Field Identification Guide
Accurate lock and hardware identification is the first step in determining applicable bypass techniques, tooling requirements, and defensive strength during an engagement.
4-Step Identification Workflow
When approaching a lock in the field, evaluate the hardware in the following sequence:
1. Cylinder Format & Housing (Mortise, Rim, Deadbolt, Padlock, Euro Profile)
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2. Keyway Shape & Orientation (Standard Paracentric, Open, Restricted, Dimple)
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3. Manufacturer Markings & Branding (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Corbin Russwin, Best)
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4. Internal Mechanism Type (Pin Tumbler, Wafer, Tubular, Disc Detainer, SFIC)
Common Cylinder Types
Figure 1: Comparison of primary cylinder formats, mounting styles, and identifying exterior traits. Source & Reference: ALOA International Locksmith Standards & BHMA Guidelines.
| Cylinder Type | Common Locations | Exterior Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mortise Cylinder | Commercial storefronts, glass aluminum doors | Threaded exterior body with a cam on the rear |
| Rim Cylinder | Panic exit bars, surface-mounted deadlatches | Smooth body secured from the rear with two mounting bolts |
| Key-in-Knob (KIK) | Commercial and residential lever handles | Integrated directly inside the handle or knob rosette |
| Euro Profile | European doors, multi-point lock systems | Figure-eight profile with a central rotating cam |
| Small Format IC (SFIC) | Universities, corporate offices, hospitals | Figure-eight faceplate with interchangeable core capability |
Keyway Taxonomy
Figure 2: Open vs Paracentric vs Restricted keyway warding profiles and pick clearance. Source & Reference: TOOOL Keyway Specifications & Deviant Ollam Research.
Keyway profiles dictate the type and thickness of picks, decoders, or bump keys that can be inserted into the plug:
- Open / Standard Keyways: Broad openings with minimal warding (e.g., Kwikset KW1, Master Lock #1). Easily accessible with standard 0.025" pick profiles.
- Paracentric Keyways: Curved warding that extends past the center line of the keyway (e.g., Schlage SC1/SC4, Yale Y1). Often requires thinner 0.020" or 0.015" picks.
- Restricted / Patented Keyways: High-security profiles with active sidebar channels or custom milling (e.g., Medeco, Schlage Primus, Mul-T-Lock).
Next Steps
Once the lock format and mechanism are identified, navigate to the corresponding mechanism and technique documentation: