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Glossary of Terms

Pack

(n.) The set of tumblers in a lever tumbler or combination lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Packing

(n.) Material used to provide sealing between chambers of a door closer.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Padlock

(n.) A detachable and portable lock with a shackle which locks into its case.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Padlock Eye(s)

(n.) A fixture typically of flat material or material bent at a 90 degree angle, with a hole to receive the shackle of a padlock. Usually used in pairs.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Page Master Key

(n.) The three-pin master key for all combinations listed on a page in the standard progression format.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Panic Button

(n.) Any switching device in an alarm system designed to be activated by a person in a panic situation. It creates an immediate alarm condition.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Paracentric

(adj.) 1. Of or pertaining to a keyway with one or more wards on each side projecting beyond the vertical center line of the keyway to hinder picking.
(adj.) 2. Of or pertaining to a key blank made to enter such a keyway.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Parallel Arm

(n.) A type of door closer and/or closer mounting which leaves the arm generally parallel to the door face when closed.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Parity

(n.) The property of being either even or odd, as the depth number of a bitting in a combination, or the possible progressives in a given position of a two step progression.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Parity Pattern

(n.) The collective description of the parities of a group of bitting positions in a two step progression, typically expressed in an even/odd sequence, e.g. EOOEEO.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Passage Set

(n.) A latchset.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Passe-Partout

(n.) 1. Something, such as a master key, that permits one to pass or go at will.
(n.) 2. Key that secures entrance everywhere.
Source: Dictionary.com

Passive Infrared Device

(n.) A device used to detect motion by detecting changes in heat.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Passive Relocking Device

(n.) A device that places its bolts only upon attack to the safe or lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Passkey

(n.) 1. A key for opening more locks than one; a master key.
(n.) 2. Key that secures entrance everywhere.
Source: Dictionary.com

Patented Unrestricted Keyway

(n.) A specific keyway which is sold without restriction by a lock maker, but which retains patent protection against non-original key blank makers.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pattern Key

(n.) 1. An original key kept on file to use in a key duplicating machine when additional keys are required.
(n.) 2. Any key which is used in a key duplicating machine to create a duplicate key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pawl

(n.) The cam of certain automotive cylinders.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Peanut Cylinder

(n.) A mortise cylinder of 3/4" diameter.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Peel

(v.) To destructively attack a safe by removing or partially removing the sheet metal of the door front or the outer surface of one of the other sides.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Peep Hole

(n.) A small lens or opening which allows a limited view through a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Perforated Tumbler

(n.) A combination wheel with multiple holes within its diameter for mounting the fly.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Personal Identification Number

(n.) A series of numbers and/or letters associated with a particular individual as a means of identification.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Photo-Electric Detection Device

(n.) A detection device actuated by abrupt changes in light.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pick

(n.) 1. A tool or instrument, other than the specifically designed key, made for the purpose of manipulating tumblers in a lock or cylinder into the locked or unlocked position through the keyway, without obvious damage.
(v.) 2. To manipulate tumblers in a keyed lock mechanism through the keyway, without obvious damage, by means other than the specifically designed key.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pick Gun

(n.) A machine designed to impact all of the bottom pins of a pin tumbler lock at exactly the same time and thereby bounce the top pins beyond the shear line.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pick Key

(n.) A type of manipulation key, cut or modified to operate a lock or cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pillar Lock

(n.) 1. A lock mounted in a vertical support member, typically of a vehicle or furniture.
(obsolete) 2. A lock mounted on a vehicle door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin

(v.) To install pin tumblers into a cylinder and/or cylinder plug.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

PIN

(abb.) Personal Identification Number
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Chamber

(n.) The corresponding hole drilled into the cylinder shell and/or plug to accept the pin(s) and spring.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Kit

(n.) A type of keying kit for a pin tumbler mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Stack

(n.) All the tumblers in a given pin chamber.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Stack Height

(n.) The measurement of a pin stack, often expressed in units of the lock manufacturer’s increment or as an actual dimension.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Tumbler Push Key (Padlock)

(n.) A type of padlock that requires pushing the key inward to disengage the shackle after insertion of the key creates a shear line.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Tumbler

(n.) Usually a cylindrical shaped tumbler. Three types are normally used: bottom pin, master pin and top pin.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pin Tweezers

(n. pl.) A tool used in handling tumblers and springs.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pinning Block

(n.) A holding fixture which assists in the loading of tumblers into a cylinder or cylinder plug.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pinning Chart

(n.) A numerical diagram which indicates the sizes and order of installation of the various pins into a cylinder. The sizes are usually indicated by a manufacturer's reference number which equals the quantity of increments a tumbler represents.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pippin File

(n.) A file with a cross section that resembles a pip, or apple seed.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

PIR

(abb.) Passive Infra-Red
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pitcher Handle

(n.) Lock trim which serves as a pull and is generally perpendicular to the door at its top mount, then bends and tapers to its bottom mount.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pivot

(n.) A hinge with a fixed pin and knuckle, forming a single joint.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plasma Cutter

(n.) Tool that uses electricity and air pressure to cut various metals.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plug

(n.) The part of a cylinder which contains the keyway, with tumbler chambers usually corresponding to those in the cylinder shell.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plug Follower

