Locksmith Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Locksmith facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. These are the two most typical key stops: → Shoulder and tip
2. True or false: A rubberband can help you open some locks → True
3. A locksmith uses a 'code book' or software to look up code 'A1234'. This code is best described as a: → Direct code (blind code)
4. What does the term 'key blank' refer to? → An uncut key that has the correct profile but no bitting cuts yet
5. How many trainees can an experienced technician supervise on a given job site? → 3
6. What is a transponder key? → A key with an embedded microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system
7. Which of the following materials makes the most glaring marks on a key blank? → Brass
8. What sort of picks are applied to locks with uninteresting-looking keyways? → Warded
9. The lock that General Motors vehicles most frequently have is... → A sidebar wafer lock
10. True or False: VIN is an acronym for vehicle identification number → False
11. When picking locks, the tension wrench: → Holds the tumblers at the shear line
12. Inside the lock, where is the tension wrench located? → Bottom
13. What is the most important factor for long-term success in this field? → Continuous learning, practice, and adapting to changes in the industry
14. On a standard key cutting machine, what component holds the key blank in place during cutting? → The carriage clamp (vise)
15. Which of the following best describes the 'tip' of a key? → The far end of the blade inserted first into the keyway
16. The 10 cut wafer sidebar locks made by General Motors typically have: → A sum total of cut depths that must equal an even number
17. What kind of locks typically employ rim cylinders? → Deadbolts
18. A key machine's cutter must be inserted into the jaw of the vise. → False
19. Picking guns involves: → Bouncing the top pins above the shear line
20. What machine function allows a locksmith to cut a key from a code without an original key present? → Code-cutting (code machine) mode
21. When a locksmith 'decodes' a lock, what information are they trying to obtain? → The bitting code (cut depths) needed to make a working key
22. What does 'key control' mean in a commercial locksmithing context? → A system that restricts unauthorized duplication of keys
23. In a lock, where are the pins located? → Top
24. A key in a knob lock whose default setting is that both knobs are locked and demand the use of a key to unlock it is → An institution lock
25. A "self-closing door," as defined by NFPA 80, is one that: → Is normally open but will close by some activation device in case of fire
26. Why must a locksmith be careful when programming new keys for modern vehicles? → Incorrect programming can disable existing keys or lock out the vehicle's entire system
27. The following factors make it difficult to insert or remove the key blank during impressioning: → Improper lubricating the lock
28. What is the name of an uncombinated key? → A key blank
29. When a security pin is picked, what happens? → The keyway moves slightly forward
30. Many mortise locks employ thru-bolt trim to: → Make the installation look better