A
Access Hardware:
Mechanical and Electrified Architectural Hardware specifically designed
for the purpose of controlling access or egress through an opening.
ALOA:
Associated Locksmiths of America.
ANSI/BHMA Grading System:
BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) is accredited by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit
organization that administers and coordinates the voluntary
standardization to develop and maintain performance standards for
builder's hardware. ANSI/BHMA standards set forth different product
grades for door hardware products. These product grades are defined by
progressive levels of performance benchmarks in each applicable
standard. The purpose of each is to help identify the quality and
durability of locksets through a series of operational and security
tests. The basic lock grades are: ANSI grade 3 is basic residential
security. ANSI grade 2 is intermediate residential security. ANSI grade
1 is the highest level of residential security and often used for
commercial installations.
Architectural hardware (usually commercial grade one type):
Usually refers to hardware used in building construction.
Term
applied to all hardware used in building construction, but particularly
used on or in connection with doors, windows, cabinets and other movable
members such as hinges, closers, locks and pulls, more specifically
known as Door Hardware.
Armature (lock): A piece of iron or steel that
connects the poles of a magnet.
B
Back Plate:
It is a small metallic piece with a concave portion that is used for
fastening certain types of cylinders to a door.
Backset: The
backset is the distance between the edge of the door to the center of
the main hole. The main hole is usually a round 2 1/8" diameter that the
body of the lock fits through. The distance is usually 2 3/8" or 2 3/4".
Today, most commercial and industrial doors are set for 2 3/4". The
trend has been for more private homes set this way also. These are the
two most common backsets. When measuring the backset make sure to do it
carefully. The difference is small and it's easy to make a mistake
especially if you’re measuring with the lock still on the door.
Ball Bearing Hinge:
Ball bearing hinge consist of ball bearings between its knuckles to
reduce friction.
Ball catches:
Item of hardware inserted into hole drilled into top of door. Used
where door is opened by pulling or pushing it only. In double doors,
they are used with dummy pairs of levers or knobs. They also can be
used in the top of a small closet where pull may be used. The ball is
pushed by spring tension into notched brass plate in jamb above the
door.
Barrel Bolt:
Having cylindrical shape, they are basically surface mounted slide bolt.
Blank (key blank): a key that has not yet been cut.
Bore:
Bore is the diameter of the hole drilled in a door for a knob, lever or
deadbolt.
Bored Lock (or Latch): Lock or latch whose parts
are intended for installation in holes bored in a door.
Button Knob: They act like a key-in-knob lock and consist of
either push or turn button.
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C
Cam lock:
A locking bolt, in the form of a cylinder.
Chain bolt:
Normally it is a spring based bolt
Classroom Function: Outside knob/lever locked or unlocked by key
only. Different from the storeroom function in that the outside knob or
lever can remain unlocked when key is withdrawn. Inside knob/lever
always free to unlock same as storeroom function.
Closed knob:
It is a knob that does not have any opening in its face.
Crashbar:
See Panic Hardware
Cylinder: A housing that contains a tumbler mechanism and a
key-way plug that can be turned only by the correct key. It includes a
cam or spindle to transmit rotary action to a lock or latch mechanism.
For security and keying versatility, authorities generally specify a
pin-tumbler cylinder of no fewer than five pins. The two types of
cylinders, the mortise cylinder (round, threaded housing) and the bored
lock cylinder (sometimes called a cylinder insert), which both provide
the same functional value of security and convenience and are often
included in the same keying system.
Cylindrical
(Locks & Latches): A term used to describe bored locks, which
have a cylindrical case into which a separate latch bolt case fits.
D
Deadbolt: Locking mechanism for an entrance door or other door,
in which a bolt moves with a turn of a key into a jamb. Deadbolts can
be a single cylinder or double cylinder. With a single cylinder
deadbolt, a key is used on one side, and is turned by hand on the other
side. With a double cylinder deadbolt, a key is used on both sides.
Double cylinders are only recommended where no one needs to go through a
door in case of emergency.
Deadlatch: A latch in which the latchbolt is positively held in
the projected position by an auxiliary mechanism. The latch now acts as
a bolt, and requires the door to be opened from both inside and out by
key.
Delayed Egress Lock:
A delayed egress lock is
a device or combination of devices arranged to be locked in the
direction of egress for a predetermined time after the releasing process
has been initiated. After the predetermined time, the door operates
normally.
Digital Electronic Pushbutton Locks:
these are stand alone latch locks that will lock automatically. Some
have a settable passage function that enables it to be opened from the
outside without knowing the combination. This feature is easy to enable
or disable by just pressing a few numbers on the keypad. Because this
type of lock has a power source, the keypad numbers are easy to depress.
