Locksmith Advanced Topics 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'decoding' in the context of locksmithing?
- Cutting a key from a code book
- Determining the bitting of a lock without the original key (Correct answer)
- Programming a transponder chip
- Bypassing a deadbolt using a credit card
Correct answer: Determining the bitting of a lock without the original key
Decoding is the process of determining the correct cut depths of an existing lock's key, typically using a decoder tool, impressioning, or disassembly.
Question 2: In automotive key programming, what does TPMS stand for, and why is it relevant to a locksmith?
- Transponder Pin Memory System — stores key codes
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System — must not be disrupted during battery disconnect (Correct answer)
- Transmission Programming Management System — linked to ignition keys
- Timed Pin Mechanism Sequence — used in key cutting
Correct answer: Tire Pressure Monitoring System — must not be disrupted during battery disconnect
TPMS sensors can lose calibration if the vehicle battery is disconnected during programming, a precaution locksmiths must note when working on modern vehicles.
Question 3: A customer has a UL-listed TL-30 rated safe. What does 'TL-30' certify?
- The safe is fire-rated for 30 minutes at 1200°F
- The safe resists tool attack on the door for a net 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- The safe has a 30-bolt locking mechanism
- The safe passed 30 impact drop tests
Correct answer: The safe resists tool attack on the door for a net 30 minutes
TL-30 is a UL burglary rating indicating the safe body and door withstood a net 30 minutes of tool attack using hand tools, electrical tools, and drills.
Question 4: What is the function of the 'anti-drill plate' inside a high-security lock cylinder?
- It grounds electrical charges from electromagnetic attacks
- It contains hardened steel balls or plates to destroy drill bits (Correct answer)
- It prevents the plug from being pulled
- It aligns the driver pins under spring pressure
Correct answer: It contains hardened steel balls or plates to destroy drill bits
Anti-drill plates are made of hardened steel or contain carbide inserts that spin or shatter drill bits before they can destroy the pin stacks.
Question 5: When using a code machine to cut a key by code, what is the 'direct digit system'?
- A system where the code number directly corresponds to the cut depth (Correct answer)
- A system using indirect offsets from a datum point
- A system that generates codes from the key's serial number
- A system requiring the key blank to be measured first
Correct answer: A system where the code number directly corresponds to the cut depth
In the direct digit system, each digit in the key code directly represents a specific cut depth from the manufacturer's bitting depth table.
Question 6: Which type of electric strike is 'fail-safe' and what does that mean?
- It requires power to lock and unlocks when power is cut (Correct answer)
- It requires power to unlock and locks when power is cut
- It operates independently of power
- It only works with a keypad signal
Correct answer: It requires power to lock and unlocks when power is cut
A fail-safe electric strike is held locked by power and releases automatically when power is lost, ensuring occupants can exit during a power failure.
Question 7: In a key-in-knob (KIK) cylinder, what feature locks the cylinder into the knob chassis?
- A set screw on the outside of the knob
- A spring-loaded retaining clip on the cylinder body (Correct answer)
- The key bow itself
- A threaded retaining ring
Correct answer: A spring-loaded retaining clip on the cylinder body
KIK cylinders have a spring-loaded retaining clip that snaps into a groove in the knob chassis, holding the cylinder securely in place.
Locksmith Advanced Topics 4
What is 'decoding' in the context of locksmithing?