Locksmiths glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a locksmith provider in Singapore.
- What are security pins?
- Security pins are specially shaped driver and key pins inside a pin tumbler lock designed to resist picking attempts by creating binding friction and false feedback.
- What is a biometric lock?
- A biometric lock uses fingerprint, iris, or palm-vein scanning to authenticate and unlock a door, typically with a PIN code or access card as a secondary entry method.
- What is a deadbolt?
- A deadbolt is a bolt lock operated by key or thumb-turn with no spring action, requiring manual engagement for security on doors and gates.
- What is a disc detainer lock?
- A disc detainer lock uses a stack of rotating metal discs that align when the correct key is inserted, making it resistant to picking and commonly found in high-security applications like gate padlocks and roll shutters.
- What is a euro cylinder lock?
- A euro cylinder is a standardized cylindrical lock mechanism (DIN standard) that inserts horizontally into a door or gate and operates with a key inserted from either side. It is the dominant cylinder profile in Singapore for residential and commercial applications.
- What is a grand master key?
- A grand master key is the top-level key in a hierarchical keying system that opens all master keys and every lock within a multi-building or multi-block property complex.
- What is a keyway?
- A keyway is the internal shaped slot or groove cut into a lock cylinder that only accepts keys with a corresponding profile. The keyway design determines which key blanks can fit and function in that lock.
- What is a master key system?
- A master key system uses a hierarchy of keys where individual keys open specific locks while a single master key opens all locks in the system, commonly used in multi-unit buildings and commercial properties.
- What is a mortise digital lock?
- A mortise digital lock is a lock body recessed into the edge or thickness of a door, operated by keypad, card, or app instead of a physical key.
- What is a mortise lock?
- A mortise lock is a lock mechanism where the lock body is embedded into a cavity cut into the edge of a door, typically held in place by a faceplate on the door frame side.
- What is a night latch?
- A night latch is a self-locking spring mechanism mounted on the inside face of a door that automatically locks when the door closes, commonly used as a secondary lock on residential doors in Singapore.
- What is a PIN code keypad lock?
- A PIN code keypad lock is a digital lock mechanism that requires users to enter a numerical code on a keypad to unlock a door or gate, typically featuring randomized key positions to prevent password capture through visual observation.
- What is a pump lock?
- A pump lock is a long-shackle padlock with a spring mechanism in the shackle, widely used to secure metal gates and grilles across Singapore.
- What is a restricted keyway?
- A restricted keyway is a patented lock profile where key blanks are controlled by the manufacturer and supplied only to authorised locksmiths, preventing unauthorised duplication.
- What is a rim lock?
- A rim lock is a locking mechanism mounted on the interior surface of a door rather than recessed into the door frame, commonly fitted to gates, grilles, and secondary doors.
- What is a tubular lock?
- A tubular lock is a radial pin-tumbler lock activated by a specialized round or hollow key with pins arranged in a circle around its shank, commonly found on vending machines, bicycle locks, and metal gates.
- What is a wafer lock?
- A wafer lock is a simple cylinder lock mechanism that uses flat, stacked wafers instead of spring-loaded pins to control the bolt, commonly found in cabinets, mailboxes, and filing drawers.
- What is an anti-bump lock?
- An anti-bump lock is a cylinder mechanism designed with internal features that prevent the bump-key technique (a method of forcing pins upward using a specially cut key and a strike) from opening the lock without the correct key.
- What is an anti-pick lock?
- An anti-pick lock is a pin tumbler lock that incorporates security pins, tighter tolerances, and design features that resist manipulation and picking attempts beyond what a standard lock offers.
- What is an HDB gate lock?
- An HDB gate lock is the locking mechanism fitted to the metal security grille gate of a public housing flat, distinct from and typically installed before the main door lock.
- What is an RFID card lock?
- An RFID card lock is a digital lock that grants access when a card embedded with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is held near the lock's reader. It is commonly used in Singapore for shared access, backup entry methods, and facilities requiring multiple authorized users.
- What is lock bumping?
- Lock bumping is a technique that uses a specially cut bump key and a striking blow to temporarily displace the pins in a pin tumbler lock, allowing the lock to be opened without breaking it.
- What is lock picking?
- Lock picking is the technique of opening a lock by manipulating its internal pins using specialized pick tools and tension, without using the original key.
- What is non-destructive entry?
- Non-destructive entry is the practice of opening a locked door or lock mechanism without causing physical damage to the door, lock body, or surrounding structure.