CPL CPL High-Security & Specialty Lock Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A BiLock cylinder uses which unique feature to achieve key control?
- Two rows of pins that require simultaneous alignment from a key with two sets of bitting (Correct answer)
- A magnetic sidebar
- Electronic RFID chips in the key
- Rotating disc tumblers
Correct answer: Two rows of pins that require simultaneous alignment from a key with two sets of bitting
BiLock cylinders have two parallel rows of pins, both of which must be simultaneously set by the corresponding bitting cuts on opposite sides of the key blade.
Question 2: What is 'key control' in the context of high-security lock systems?
- The ability to restrict unauthorized key duplication through patented keyways or mechanical features (Correct answer)
- Controlling how many keys exist in inventory
- Electronic logging of key usage
- Limiting key size to prevent copying
Correct answer: The ability to restrict unauthorized key duplication through patented keyways or mechanical features
Key control refers to proprietary keyway patents and restricted key blanks that prevent duplication without authorization from the key system owner.
Question 3: Which attack method is a high-security lock cylinder's hardened steel inserts specifically designed to defeat?
- Drill attacks targeting pin stack chambers (Correct answer)
- Bumping attacks
- Impressioning
- Picking with tension
Correct answer: Drill attacks targeting pin stack chambers
Hardened steel anti-drill pins or inserts are placed at drilling target points in the cylinder to break or redirect drill bits.
Question 4: When a high-security cylinder has a 'sidebar' mechanism, what does the sidebar do?
- Provides a secondary locking element that must align independently of the shear line for the plug to rotate (Correct answer)
- Adds a secondary deadbolt throw
- Controls the key's insertion depth
- Connects to an electronic alarm
Correct answer: Provides a secondary locking element that must align independently of the shear line for the plug to rotate
A sidebar is an additional locking bar that only retracts when supplementary notches on the pins align, adding a second factor beyond the standard shear line.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'paracentric' keyway design in high-security lock systems?
- To make picking more difficult by obstructing the insertion of pick tools into the keyway (Correct answer)
- To allow reversible key insertion
- To accommodate oversized key blanks
- To increase the number of key cuts
Correct answer: To make picking more difficult by obstructing the insertion of pick tools into the keyway
Paracentric keyways have complex, winding profiles with projections that physically obstruct picking tools while still allowing the correct key to pass.
Question 6: In a high-security master key system using a patented keyway, the key section patent typically provides protection for:
- A defined period (commonly 10–20 years) from the patent filing date (Correct answer)
- Indefinite protection as long as the company exists
- 5 years maximum under locksmith trade law
- No protection since keyways cannot be patented
Correct answer: A defined period (commonly 10–20 years) from the patent filing date
U.S. design and utility patents on keyways expire after their statutory term (typically up to 20 years for utility patents), after which duplication becomes legally permissible.
CPL CPL High-Security & Specialty Lock Systems 2
A BiLock cylinder uses which unique feature to achieve key control?