another bitting dimension within its dimensions

 

compound lever

n. a lever tumbler that has two or more distinct sweeps contacted by two or more different keys

 

concealed key control
n. a specification that all keys and the non-visible portion of all lock cylinders be stamped with standard keying symbols

 

concealed screw rose

n. KIK or KIL trim that snaps into place to hide mounting screws

 

concealed shell cylinder

n. a specially constructed (usually mortise) cylinder. Only the plug face is visible when the lock trim is in place

 

concealed vertical rod exit device

n. a vertical rod exit device whose rods and header/threshold bolts are concealed within the door

 

concrete case

n. an enclosure for mounting a floor closer

 

configured pin

n. a bottom pin which is designed not to rotate along its long axis, often associated with off-centerline chambers 

 

constant cut

n. any bitting(s) which are identical in corresponding positions from one key to another in a keying system. They usually serve to group these keys together within a given level of keying, and/or link them with keys of other levels. See also "rotating constant"

 

construction breakout key

n. a key used by some manufacturers to render all construction master keys permanently inoperative

 

construction core

n. an interchangeable or removable core designed for use during the construction phase of a building. The cores are normally keyed alike and, upon completion of construction, they are to be replaced by the permanent system's cores.

 

construction hole

n. a recess or pocket designed to receive ball bearings in lost-ball keying. The size and/or shape of the recess is such that a pin tumbler cannot enter it.

 

construction master key

n. a key normally used by construction personnel for a temporary period during building construction. It may be rendered permanently inoperative without disassembling the cylinder.

 

construction master keyed

adj. of or pertaining to a cylinder which is or is to be operated temporarily by a construction master key

 

contact area

n. the gate area in a combination lock drive cam where the lever nose does not contact the drive cam

 

contact point(s)

n. the area on each side of the drive cam gate that the lever nose makes contact with. Most locks have a left contact point and a right contact point.

 

contact switch

n. a electrical, magnetic or mechanical device that triggers a circuit(s) to open or closed depending on the application

 

contactless smart card

n. a card, conforming to the physical characteristics specified in ISO 7813 & 10536, which contains one or more integrated circuits and does not use contacts to obtain power and allow interface to external equipment

 

continuous duty

adj. designed to sustain application of power for extended periods

 

control chamber

n. in an interchangeable or removable core, any chamber which has a control shear line, which is different from the operating shear line

 

control cut

n. any bitting which operates the retaining device of an interchangeable or removable core

 

control dimension

n. in certain interchangeable or removable cores, the distance between the operating shear line and the control shear line, expressed either in units of the increment or as a measurement

 

control key

n. 1. a key whose only purpose is to remove and/or install an interchangeable or removable core 2. a bypass key used to operate and/or reset some combination type locks 3. a key which allows disassembly of some removable cylinder locks

 

control lug

n. that part of an interchangeable or removable core-retaining device which locks the core into its housing

 

control number

n. a number used to calculate the size of the build-up pin when; (a) the sizes of bottom and master pins are known, or (b) the bitting depths of all operating keys are known

 

control shear line

n. the shear line which allows operation of the control lug of an interchangeable or removable core

 

control sleeve

n. the part of an interchangeable or removable core retaining device which surrounds the plug

 

controlled cross keying

n. a condition in which two or more different keys of the same level of keying and under the same higher level key(s) operate one cylinder by design; e.g., XAA1 operated by AA2 (but not XAA1 operated by AB1)

Note: This condition could severely limit the security of the cylinder and the maximum expansion of the system when (1) more than a few of these different keys operate a cylinder, or (2) more than a few differently cross keyed cylinders per system are required.

 

controller

n. a device that has decision making capability by way of authentication or lookup in a database. It serves a control function by having output relays or other interfaces with other devices which may include other controllers, electric strikes, alarms, or printers.

