ALOA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALOA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A mortise lock is installed by: → Routing a rectangular pocket into the edge of the door
2. Which key machine type uses a stylus to trace an existing key and reproduce the cuts on a blank? → Mechanical duplicator (pantograph-style)
3. Which type of lock is considered most resistant to single-pin picking due to its rotating disk mechanism? → Disc detainer lock
4. What is an uncombinated key called? → A key blank
5. A wafer lock is commonly found in which application? → Filing cabinets and automobile doors
6. Which type of safe lock uses electronic input (keypad) and a motorized bolt to control locking bolts? → Electronic safe lock (e.g., LaGard, Sargent & Greenleaf 6120)
7. One of the items that can be used to open a chain lock is: → a rubber band
8. Which tool category allows automotive locksmiths to read and write transponder data and program new keys to a vehicle's ECU? → Automotive key programmer / OBDII programmer
9. Please indicate what statement is correct about the locking system on most BMW vehicles: → B and C
10. What is the primary purpose of a key extractor tool? → To remove a broken key fragment from a lock cylinder without damaging the cylinder
11. Which drilling point on a pin tumbler lock cylinder is targeted to destroy the shear line between driver and key pins? → The shear line at the top of the plug
12. The acronym VATS stands for: → Vehicle Anti Theft System
13. In door hardware terminology, 'backset' refers to: → The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the borehole or keyway
14. What is the purpose of a tension wrench when picking a pin tumbler lock? → To rotate the plug slightly to create a shear line offset
15. Which standard defines the mechanical dimensions for cylindrical lock preps used with electrified cylindrical locks? → ANSI/BHMA A156.2
16. Which bypass tool is specifically designed to slide between a door and frame to retract a spring latch bolt? → Loid / credit card tool
17. Frank Best developed the interchangeable core locks and their most popular manufacturer is: → Best Lock Corporation
18. GM 10-cut lock system normally means that the lock has: → An even number of total cut depths
19. What anti-pick feature do high-security cylinders often use to counter bumping? → Floating or spring-loaded elements that absorb impact energy
20. In access control terminology, what does 'fail-safe' mean? → The lock unlocks (opens) when power is lost
21. When using a key machine, running the cutter into the vise jaw: → will dull the cutter and reduce its efficiency
22. What is the primary advantage of a magnetic lock (maglock) over an electric strike? → No moving parts means longer service life and less mechanical wear
23. The Wiegand protocol is used in access control primarily for what purpose? → Transmitting credential data from a reader to an access control panel
24. A rim exit device is characterized by: → Surface mounting on the inside face of the door with a rim case housing the mechanism
25. Which bypass technique involves inserting a thin tool above or below the latch bolt to manipulate the linkage inside the lock body? → Loiding/shimming the latch linkage
26. Which ANSI/BHMA grade designation indicates the highest level of commercial door hardware durability? → Grade 1
27. Which ALOA resource provides locksmiths with standardized keying terminology, system design guidelines, and key system documentation standards? → ALOA's Keying Systems and Masterkeying textbook and associated courseware
28. A skeleton key usually operates: → A warded lock
29. What is a plug spinner used for during lock picking? → To quickly rotate the plug back past the shear line after over-rotation without re-picking
30. When a key turns hard in a car door cylinder, it is often the result of: → An improperly bent rod