(n.) A tool used to allow removal of the cylinder plug while retaining the top pins, springs, and/or other components within the shell.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plug Holder

(n.) A holding fixture which assists in the loading of tumblers into a cylinder plug.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plug Retainer

(n.) The cylinder component which secures the plug in the shell.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plug Spinner

(n.) A tool which is designed to rotate a picked cylinder plug so quickly in the desired direction that it cannot lock during its rotation.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Plunger Lock

(n.) Any of various spring loaded locks or cylinders which move in or out to accomplish a locking function.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pocket Door

(n.) A door which opens by sliding into a hollow wall.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pocket Strike

(n.) An electric strike which does not require a face cut in the door jam, yet allows operation of the boltwork of the door lock, often by manipulating the locking and deadlatching portions via end pressure.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Poke Hole

(n.) A hole designed to allow tools to poke into or through it, generally for accessing a retainer.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pop Out Lock

(n.) A plunger lock usually used on vending machines to prevent operation of a T handle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Positional Master Keying

(n.) A method of master keying typical of certain binary type disc tumbler key-in-knob looks and of magnetic and dimple key cylinders. Of all possible tumbler positions within a cylinder, only a limited number contain active tumblers. The locations of these active tumblers are rotated among all possible positions to generate key changes. Higher level keys must have more cuts or magnets than lower level keys.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Positive Latching

(n.) The condition of a door being secured such that manual operation of the latch or bolt mechanism must occur before it may be opened.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Positive Locking

(n.) The condition brought about when a key cut which is too high forces its tumbler into the locking position. This type of locking does not rely on gravity or spring pressure.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Post (Of A Key)

(n.) The portion of a bit key between the tip and the shoulder, to which the bit(s) is attached.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Post (Of A Lock)

(n.) 1. A part of a lock that serves as a guide for a barrel key and prevents entry of a non-barrel key.
(n.) 2. The center bearing surface of a mechanical combination lock on which the wheels rotate.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Power Locks

(n.) Electrically or electro-pneumatically operated locks.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Power Pack

(n.) A battery with a special configuration designed for use in a specific product.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Practical Key Changes

(n. pl.) The total number of usable different combinations available for a specific cylinder or lock mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pre Assembled Lockset

(n.) A lock designed to be installed into a cutout in the edge of a door. The lock body and most or all of its trim need no further assembly other than securing it to the door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Prep

(n.) 1. The location and dimensions of the cut out(s) and reinforcing in a door or frame required to accept a piece of hardware.
(v.) 2. To prepare a door or frame for installation of a lock or other hardware.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Prep Key

(n.) A type of guard key for a safe deposit box lock with only one keyway. It must be turned once and withdrawn before the renter's key will unlock the unit.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Primary Key

(n.) A key, which operates the ignition, lock on a vehicle. It may or may not also operate some or all the other locks on the vehicle.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Privacy Key

(n.) A key which operates an SKD cylinder.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Profile Cylinder

(n.) A cylinder with a usually uniform cross section, which slides into place and usually is held by a mounting screw. It is typically used in mortise locks of non-U.S. manufacture.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Profile Pin

(n.) A stationary pin placed in the plug of a pin tumbler lock to act as a ward to produce a keyway.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progress

(v.) To select possible key bittings, usually in numerical order, from the key bitting array.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progression

(n.) 1. A logical sequence of selecting possible key bittings, usually in numerical order from the key bitting array.
(n.) 2. A system of generating keys with different cut combinations for unknown positions, when a partial bitting is known.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progression Chart

(n.) A list of combinations to consider when fitting keys to a lock with only a partial bitting known, typically arranged to minimize the number of key blanks needed.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progression Column

(n.) A listing of the key bitting possibilities available in one bitting position as displayed in a column of the key bitting array.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progression List

(n.) A bitting list of change keys and master keys arranged in sequence of progression.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Progressive

(n.) Any bitting position which is progressed rather than held constant.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Proprietary

(adj.) Of or pertaining to a keyway and key section assigned exclusively to one end user by the lock manufacturer. It may also be protected by law from duplication.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Protected Key

(n.) A physical key that affords legal remedies against duplication.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

PRP

(abb.) "Proficiency Registration Program"; a locksmith certification program administered by ALOA.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Public Way

(n.) Any parcel of land essentially open to the outside air and permanently appropriated to the public for public use and having a clear width and height of not less than 10 ft.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pull Handle

(n.) Trim for gripping to apply pulling force to a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pull Plate

(n.) A generally flat and commonly rectangular trim with an attached handle for pulling open a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pullman Keeper

(n.) A type of keeper which is shaped to operate with the radiused contour of a Pullman latch.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pullman Latch

(n.) A type of latch which pivots like a hinge and whose locking side is radiused.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Pulse Dialer

(n.) A telephone communication device, normally activated by an alarm, that uses electrical pulses to dial a predetermined number.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Punch Proof Spindle

(n.) A spindle that is shouldered or tapered inward to prevent it from being driven into or through the mechanism.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Push Button Lock

(n.) A self contained lock with controls that must be pressed in a specific pattern or sequence to open the lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Push Key Padlock

(n.) A padlock whose shackle is released by full insertion of the key into the lock.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council

Push Plate

(n.) A generally flat and commonly rectangular trim mounted for hand contact to push open a door.
Source: Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council