 

convertible dial

n. a dial that is designed to readily accept a key locking core at any time

 

coordinator

n. in conjunction with a pair of doors, a device designed to cause the inactive leaf to close first

 

core

n. a complete unit, often with a "figure eight" shape, which usually consists of the plug, shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer and spring cover(s). It is primarily used in removable and interchangeable core cylinders and locks.

 

corner bracket

n. a door closer mounting plate attached to the upper corner of the jamb

 

covert entry

n. the use of entry or bypass techniques that can only be detected via disassembly and/or detailed inspection of lock components

 

CPL

abb. the title "Certified Professional Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA

 

CPP

abb. the title "Certified Protection Professional" as awarded by ASIS

 

CPS

abb. the title "Certified Professional Safe Technician" as awarded by SAVTA

 

crane hinge

n. a three leaf hinge assembly with two of the leaves being mounted to the body and door and the third only to the other two leaves

 

CRL

abb. the title "Certified Registered Locksmith" as awarded by ALOA

 

credential

n. any authorizing instrument, other than a mechanical key, that can cause entry to be allowed

 

cremone bolt

n. a surface mounted, top and bottom locking, deadbolt mechanism operated by a central handle

 

cross-bore

n. a hole drilled into the face of a door where a bored or interconnected lockset is to be installed

 

cross keying

n. the deliberate process of combinating a cylinder (usually in a master key system) to two or more different keys which would not normally be expected to operate it together. See also "controlled cross keying" and "uncontrolled cross keying."

 

cruciform

adj. of or pertaining to a key section or keyway which usually resembles a plus sign (+) or the letter "X"

 

CSI

abb. Construction Specifiers Institute

 

cuff

n. a sleeve mounted around a steering column to protect the column

 

cup escutcheon

n. lock trim that creates a recess in a door face and does not protrude beyond the door face

 

cup handle

n. a fitting recessed into a door surface to provide a finger grip with which to move the door

 

cupboard latch

n. a latching mechanism typically surface mounted to the outside of cabinet doors or drawers

 

curb

n. a round safe lock cover that is rabbeted and has a wheel post as an integral part of its construction

 

curb post

n. a wheel post attached to a curb

 

curtain (British)

n. in a lever tumbler lock, a device that blocks access to the keyhole when the key is turned

 

curved lip strike

n. a strike so shaped as to effect smoother function of the latch while the door is closing

 

cut

v. to make cuts into a key blade, see also "key cut(s)"

 

cut angle

n. a measurement, usually expressed in degrees, for the angle between the two sides of a key cut, see also "degree of rotation"

 

cutaway

1. adj. of or pertaining to a device with material removed or a transparent cover to expose and demonstrate a mechanism or feature 2. n. any cutaway product

 

cut edge

n. the portion of the key blade which contains the cuts

 

cut key

n. a key which has been bitted or combinated

 

cut root

n. the bottom of a key cut

 

cut root shape

n. the shape of the bottom of a key cut. It may have a flat or radius of a specific dimension, or be a perfect "V"

 

cutter

n. the part of a key machine which makes the cuts into the key blank

 

cutter guard

n. a shield over a key machine cutter to protect the operator

 

CW
abb. Clockwise, as used in combination dialing instructions

 

cylinder

n. a complete operating unit which usually consists of the plug shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer, a cam/tailpiece or other actuating device, and all other necessary operating parts

 

cylinder blank

n. a dummy cylinder which has a solid face and no operating parts

 

cylinder clip

n. a spring steel device used to secure some types of cylinders

 

cylinder collar

n. a plate or ring installed under the head of a cylinder to improve appearance and/or security

 

cylinder guard

n. a protective cylinder mounting device

 

cylinder key

n. a broad generic term including virtually all keys for pin and disc tumbler locks

 

cylinder lock

n. any lock that is operated by a cylinder key

 

cylindrical lockset

n. a bored lockset whose latch or bolt locking mechanism is contained in the portion installed through the cross-bore

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Appendix

This listing of the glossary is courtesy of