Glossary

You don’t need to know our language to receive our great service. But if you want to get technical, here’s some selected locksmithing terminology:

Bottom lock
See: Mortise lock

Cylinder
Barrel-shaped, this is the core of your lock. It receives the key to lock and unlock a deadbolt, house lock, mortise lock, knob lock, etc. Other names: “tumbler,” “barrel,” and just plain old “lock.” The cylinder is embedded within the lock housing, and its key opening faces the outside of the door.

Deadbolt
More difficult to defeat than a “house lock” or “bottom lock”; the deadbolt is the muscley bouncer within your door’s mechanisms. More than just a little latch, the deadbolt extends only with deliberate action. Once extended, you can’t push it back with just brute force. Deadbolts can be surface-mounted or installed (mortised) within the door. Oftentimes referred to as the “top lock.”

Door Closer
Just like people, some doors need a little pushing to do what’s right. The door closer is the V-shaped mechanism at the tops of many commercial and apartment building doors. It sees to it that the door shuts after you. Used on indoor doors that need to be kept closed at all times, they’re also useful in contending with outside elements like wind. Door closers come in various levels of heavy-duty-ness, and we can tell you which is right for your door’s level of foot traffic and general abuse.

Electric Strike
Buzz me up! Electric strikes are what allow someone on the inside to temporarily release the lock for a person on the outside. They usually emit a buzzing sound so the visitor knows when to push/pull. Frequently used for the front doors of residential and some commercial buildings, you’ll also find them indoors when limited access is required. Comes in all strengths, from max-security prison-style to small, private office.

Fire Escape Gate
Fire escapes exist for good reason: outdoor space is pretty rare in the city. Not a reason: providing convenient entry points for intruders. Secure your miniature NYC terrace with a fire escape gate, which are custom-made for each of New York’s individualistic windows. A keyless indoor lock ensures that those inside can get out when needed. While fire escape gates are typically installed on the inside of the frame, gates on ground floor windows are often outside-mounted.

High-Security/Pick-Resistant Locks
The tough guys. These are the ones that won’t give in even after exposure to enhanced picking techniques. Resistant to drilling and impressioning, defeating the likes of these locks requires destruction.

Jimmy Proof
A lock featuring a bolt that interlocks with a strike. Specifically keeps out men with the given name of “James.”

Locksmith
Crime-preventer; defeater of domestic security anxieties; padlock therapist; local superhero. Comes in residential, commercial, auto, and safe & vault varieties.

Medeco Bodyguard
A high-security Medeco cylinder encased in a layered steel plate. Requiring a very high level of excessive force to defeat, the Medeco Bodyguard is the ultimate visual deterrent and the very best product for your home security.

Mortise Cylinder
The cylinder of a house lock mechanism (as opposed to that of a deadbolt). Also known as the “barrel” or “tumbler.” Typically embedded within the “bottom lock,” it’s a screw-type lock identified by its threads.

Mortise Lock
The mortise lock is installed within a pocket cut into the door. Other names: “house lock,” “building lock,” “bottom lock.”

Pick-Resistant
See: Jimmy Proof

Plate
A protective steel cover that prevents intruders from torquing (removing by force) a top lock from your door. Plates vary in protective quality and security. They are typically fastened with four bolts. High-security protective plates completely encase the top lock, limiting exposure of the cylinder and offering enhanced protection.

Rim Cylinder
See: Cylinder

Top Lock
See: Deadbolt