ALOA Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Impressioning a lock involves which primary process?
- Filing a blank key based on marks left by binding pins (Correct answer)
- Picking pins with a hook pick
- Drilling out the lock cylinder
- Decoding a key by sight
Correct answer: Filing a blank key based on marks left by binding pins
Impressioning inserts a blank key, applies tension, and reads the marks left by binding pins to file cuts to the correct depth.
Question 2: 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 (Correct answer)
- To apply tension to the plug
- To decode the bitting of a key
- To remove a broken key from the keyway
Correct answer: To quickly rotate the plug back past the shear line after over-rotation without re-picking
A plug spinner allows the locksmith to reverse the plug's rotation when it has been turned too far, avoiding the need to re-pick all pins.
Question 3: Which type of lock is considered most resistant to single-pin picking due to its rotating disk mechanism?
- Disc detainer lock (Correct answer)
- Pin tumbler lock
- Wafer lock
- Warded lock
Correct answer: Disc detainer lock
Disc detainer locks use rotating discs rather than pins, making them highly resistant to traditional single-pin picking techniques.
Question 4: What is 'decoding' a lock in the context of bypass techniques?
- Determining the key bitting without disassembly using a decoder tool or by reading pin positions (Correct answer)
- Picking the lock by feel
- Drilling out the lock cylinder
- Using a bump key
Correct answer: Determining the key bitting without disassembly using a decoder tool or by reading pin positions
Decoding reads the bitting of a lock by measuring pin heights through the keyway or using a specially designed decoder tool.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- The face of the keyway
- The back of the cylinder housing
- The retaining clip
Correct answer: The shear line at the top of the plug
Drilling at the shear line destroys the driver pins, allowing the plug to rotate freely without requiring a key.
Question 6: What anti-pick feature do high-security cylinders often use to counter bumping?
- Floating or spring-loaded elements that absorb impact energy (Correct answer)
- Deeper keyways
- Wider plug diameters
- Fewer pin chambers
Correct answer: Floating or spring-loaded elements that absorb impact energy
High-security cylinders may include ball bearings, floating pins, or magnetic elements that absorb the kinetic energy of a bump, preventing pins from bouncing.
ALOA Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques 2
Impressioning a lock involves which primary process?