Essential locksmith terms
Rekey
This is one of the most requested locksmith services.
This service is great for new homeowners, business owners that had to let go of an employee or anyone that is just unsure of where all the copies of their keys are.
It involves the locksmith in most cases taking a lock apart, removing and replacing the pins inside the lock with pins of different sizes (changing the bitting) in order to create a new key for this lock.
This process guarantees 100%, that the old keys that used to work on that lock do not work anymore and we will provide you with a new set of keys.
Keyed alike
The process of rekeying multiple locks to use one key, this process can only be done on locks that use the same keyway.
For example- Schlage locks cannot be keyed the same as Kwikset locks.
Master key
This is a service that is normally suited for building owners with multiple units or business owners with multiple different offices.
This special process of rekeying lets a landlord have one key to all the units while each unit still has its own separate key.
Lock change
Completely replacing the lock hardware.
Common Lock Parts
Latch
Bolt
Cylinder
Housing
Strike plate
Keyway
Refers to the general shape of the keyhole, different manufacturers use keys with different grooves.
Lock function: Mostly referring to knobs and levers
There are over 20 different lock functions but most are for very specific industry use.
Here are the most common ones:
- Passage - also known as Hall/Closet, this handle/knob is always unlocked and open from both sides. Used for doors that do not need to be secured. Both sides will be smooth and no keyhole or knob to lock the handle.
- Privacy - these locks will have a thumb turn or button on the inside to handle to lock the door, from the outside it can be unlocked with a tool (different style tools depending on the manufacturer) but does not require a key. This style of lock is usually found on bathrooms.
- Entry - these locks will have a thumb turn or button on the inside to lock the handle and will require a key to unlock it from the outside, this locked can be left In the unlocked position and only locked when desired. Will be found on most exterior doors.
- Storeroom - these locks will always be unlocked on the inside for safe exit, however there is no way to leave the door unlocked and will require a key for every entry.
- Classroom - these locks will always be unlocked on the inside for safe exit, on the outside you can use a key to either lock or unlock the exterior handle
Deadbolts functions
- Single cylinder: Thumb turn on the inside and key on the outside.
- Double cylinder: Requires a key on the inside and a key on the outside.
- Single side: Thumb turn on the inside and blank on the outside