Locksmith Test #2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: True or false: An electromagnetic lock has a 15000-pound holding force.
- False (Correct answer)
- True
Correct answer: False
While electromagnetic locks (maglocks) are powerful, a typical commercial maglock usually offers a holding force ranging from 600 to 1200 pounds. Even specialized, heavy-duty models rarely exceed 2000-3000 pounds. A holding force of 15,000 pounds is an exceptionally high and unrealistic figure for standard electromagnetic locking mechanisms.
Question 2: True or False: The Simplex Unican 1000 series Lock provides dual security through a combination and a keyway.
- False (Correct answer)
- True
Correct answer: False
The Simplex Unican 1000 series locks are mechanical push-button combination locks. They operate solely by entering a numerical code and do not typically include a keyway. Their design relies entirely on the correct sequence of button presses to retract the latch, providing security without the need for a physical key.
Question 3: True or False: VIN is an acronym for vehicle identification number
- False (Correct answer)
- True
Correct answer: False
While commonly referred to as an acronym, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is technically an initialism because each letter is pronounced individually (V-I-N) rather than as a word. An acronym is typically pronounced as a word (e.g., NASA). Therefore, if strictly adhering to the linguistic definition, the statement that VIN is an *acronym* is considered false.
Question 4: True or false: To unlock a combination lock, a key is required.
- False (Correct answer)
- True
Correct answer: False
Combination locks are specifically designed to be opened by inputting a unique sequence of numbers or symbols. Their security mechanism relies entirely on this combination, not on a physical key. Therefore, a key is not required to unlock a combination lock.
Question 5: What is the fastest, stealthiest technique to breach?
- Hacksaw
- Lock Picking
- Door Kicking
- Depending on the plunger's direction, either utilizing a credit card or a particular piece of metal with a hook to draw the plunger (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Depending on the plunger's direction, either utilizing a credit card or a particular piece of metal with a hook to draw the plunger
This technique, known as 'latch slipping' or 'shimming,' involves manipulating the spring-loaded latch bolt directly. By using a thin, flexible tool like a credit card or a specialized shim, one can push the angled side of the latch back into the door. This method is fast and quiet because it bypasses the lock cylinder entirely, directly retracting the latch without picking.
Question 6: True or false: A rubberband can help you open some locks
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
A rubber band can be useful in specific scenarios, such as holding down a thumb turn or lever on certain door handles. This can prevent the latch from re-engaging or keep a mechanism depressed, allowing for easier manipulation or bypassing of a simple lock. While not a universal lock-picking tool, it can be effective in niche situations.
Question 7: What sort of picks are applied to locks with uninteresting-looking keyways?
- 3/4
- Ball
- Warded (Correct answer)
- Hook
Correct answer: Warded
Warded locks have very simple internal mechanisms, primarily consisting of obstructions (wards) that prevent an incorrect key from turning. Their keyways are typically open and 'uninteresting' because they lack complex pin tumblers. Warded picks are specifically designed with cutouts to bypass these internal wards, allowing the pick to reach and turn the bolt.
Question 8: A key turning difficultly in a car door cylinder frequently happens as a result of:
- Bugs in the lock
- An improperly bent rod (Correct answer)
- A screwdriver that was shoved into it
- A broken lock
Correct answer: An improperly bent rod
Car door lock cylinders are often connected to the latch mechanism via a rod or linkage. If this rod becomes bent or misaligned, it can create significant resistance when the key is turned. This mechanical interference makes it difficult for the cylinder to fully actuate the latch, causing the key to turn with difficulty.
Question 9: What exactly does VATS mean?
- Vehicle Anti Theft System (Correct answer)
- Vehicle Alarm Theft System
- Vehicle Anti Thief System
- Vehicular Alarm Timing System
Correct answer: Vehicle Anti Theft System
VATS stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System, a security feature primarily used by General Motors in the late 1980s and 1990s. This system utilizes a resistor pellet embedded in the ignition key, which must have the correct resistance value for the car to start. It was designed to prevent hot-wiring and unauthorized starting of the vehicle.
Question 10: Inside the lock, where is the tension wrench located?
- Side
- Bottom (Correct answer)
- Middle
- Top
Correct answer: Bottom
When lock picking, the tension wrench is inserted into the bottom of the keyway. Its crucial role is to apply slight rotational pressure to the plug, simulating the turning force of a key. This constant, controlled tension is essential for setting the pins individually as they are manipulated by the pick.
Question 11: When a lock is picked backwards, what is necessary?
- Plug Spinner (Correct answer)
- Warded Picks
- Featherweight tension wrench
- Hooked Pick
Correct answer: Plug Spinner
A plug spinner is a specialized tool used when a lock has been picked in the wrong direction, or when the plug needs to be rotated quickly past the shear line. It rapidly rotates the lock's plug through the shear line in the correct direction. This quick rotation prevents the pins from dropping back into their locked positions, allowing the lock to open.
Locksmith Test #2
True or false: An electromagnetic lock has a 15000-pound holding force.