Blog Post

What are locks?

Simon Gabriel • Jul 30, 2016

Locks of all shapes and sizes...

All locks work by the same principals

What is a lock? It seems like a simple question, but we feel the need to go deeper and explain as simply as possible what a lock is. As we explain the basics of a lock, we’ll also briefly touch on why all locks can be picked. Whether it be a safe, a door lock, or a biometric lock, they can all be “picked”. Whether someone has figured out how to or not is the real question.

Locks that cannot be picked are only un-pickable till it’s done. As of now there are only a handful of locks in the world that will be in this category, but a fault is guaranteed to be found as security firms and the lock-sport communities test them, they are all found to have weaknesses, the question for each lock, which in turn will give it it’s security level, is how well is that weakness hidden. As we go into the mechanics of locks and how they work, all will be unveiled.

The point of a lock.

There are many types of locks and they are called by many different names, but at the end of the day they are all the same. They all have two functions whatever they are, to open and to lock. It needs to be able to open, without being able to open it may as well be a wall. If you can’t open the door then it’s the same as having a wall there, hence if a lock doesn’t open it’s pointless. Locks are meant to secure your property, be it cyber, residential or property, you need access to what’s behind the lock.

A lock that doesn’t provide any security by the same reasoning is the same as having a door without a lock or latch. The door is a door, but the lock isn’t really a lock as it doesn’t provide you with any safety. Simple, locks have to open and lock.

All locks need a key, a key is a very general term when you think about it. It could be a round key, a flat key, it could be a numerical code, it could be a remote and it can even be a fingerprint. From dials to passwords, keys come in all shapes and sizes; their purpose is to open the lock.

If you think about it, you even use lots of keys every day, the pattern you draw on your phone when unlocking it, the key to your front door, to your car, your email, your Facebook they all need keys.

Picking, manipulation & decoding.

We’re going to stick with manipulation for the sake of making this article easier. Picking & decoding are both kinds of manipulation. Manipulating the lock causes the lock to open by means other than the key, the lock in order to be a lock, needs to open, hence you can manipulate it. You’re bypassing the “key” and operating it by fooling the lock. With a physical lock that requires a key in order to open, you can pick it through the keyhole. There may even be methods of manipulating the lock as there are in padlocks. To open the lock via picking you need to replicate the movement and height of the key. No matter how many pins and how loose the tension on the plug needs to be a way can be found through. It can only be very difficult to replicate, not impossible as it was made in the first place. You may even need a special tool, but all can be manipulated.

This is all well and good when it comes to a physical key, what about a code, signal or even a card (the card having a non physical key in it). Well the manipulation is in the hack, the override or a bypass. It’s designed to open when coupled with the correct key, hence it can be manipulated to be opened.

When it comes down to it, locks come in all shapes and forms. They are all a sort of mechanism (internal moving parts, kinetic energy) designed to open and lock.

In our next blog post we’ll be talking about how it is exactly that Phyiscal locking mechanism can be manipulated.

Call your local locksmith for more information and to manipulate your lock if you need.


