CAMT - Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Lock and Key Services Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has moved out, and a new resident is scheduled to move in next week. What is the most important security procedure a CAMT must perform regarding the unit's door lock?
- Spray lubricant into the keyway to ensure it operates smoothly.
- Replace the entire lockset with a brand new one from the hardware store.
- Rekey the existing lock cylinder to work with a new key. (Correct answer)
- Visually inspect the lock for damage and tighten the mounting screws.
Correct answer: Rekey the existing lock cylinder to work with a new key.
Rekeying the lock is the standard and most efficient procedure between tenants. It involves changing the internal pins so that the old key no longer works, ensuring that previous residents or anyone they gave a key to cannot access the unit. This is a critical security measure to protect the new resident and the property.
Question 2: In a standard pin tumbler lock, what is the term for the line that the top and bottom pins must align with to allow the plug to rotate?
- The strike line
- The shear line (Correct answer)
- The cam line
- The tumbler line
Correct answer: The shear line
The shear line is the physical gap between the inner plug (which rotates with the key) and the outer cylinder (or shell). For the lock to open, the key's bitting must lift the key pins and driver pins so that the break between them aligns perfectly with this shear line, allowing the plug to turn freely.
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a master key system in an apartment community?
- Each apartment door has a completely unique lock that no other key can open.
- A single key, the master key, can open multiple different unit locks, each of which also has its own individual key. (Correct answer)
- All locks in the community are identical and can be opened by any key issued to residents.
- It requires all locks to be electronic and connected to a central computer.
Correct answer: A single key, the master key, can open multiple different unit locks, each of which also has its own individual key.
A master key system is designed hierarchically. Individual unit keys (change keys) open only their specific lock, while a master key is pinned in a way that allows it to open all the locks within its designated group, providing necessary access for maintenance and management staff.
Question 4: A technician is tasked with creating a new working key for a storage closet lock for which the original key has been lost. The technician uses a blank key and a file to slowly create the correct cuts by observing marks left on the blank. What is this technique called?
- Decoding
- Re-pinning
- Impressioning (Correct answer)
- Bumping
Correct answer: Impressioning
Impressioning is a skilled technique used to create a working key without disassembling the lock. It involves inserting a soft metal blank, wiggling it to create tiny marks (impressions) from the pins, filing those marks, and repeating the process until the key is cut correctly and opens the lock.
Question 5: Which component inside a pin tumbler lock is responsible for pushing the driver pins and key pins down, keeping the lock secured until the correct key is inserted?
- The cam
- The plug
- The springs (Correct answer)
- The sidebar
Correct answer: The springs
Each pin stack within the lock's cylinder contains a small spring located in the 'bible' above the driver pin. This spring provides the tension that pushes the pin stack down, causing the driver pin to cross the shear line and prevent the plug from rotating without the correct key.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a property's key control policy?
- To ensure all locks are from the same manufacturer for easy replacement.
- To track all keys, limit access, and maintain accountability to enhance resident and property security. (Correct answer)
- To schedule the lubrication and cleaning of all locks on an annual basis.
- To create a pricing structure for charging residents for lost keys.
Correct answer: To track all keys, limit access, and maintain accountability to enhance resident and property security.
A key control policy establishes procedures for tracking the issuance, use, and return of all keys. Its main goal is to limit access to authorized personnel, create a clear audit trail, and ensure accountability, which is fundamental to the overall security of the community and its residents.
CAMT - Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Lock and Key Services Questions and Answers
A resident has moved out, and a new resident is scheduled to move in next week.
What is the most important security procedure a CAMT must perform regarding the unit's door lock?