Test Flashcards

What shape does a top pin have?

Answer: Flat on both ends

In a standard pin tumbler lock, the top pins (also known as driver pins) are typically cylindrical with flat ends. One flat end faces the spring, while the other flat end meets the bottom pin. This flat design allows for smooth movement within the pin stack and consistent interaction with the spring and bottom pin.

A "self-closing door," as defined by NFPA 80, is one that:

Answer: Is normally open but will close by some activation device in case of fire

According to NFPA 80, a 'self-closing door' in the context of fire safety refers to a door that is typically held open but is designed to automatically close upon activation of a fire alarm or other detection device. This ensures that fire-rated doors can compartmentalize a building during a fire, preventing the spread of smoke and flames, even if they are usually kept open for convenience.

The following factors make it difficult to insert or remove the key blank during impressioning:

Answer: Improper lubricating the lock

During impressioning, the key blank is inserted and turned slightly to mark the pins. If the lock is improperly lubricated, the pins may stick or move sluggishly, preventing them from making clear, consistent marks on the key blank. This makes it difficult to accurately identify the high points for filing, hindering the impressioning process.

Door handling for the installation of a lockset is mentioned in the:

Answer: Egress side

Door handling, which determines whether a door is left-hand or right-hand, is typically referenced from the egress side. The egress side is the side from which you exit a room or building. This standardized perspective ensures consistency when ordering and installing locksets, as the handing affects the orientation of the latch and other lock components.

A tailpiece's function is to:

Answer: Transfer the motion of the plug to the lock

The tailpiece is a component attached to the back of the cylinder plug. When a key is inserted and turned, rotating the plug, the tailpiece rotates with it. This rotational motion is then transferred to the internal mechanism of the lock body (e.g., the bolt or latch), causing it to retract or extend and thereby locking or unlocking the door.

A function lock for a classroom is made to:

Answer: A key is required to lock the room

A classroom function lock is designed for safety and control, particularly in educational settings. From the outside, a key is required to lock or unlock the door, providing security. However, from the inside, the door can always be opened by turning the knob or lever, allowing for free egress without a key, which is crucial for emergency situations.

What should the locksmith take out first while disassembling a Kwikset entrance set?

Answer: Screws on the inside of the knob

Kwikset entrance sets, like many residential knob sets, are typically installed by first securing the interior knob assembly to the door. To disassemble, the first step is usually to remove the visible screws located on the rose or base of the inside knob. This allows the interior knob and often the exterior knob to be separated from the latch mechanism.

A lockset with hotel function:

Answer: Requires a key or card from the outside in order to enter

A hotel function lock is designed for guest rooms, where the primary security feature is controlled access from the exterior. Guests typically use a key card or a physical key to enter their room from the outside. From the inside, the lock can be freely opened for egress, and often has a privacy button or turn that prevents outside entry even with a key.

What is required to remove a Schlage entrance set's exterior knob?

Answer: Key and pin punch

To remove the exterior knob of a Schlage entrance set, a specific procedure is often required. You typically insert the operating key into the cylinder and then use a small pin punch to depress a retaining pin or button located in a small hole on the side of the knob or rose. This action releases the exterior knob assembly, allowing it to be pulled off.

What tools are employed to open a lock?

Answer: Tension wrench and hook pick

These are the fundamental tools for manual lock picking. The tension wrench applies rotational pressure to the lock's plug, creating a binding effect on the pins. The hook pick is then used to individually manipulate and set each pin to the shear line while maintaining tension, ultimately allowing the plug to turn and the lock to open.

Which of the following materials makes the most glaring marks on a key blank?

Answer: Brass

When impressioning a key, the goal is to make clear, visible marks on the key blank where the pins are binding. Brass, being a relatively soft metal, is ideal for this purpose as it readily shows distinct marks from the hardened steel pins. These marks guide the locksmith in filing the correct bitting.