CAL CAL - Certified Automotive Locksmith Lock Cylinder Service and Rekeying Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the standard term for replacing the internal tumblers or wafers of an automotive lock cylinder so that it operates with a new key?

Accepted Answer

Rekeying

Answer

Rekeying refers to physically changing the internal tumblers or wafers of a lock cylinder so it operates with a different key cut.

Question 2

Which tool is specifically used to remove a lock cylinder from a vehicle door without damaging the surrounding sheet metal?

Accepted Answer

A cylinder removal tool or clip removal pick

Answer

Cylinder removal tools and clip removal picks are designed to depress retaining clips and slide cylinders out cleanly without marring surrounding panels.

Question 3

When disassembling an automotive door lock cylinder, which small component is responsible for retaining the key in the lock when it is at the rest position?

Accepted Answer

The key retainer or wards spring

Answer

The key retainer or wards spring holds the key in place when inserted to the rest position, preventing it from falling out.

Question 4

What is a 'plug follower' used for when servicing an automotive lock cylinder?

Accepted Answer

To keep springs and tumblers in place while the plug is removed from the shell

Answer

A plug follower is inserted behind the plug as it is removed, maintaining spring and tumbler tension to prevent them from scattering out of the shell.

Question 5

Automotive wafer-tumbler lock cylinders differ from pin-tumbler cylinders primarily because wafers:

Accepted Answer

Use flat spring-loaded wafers that slide in slots rather than stacked pin pairs in bored holes

Answer

Wafer-tumbler cylinders use flat, spring-loaded wafers that must align at a shear line, whereas pin-tumbler cylinders use stacked driver and key pins in drilled holes.

(CAL) Certified Automotive Locksmith Practice Test

(CAL) Certified Automotive Locksmith Practice Test

CAL CAL - Certified Automotive Locksmith Lock Cylinder Service and Rekeying Questions and Answers