Safe & Vault Technologies Flashcards

What is the purpose of the 'fence' component inside a dial combination lock?

Answer: To drop into aligned wheel notches and allow the bolt to retract

The fence is a lever attached to the bolt; when all wheel notches align with the fence, it drops in and allows the bolt to retract and open the lock.

In a safe deposit vault, what is the standard dual-control procedure for customer access?

Answer: Both a bank employee key and the customer's renter key must be used to open the box

Safe deposit box access requires the bank guard/renter key and the customer renter key to be turned simultaneously, ensuring no single party can access the box alone.

When examining a fire-rated safe, what does an 'UL Class 350 – 1 Hour' label indicate?

Answer: The safe interior will not exceed 350°F for one hour in a standardized fire test

UL Class 350 fire rating means the interior temperature will not exceed 350°F (the threshold for paper ignition) for the specified time in a standardized furnace test.

A forensic locksmith documents that a safe boltwork was defeated by 'punching.' What tool is typically used and what is targeted?

Answer: A punch and hammer used to drive the combination lock body inward through the door

Punching drives the combination lock body through the door using impact force, allowing manipulation of boltwork from behind — it is most effective against cheaper safe designs.

What is a 'day-gate' or 'day-lock' feature on a vault door used for?

Answer: It permits foot traffic through the vault without fully engaging the combination lock

A day-gate allows the vault door to appear closed and be secured with a simple latch during business hours without engaging the full combination lock mechanism.

Which forensic indicator would most suggest that an electric drill was used in a safe attack?

Answer: Circular metal swarf and scored entry holes around the dial or body

Drilling produces circular metal shavings (swarf) and clean cylindrical holes, which are distinct forensic markers distinguishing drill attacks from prying or punching.

What role does a 'spline' play in a combination lock spindle?

Answer: It engages and drives the wheel pack when the dial is rotated

The spline is a key or rib on the spindle that engages corresponding slots in the drive cam, transmitting rotational motion from the dial to the wheel pack.