Digital Lock: Usually refers to a standalone lock that has a
built in keypad and therefore uses digits such as a telephone keypad to
unlock the lock.
Door Hardware: All mechanical and electrical
hardware designed to be installed on a door to enable its intended
operation.
Door
Stop:
A door stop is the small piece of wood, usually 1 3/8" - 1 1/2" wide,
attached to the door jambs on both sides and on top of the door. This
strip of wood is where the door comes to rest when it is closed. It
stops the door from moving any further, and also covers the gap that
would otherwise appear between the door and the jambs.
Door Viewer:
Item that is inserted into a hole drilled into the face of a door.
Viewer has a curved lens in it to magnify an image on the other side of
the door. Viewers are made with various degrees of field of vision.
Double Cylinder:
These are keyed cylinders placed inside and outside of an entry door
that operate a deadbolt.
Double sided lock: Usually means a lock that has either a keyway
or in the case of digital locks, a keypad, on both the outside and also
the inside.
Dummy
Pairs:
Dummy pairs are for doors where no latches are needed. These knobs or
levers do not turn. They can be split up for bi-fold door set, since no
hardware is needed on back of the bi-folds. Dummy pairs can also be
used on double French door units, where ball catches are used to hold
doors in place. Dummy Pairs do not require a standard hole to be
drilled, since most are attached from each side of the door.
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E
Electric Frame Actuator: An
electric frame mounted mechanism which manipulates a component of a
cooperating mechanical locking mechanism in a door in response an
electric signal from an input or controlling device.
Electric Strike:
Electric door locking device (usually solenoid-operated) that will
unlock the door when electrical power is applied to it. A fail-safe
configuration will operate in the reverse condition (i.e., normally
locked when power is applied and unlocked when power is interrupted).
Electrified Architectural Hardware: Electrically
operated products associated with doors, windows and cabinets. Also
known as Electrified Builders Hardware.
Electrified Locking Device: Electrically powered
locking device which enables a door to be locked or unlocked in response
to an electric signal from an input or controlling device.
Electromagnetic Lock (Magnetic Lock, Mag Lock):
This is
an electrically powered lock that locks or unlocks a door by the
activation or deactivation of an electromagnet that is magnetically
coupled to an armature. See Magnetic lock
Electronic Deadbolts Locks-Stand alone:
(digital or remote) because this is a deadbolt and not a latch it will
not lock automatically. This may or may not be a consideration. Because
this type of lock has a power source, the keypad numbers are easy to
depress.
Entrance Function:
Outside knob/lever locked or unlocked by turning or pushing inside
button. Key unlocks knob/lever from outside. Inside knob/lever always
unlocked.
Entry Handle:
This type of handle is mostly used for dummy doors and doors that do not
latch. These handles are fixed on a large back plate.
Entry Mortise Lock:
It is a large mortise lock operated by knobs, levers or thumb latches.
It is provided with either a modern keyed cylinder or a skeleton key
operated deadbolt.
Exit Device:
A door-locking device designed to grant instant exit by pressing on a
cross bar that releases the lock bolt or latch.
Exit Lock: A
push-bar door lock that spans the width of the door, used for emergency
exit. An Exit Lock may be connected to an Exit Alarm.
F
Fail-safe lock: An electric lock or strike that automatically
unlocks with any power interruption. When power is turned off no locking
will occur. All magnetic type locks are always Fail-safe.
Fail-secure lock: An electric lock or strike that requires power
to unlock. When power is turned off lock will still be locked. Fail-safe
is much more common.
Finial:
A decorative adornment on the top and bottom of a hinge knuckle or other
hardware. It can also be used as an ornamental projection on the end of
a curtain rod or pole.
Flush Bolts: Bolts mounted in a door to lock a door in place.
These bolts slide up into the jamb above the door, and down into the
threshold or floor below door. These are used primarily on double
doors, where one door is locked in place and the other door is the one
mainly used. When needed, the door locked in place can be opened.
Flush bolts can also be called slide bolts, which are mounted to the
face of the door. Flush bolts are mounted flush with the edge of the
door.
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Grade one hardware:
locks that are classified grade one generally are made for commercial
installations and can be used hundreds of times each day and still work
for many years. Even though they are commercial grade, many are used on
homes where people want the strongest hardware possible.
Grade two hardware: locks that are classified grade two are made
for residential use. Grade two hardware should not be used in commercial
installations.
Grade three hardware: this is the lowest quality type of hardware
usually sold in most hardware stores and many internet stores that are
not really familiar with quality hardware.
H
Half-mortise Hinge:
It is a special type of hinge, wherein one leaf is mortised into the
door jamb and the other is installed to the front end of the door.