23 Oct, 2024
Locked out of house? Discover stress-free solutions and smart tips to regain entry without the hassle!
01 May, 2024
When it comes to ensuring a happy and secure home, few elements play a more crucial role than the humble door lock. However, like any frequently used mechanical component, locks require regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions and extend their lifespan. This guide will help you with the essential practices for maintaining door locks, ensuring they stay functional and secure year-round. Alternatively just call us and our lock repair locksmith will take care of it for you.
18 Apr, 2024
Do you have superglue in your lock? Need to remove it? We can help.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Homeowners and business owners frequently experience lockouts, damaged locks, and missing, stolen, and damaged keys.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Are you locked out of your home or business in Richmond? Do you need to upgrade, repair, and replace any of its door locks, window locks?
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Does your residential home or business need a security upgrade in Richmond upon Thames?
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Emergency lockouts can happen unexpectedly. You may come home and find your door lock damaged from an attempted burglary intrusion. Perhaps you have lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your home. Whatever the emergency, you must call a professional locksmith company with the proper skillset and tools to address the problem quickly. That is where we can help. SMS Locksmith is a professional emergency locksmith company serving homeowners and business owners in Twickenham and surrounding locations. Our company can dispatch a qualified and licenced locksmith to your Twickenham-based location within 30 minutes after you request our help. The locksmith will arrive at your property with all the tools and equipment needed to perform the emergency service. Our emergency lock-opening services use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors and windows. We will not damage the doors and windows during the lock-opening process. However, if your lock is damaged or you have lost your keys, we may recommend our lock and key replacement service to ensure your property remains secure. It all depends on the situation. SMS Locksmith employs the most qualified and dedicated locksmiths in Twickenham . Our emergency locksmith services include lock picking & bypassing, lock slipping, and lock drilling. Afterward, we can replace old or damaged locks. Then, you can have peace of mind about the security of your home or business. Request Emergency Assistance Would you like to request emergency assistance with a lockout or other emergency lock situation in Twickenham ? Call us at 0203-3151-0531 to submit your request today. We look forward to serving you.
Locksmith in Twickenham
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Do you need a mobile locksmith in Twickenham? Whether you have been locked out of your building or wish to repair or replace its door or window locks, you must hire a professional and trustworthy locksmithing company to do the job right.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Some homes and businesses use lockable post boxes to store incoming or outgoing mail securely. Does this sound like your situation? Perhaps you live or work in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime and worry about your packages and letters getting stolen. If that is the case, you must hire a professional locksmith to install sturdy and durable locks in your post box, post room, or letter box. Post boxes and letter boxes are essential to keep secure because they often contain critical financial, personal, and legal documents. The last thing you would want to happen is to see those documents end up in the wrong hands. But that could happen if you lose your keys or have a broken lock in the post box or letter box. Every post box and letter box requires a different type of lock and key. So, if your post box lock is malfunctioning or you have lost or damaged the key, you will need a professional locksmith to install the proper lock and key system for the box. Do not attempt to replace the lock or key yourself because you could worsen the problem. Top Reasons for Post Box Lock and Key Issues Here are the common reasons why you might experience problems with your post box lock or key: 1) Vandalism to the Box Your post box or letter box is always out in the open, where it is susceptible to vandalism. If you live in a neighbourhood with a high rate of vandalized and burglarized properties, don’t be surprised if your post box suffers intentional damage. It should be easy to recognize the signs of a vandalized post box because it will contain scrapes, marks, and scuffs around the lock area. If the lock feels loose or unusual after inserting your key, then you should replace the lock immediately. 2) Stolen Keys Did someone steal the keys to your post box or letter box? If so, you cannot run the risk of the thief using the keys to access the contents of your post box. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the lock and create a new key. That way, the stolen keys will no longer work on your post box. 3) Wear and Tear The locking mechanisms of post boxes and letter boxes will not stay viable forever. There will come a point when the locking mechanisms stop working correctly due to wear and tear from years of usage. Have a professional locksmith replace the lock when the signs of wear and tear appear. Even if the lock is still functional, it is only a matter of time before it malfunctions. Take all signs of wear and tear seriously. Contact a Professional Locksmith SMS Locksmith offers fast, affordable, quality lock replacement services for post boxes, post rooms, and letter boxes. If you need to request this service, please call us at 020-3151-0531 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be the property owner or tenant authorized to access the post box, post room, or letter box. Our services cannot be used to access a box or room that you have no authority to use.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Everyone expects their keys to work well with their locks. When you stick your key into a keyhole and turn the key to unlock a door or locking mechanism, you expect the latch to release immediately. Failure is not an option for the sake and security of your property. A healthy lock will never keep rotating indefinitely. A key requires you to apply a slight force as you turn it. Usually, a 90 or 180-degree turn of the key will unlock the lock. But what happens if your key keeps turning in the lock? Is that normal, or is there something wrong with the lock or key? Well, it is certainly not normal. A key keeps turning in a lock because a small component within the locking mechanism has suffered damage or wear. In most cases, the actuator is the component that has stopped functioning correctly. It is the component responsible for transmitting power when turning the key. This power transmits to the latch or deadbolt to lock or unlock it. If the actuator is damaged, worn out, detached, or broken, it cannot transmit the necessary turning force to lock or unlock the deadbolt. Instead, the key will feel looser with less resistance as you turn it. And the key won’t stop rotating after turning it 90 or 180 degrees. It will keep turning all the way around. Of course, different locks have varying components and mechanisms installed. Many small parts correspond with the actuator and help it function. For instance, Euro cylinders use a clip to secure the actuator firmly. But if the clip suffers wear or damage, it will release the actuator and prevent it from operating the deadbolt correctly. The best-case scenario is that some screws are loose in the locking mechanism. If you see the entire lock or cylinder rotate as you turn the key, you may only need to tighten some loose screws. But you won’t know for sure unless you contact a professional locksmith to evaluate the problem. It is better to be safe than sorry. Call a Professional A lock no longer works if your key keeps turning and turning without ever stopping. Sometimes, it could even cause you to be locked out of your home, garage, or building. The only way out of this situation is to contact a professional locksmith for an emergency lock repair or replacement service. One phone call to SMS Locksmith can resolve the issue quickly. We can send a professional and certified locksmith to your property to repair or replace your lock. If we determine the locking mechanism is outdated, we may recommend upgrading to a more advanced lock for better security and functionality. Call 020-3151-0531 for more information on our door lock repair and replacement services. We offer affordable prices on our locksmithing services for business owners and homeowners nationwide.
Show More
Share by: