Locksmith Advanced Topics 5

Question 1

What is 'bumping' in lockpicking, and what type of key is required?

Accepted Answer

Using a specially cut key and mallet strikes to momentarily separate pin stacks at the shear line

Answer

Lock bumping uses a key cut to the maximum depth at all positions; when struck, kinetic energy transfers through the bottom pins to momentarily jump the driver pins above the shear line.

Question 2

A locksmith is asked to master a BEST A2 interchangeable core system. What distinguishes interchangeable cores (IC) from standard cylinders?

Accepted Answer

IC cylinders can be removed and installed without tools using a control key

Answer

Interchangeable cores are designed to be swapped in and out of compatible hardware without tools, using a specialized control key that allows rapid rekeying or core replacement.

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'MACS' (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification) when designing keys?

Accepted Answer

It limits the allowable depth difference between adjacent cuts to ensure proper key function

Answer

MACS prevents keys from having adjacent cuts with such extreme depth differences that the key's warding or the lock's driver pins are damaged during insertion or use.

Question 4

During a forensic locksmith investigation, what does the presence of 'bright metal' on pin tips inside a cylinder indicate?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of picking or manipulation where picks abraded the pin surfaces

Answer

Bright, shiny marks on pin tips or plug chambers result from pick tools scraping against pins during a picking or raking attack, leaving forensic evidence of unauthorized entry.

Question 5

In a 'six-pin' pin tumbler lock, a locksmith finds one pin stack has a 'T-pin' (top hat pin). What is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

It creates a false set during picking, making the lock much harder to pick

Answer

T-pins (also called top-hat or spool pins) have a narrowed waist that creates a false shear line, causing the plug to rotate slightly during picking before setting correctly, alerting the picker.

Locksmith Practice Test

Locksmith Practice Test

Locksmith Advanced Topics 5