Handing: On some products it's important to know the handing of
the lock. In general, to determine the appropriate handing for your
door, look at the hinges from the exterior side of the door. If the
hinges are on the left, you require a left-handed lever. If the hinges
are on the right, you need a right-handed lever.
Hinge pin door stop:
These door stops are designed in that enable them to slip over the
existing bottom hinge pin of the door itself.
I
Interchangeable Core (IC) core lock cylinder: a special lock
cylinder that can be removed from the lock with a special key to rekey
without removing the lock. Usually used in commercial installations
J
Jamb:
The wood that surrounds the door, and which the hinges are attached to
on one side, and which the latch goes into on the other side of the
door.
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K
Keyway: The area on the face of the cylinder of a keyed lock
where the key is inserted into the cylinder. Can be changed if needed
for security reasons, or changed also if wanted for ease of use, where
more than one lock is in existence, and you want all the locks to take
the same key.
Keyed Alike
(KA):
usually refers to more than one lock that is made to function with the
same key.
Keyed Different (KD): usually refers to locks with different
keys. This is the opposite of KA.
Kick Plate:
It is type of plate that spans the bottom of a door, thereby protecting
the wood on heavy traffic doors.
Knobs:
Round part of door handle that you hold with your hand. This can be
made of brass, porcelain, steel, glass or other products.
Knob
Shank:
It is the cylindrical base of a
door knob
or lever which receives the spindle.
Knuckle: It is a cylindrical structure located on the middle
portion of a hinge where the two leaves come together and it also holds
the hinge pin.
L
Latch (Latch Bolt):
The latch is the part of the door hardware that moves with the turn of a
knob or lever. It slides into the latch plate attached to the door
jamb, and holds the door shut or opens it.
Left
Hand:
Used to describe which way the door is hung on the jamb. Left Hand
describes the side of a door the handle is on as it is pulled towards
you. As a door is pushed away, this would describe a handle on the
opposite side of the door. See Right Hand
Lever:
A lever has the same function as a knob, except it is longer and
thinner. To open a door, levers are pushed down. Besides the
decorative uses of a lever, they are also used in applications where
someone is handicapped, and cannot grasp a knob very well.
Lift-Off
Hinge:
It is special type of hinge that is provided with two knuckles and the
pin is attached to one of the leaves. The hinge can be easily separated
by lifting the leaf connected to the top knuckle, thus allowing the door
to be lifted off in one step.
Lock Bumping:
"Lock bumping" or using a "bump key" to open a lock is a real threat to
physical security. Bump keys are a fast and effective hack against the
low cost consumer grade locks sold in hardware stores and home centers,
and renders them useless as a security device in seconds. Another reason
to use either heavy duty keyless locks or good quality high security
locks such as Medeco locks. Also, it's important to understand that just
because a lock doesn’t take a key, that doesn’t necessarily mean that
the lock should be considered a higher security lock. Even though it may
be pick proof or bump proof it can still be compromised by other methods
or attacks. Unfortunately very few locks can really be considered as high security when you consider the facts.
Lockset:
A lock, complete with trim, such as knobs, escutcheons or handles.
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M
Mag Lock:
Industry short version for Magnetic Lock.
Magnetic lock: A magnetic lock is a lock that works completely on
magnetism and has no moving parts to accomplish locking and unlocking.
Magnetic locks are always DC devices usually operating 12 or 24 vdc.
Magnetic locks generally last a long time because there are no moving
parts that can break. Magnetic locks are not always approved by the
local fire authority for all types of installation because there have
been occasions that people have been hurt or killed when a magnetic lock
wouldn't release during a building fire. Always check with your local
fire authorities and your insurance company before using a magnetic
locking system. Magnetic locks used on exterior doors, when installed
without battery backup, will leave the building unlocked during a power
outage.
Mantrap: A mantrap is designed to allow controlled access to a
vestibule area or room and creating a secured area. Only one of the two
doors may be open at any time so it's a very effective way to control
traffic. Many variations are possible. Mantraps are often used in
jewelry and coin stores, banks, government buildings, embassies and
airports.
Master Keyed (MK): When all lock can be locked or unlocked
with one key. Similar to keyed alike but in a master key system, all
locks may be keyed differently but the master key will override the
regular user key. In this way one key can open all locks and the locks
may be all keyed differently.
Mortise:
A cavity made to receive a lock or other hardware.
Mortise cylinder:
It is a threaded cylinder that is used in mortise locks.
Mortise Exit Device: An exit device with a
lock mechanism installed into a mortise provided in the edge of the
door.
Mortise Lock (Latch): – A mortise lock is
designed to be installed in a mortise of the door rather than applied to
the door’s surface.
