Glossary of Locksmith Terms

The following definitions are copyrighted by and used with the permission of the Lock Industry Standards and Training (LIST) Council. Please visit their site for additional lock-related terms and definitions.

1.	Actuator	A device, usually connected to a cylinder, which, when activated, may cause a lock mechanism to operate
2.	Deadbolt	A bolt which requires a deliberate action to extend and which resists end pressure in the unlocking direction when fully extended
3.	Deadlock	A lock which incorporates a deadbolt
4.	Deadlocking	Pertaining to any feature which, when fully engaged, resists attempts to move the latch or bolt in the unlocking direction through direct pressure
5.	Deadlocking Latch	A latchbolt with a deadlocking mechanism
6.	Handedness	Refers to the orientation of the lock with respect to the hinges when viewed from the outside of the door. For example, when standing on the outside of the door, if the hinges are on the right side, you have a right handed lock and vice versa. Only 1100 Series locks with a lever handle require you to specify handedness when you place an order. 2000 Series locks have a thumb turn which can be used on either right or left handed doors.
7.	Hook Bolt	A lock bolt shaped in the general outline of a hook. Normally used on sliding doors or where spreading of the frame and door is a possible attack.
8.	Key Override	A provision allowing interruption or circumvention of normal operation of a combination lock or electrical device
9.	Latch	1. A mechanical or magnetic door fastener which can automatically keep a door, gate, etc., closed 2. Engagement of a latch when a door, gate, etc. is pushed or pulled closed
10.	Latch Bolt	A spring actuated bolt, normally with one or more beveled surfaces, which, when aligned with the strike, engages it automatically
11.	Left Handed Lock	When standing on the outside of the door, if the hinges are on the left side, you have a left handed lock and will need the left hand option for 1100 Series locks.
12.	Magnetic Latch	A latch which uses magnetic force to stay engaged with its strike
13.	Mortise	1. To prepare by removing stock material from the edge of a door, drawer, frame or opening to create a recess which allows the flush fit or insetting of relevant lock or other hardware 2. The cavity prepared by mortising 3. Of or pertaining to a locking device designed to fit in a mortise preparation
14.	Plunger Lock	Any of various spring-loaded locks or cylinders which move in or out to accomplish a locking function
15.	Right Handed Lock	When standing on the outside of the door, if the hinges are on the right side, you have a right handed lock and will need the right hand option for 1100 Series locks.
16.	Spring Latch	A latch operated under spring pressure, having no deadlatching feature
17.	Strike	A bolt receptacle typically mounted in the door jamb or the floor
18.	Thumb Turn	An actuator which can be turned by thumb and forefinger