Locksmiths Industry Terminology

'We’re upgrading the office to an access control system with card readers on all exterior doors.'; 'Add the new hires as users and set their schedules to weekdays only.'; 'The client wants mobile credentials instead of physical fobs.'

'Relocate the keypad to meet ADA height requirements.'; 'The closer needs to be adjusted to reduce opening force for ADA compliance.'; 'We’ll specify lever hardware for ADA accessibility.'

'The AHJ rejected the magnetic lock because there’s no proper egress release.'; 'Get AHJ approval before modifying fire doors.'; 'We’ll confirm with the AHJ whether delayed egress is permitted here.'

'Use Grade 1 locks on the exterior doors.'; 'The spec calls for BHMA A156.2 Grade 2 for the classrooms.'; 'Higher traffic areas warrant Grade 1 hardware.'

'Pull the audit trail to see who accessed the server room after hours.'; 'Enable audit logging on all keypad locks.'; 'The client needs 90 days of event history.'

'We’ll dispatch our auto specialist to program the new transponder key.'; 'She handles high-security automotive key cutting.'; 'We’re adding car remotes to our service lineup.'

'That deadbolt is 2-3/8 inch backset.'; 'Order the latch with a 2-3/4 backset for commercial doors.'; 'Check the backset before mortising the lock.'

'The bitting for that key is 32415.'; 'Record the bitting to maintain the master key chart.'; 'We decoded the bitting from the cylinder.'

'This smart lock uses BLE for phone-based unlocking.'; 'Enable BLE credentials for guests.'; 'BLE range is fine for the front door, but not the back lot gate.'

'Clients often ask about bump-resistant locks.'; 'High-security cylinders offer bumping resistance.'; 'We educate customers on key control to reduce bumping risk.'

'We used a lawful, non-destructive bypass method approved by the client.'; 'That older latch is susceptible to a tool-based bypass.'; 'The customer upgraded hardware to reduce bypass vulnerabilities.'

'Install cam locks on the file cabinets.'; 'We need a 1-1/8 inch cam lock with a straight cam.'; 'Change the cam orientation to 90 degrees.'

'Cut the key by code using the key machine.'; 'We looked up the factory key code from the OEM database.'; 'Code cutting avoids duplicating a worn key.'

'The CNC machine will decode and cut the key automatically.'; 'Calibrate the tracer before running the batch.'; 'Our new machine supports laser/sidewinder keys.'

'Assign a temporary credential for the contractor.'; 'These locks accept card, fob, and mobile credentials.'; 'Revoke the credential when the employee leaves.'

'Log the service call in the CRM.'; 'Our CRM tracks repeat customers and reminders for rekey services.'; 'Send estimates through the CRM portal.'

'Install a Grade 1 deadbolt on the exterior door.'; 'The bolt throw is a full one inch.'; 'Replace the single cylinder deadbolt with a double where code permits.'

'We decoded the key to determine its bitting.'; 'Use a scope to non-destructively decode the cylinder.'; 'The software can decode from a key image.'

'The dispatcher routed the nearest tech to the lockout.'; 'Use GPS in the dispatch board to reduce drive time.'; 'We stacked the IC core changeouts on one route.'

'This key is stamped DND, but it’s not legally restricted.'; 'Recommend a restricted keyway for real key control.'; 'Our policy is to verify authorization for any DND key.'

'Adjust the sweep and latch speeds on the closer.'; 'Install a closer with a hold-open arm only where code allows.'; 'This corridor needs delayed action for accessibility.'

'Install a rim panic on the rear exit.'; 'The AHJ requires single-motion egress.'; 'Upgrade to a fire-rated exit device on that door.'

'Tie the electric strike to the access control panel.'; 'Fail-secure on the perimeter; fail-safe on the stairwells, per code.'; 'Verify latch alignment to avoid buzzing.'

'Use a keypad lock with audit trail capabilities.'; 'This model supports BLE and Wi‑Fi.'; 'We’ll set user PINs and schedules via the app.'

'Select an escutcheon plate to cover the old lock prep.'; 'The lever set comes with a full-length escutcheon.'; 'Use a hardened escutcheon for added drill resistance.'

'Order a 35/35 Euro cylinder for that door thickness.'; 'We need a thumbturn on the inside of the Euro cylinder.'; 'Specify anti-snap features on external Euro cylinders.'

'Only use listed hardware on fire-rated doors.'; 'Do not alter the door or frame without AHJ approval.'; 'Maintain self-closing and latching for the rating.'

'We quote rekeys on a flat-rate schedule.'; 'After-hours lockouts have a flat-rate plus trip charge.'; 'Flat-rate simplifies the invoice for residential jobs.'

'Install manual flush bolts on the inactive leaf.'; 'Use labeled automatic flush bolts on fire doors.'; 'Concealed flush bolts give a clean appearance.'

'Cut the mortise pocket to the template.'; 'A full-mortise case provides robust commercial security.'; 'Verify backset and faceplate dimensions before prep.'

'The GMK operates all doors in the facility.'; 'We’ll set up a hierarchy with change keys, MK, and GMK.'; 'Protect the GMK with strict key control.'

'Our gross margin target on hardware is 45%.'; 'Raising trip fees improved service gross margin.'; 'Track margin by job category: rekey, auto, safe, access control.'

'The door is left-hand reverse.'; 'Order a right-hand lever set for this opening.'; 'Confirm handing before pinning the mortise lock.'

'Review the hardware schedule for each opening number.'; 'The schedule calls for Grade 1 exit devices.'; 'Submittals must match the hardware schedule exactly.'

'Specify a UL 437 high-security cylinder.'; 'Patented keys provide key control and pick/drill resistance.'; 'Upgrade exterior entries to high-security cores.'

'Swap the IC cores with a control key.'; 'The facility uses SFIC format across all doors.'; 'LFIC is required for the existing housings.'

'We impressioned a key with the owner’s authorization.'; 'It’s a non-destructive technique used when codes aren’t available.'; 'Use impressioning only for lawful, approved service.'

'Aim for six turns per year on common key blanks.'; 'Slow-moving cores tie up cash; reduce stock.'; 'Track turns by SKU in the POS.'

'Integrate the smart lock with the client’s Wi‑Fi network.'; 'Set up remote alerts for forced entry events.'; 'Use OTA updates to patch firmware.'

'Reinforce the strike on the wood jamb.'; 'Align the latch with the frame jamb to prevent rubbing.'; 'Install a wrap plate to strengthen the jamb.'

'Include labor hours and hardware costs in job costing.'; 'We review job profitability weekly.'; 'Dispatch data feeds our job costing reports.'

'Enter the bitting code into the cutter.'; 'The key tag lists the bitting for quick recuts.'; 'Map bitting codes to the master key chart.'

'Grab the correct ILCO key blank for that cylinder.'; 'We’re out of the SX9 blank; order more.'; 'Match the keyway before selecting a blank.'

'Adopt a restricted keyway for true key control.'; 'Track issued keys and require signatures.'; 'Patented keys prevent unauthorized duplication.'

'Rekey the KIK cylinders in all knob sets.'; 'These KIKs use a common keyway.'; 'Swap KIK cylinders to match the master system.'

'Those cylinders use a proprietary keyway.'; 'Choose a keyway family that allows expansion.'; 'The key won’t enter—it’s the wrong keyway.'

'The beveled latchbolt isn’t fully engaging the strike.'; 'Adjust the latch to reduce door rattle.'; 'Replace the worn latchbolt for secure closure.'

'The school district standardized on LFIC.'; 'Order compatible LFIC housings for the mortise locks.'; 'Use the control key to remove the LFIC.'

'Install a 1200‑lb maglock with proper egress release.'; 'Coordinate with the fire alarm for maglock power cut.'; 'The AHJ requires a motion sensor and push-to-exit.'

'Design a master key system with room to expand.'; 'The MK opens all offices; the GMK opens the whole building.'; 'Maintain the key bitting array to avoid cross-keys.'