N
Non-mortise Hinge:
This type of hinge generally has thin leaves. This allows them to be
mounted on the edge of a cabinet door without having to be mortised.
Non-Rising-Pin (NRP):
A pin inserted into a hinge that cannot be removed. Used mainly where
security is needed, so that the pin cannot be removed, and door removed
from opening. On exterior doors which open outward, the pin is on the
outside of the building. In this case, these pins may be used more
often.
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P
Panic hardware: Usually refers to bar type locks that
are installed across the door so as a person leaves a premise, they only
have to push the bar to leave. Panic type locks are usually specified
and used on fire exit doors.
Panic-proof locks: Locks that provide immediate exit from the
inside at all times.
Passage Function: Both knobs/levers always free. Door can latch
closed but not lock.
Plain
Bearing Hinges:
They are mainly used on lower frequency doors. They are non-ball bearing
hinges.
Pocket Door Pull:
It is a type of flush escutcheon usually used for pocket or sliding
doors. These door pulls have recessed portion, which allows the door to
fit in the wall pocket and still be pulled open and shut.
Pre-loading on an electric strike: is pressure put on
the keeper of the electric strike by the latch when certain conditions
are present. These could be warped wood doors, damaged or bent metal
doors, misaligned hardware applications or heavy door
seals/weather-strip. When pressure is applied to some models of electric
strikes, the coil may not have the ability to mechanically release the
strike keeper because the pressure binds it against the latch. In
general, better quality electric strikes deal with pre load conditions
better than cheaper electric strikes.
Push-Button Lock:
Locks that open when a set of push-buttons are pressed in sequence or in
unison.
Q
R
Right
Hand:
Describes the way in which the door is hung on the jamb. Right Hand
describes the side of the door the handle is on as it is pulled towards
you. As a door is pushed away, this would describe a handle on the
opposite side of the door. See Left Hand
Rim:
A term indicating articles of hardware designed for application to the
surface of doors.
Rim Exit Device:
An exit device with
latching mechanism applied to the face of the door.
Rim Lock:
It is basically a box type door lock, typically used for thin doors. The
lock is usually mounted to the surface of the door.
Rosettes:
Plate behind lever or knob that holds the lever or knob in place.
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S
Slide bolts:
They help in fastening the door by pushing the bolts up or down. They
can be installed both at the top and the bottom of the door.
Sliding latches: They are designed for sliding doors.
Solenoid:
An electromechanical device that operates the lock-bolt or latch part of
an electric strike. When electricity is applied, a mechanical motion is
obtained that will move the bolt. Commonly used within an electric
strike.
Stand Alone (Standalone): When used to describe an access product
it usually means a pushbutton or card reading lock that does not require
any other products to be a complete system. Usually takes the place of a
conventional key lock. A self contained access control card, keypad or
biometric reader with all electronics necessary for lock control that is
not connected to a central access controller designed to control
multiple readers.
Storeroom Function: Outside knob/lever always locked. It is
unlocked by key, electronically only. Inside knob/lever always free to
turn and open or unlock. This is the function you'll want to have the
lock, lock automatically every time the door closes. This is the norm
with access control. See also: Classroom function.
Strike:
A metal plate or box that is pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or
latch when projected.
Strike Plate:
It is a plate with cutouts that mounts to the door jamb into which the
latch and dead bolt are trapped to either lock or latch a door.
Strap Hinge: It is a long surface mounted hinge designed for use
on doors and shutters.
Surface Bolt:
This type of bolt is mounted to the door or window surface and locks
into a strike plate on the door jamb or window frame to keep the door or
window closed. These bolts are usually made of metals like brass and
iron.
Surface Strike: These strikes are used for a pair of double
casement windows that open in or out.
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T
T-Hinges:
Resembling the letter "T" they can be used on doors, gates and
cabinet lids. They consist of two constituents -
T-Hinges:
Resembling the letter "T" they can be used on doors, gates and cabinet
lids. They consist of two constituents - vertical strap and horizontal
strap.
Throw (lock or bolt throw): The measurement of the
projection (throw) of a deadbolt or latch.
Thumbturn or thumb turn: The small knob turn piece on the inside
or inner trim that operates the deadbolt and sometimes the latch.
U
User code: A user code is simply the code that each person is
given. With mechanical pushbutton locks there is only one code but most
electronic locks and keypads can have many, some as many as several
hundred.
V
Vertical Rod Exit Device: A device with top and
bottom latching mechanism applied to the face of the door or concealed
inside the door and connected by rods to the actuating mechanism.
Vertical rod assemblies may be equipped with top and bottom latching
mechanisms or top latching mechanism only.
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