Locks: What is a lock and how does it work?

The purpose of installing a lock is to enable the locking and unlocking of a house or room door, a garage or garden gate, a safe, a chest, a cabinet, a mailbox, or a similar object. The device is mechanical and generally consists of the following basic components:

• Lock case: The housing of the lock, which contains all other lock components.
• Bolt: A movable element, usually made of metal, that locks the object (for example, the door) when the bolt is engaged in the strike plate.
• Strike plate: A metal plate into which the bolt engages. In the case of a door, the strike plate is attached to the door frame.
• Cylinder lock: The cylinder lock consists of a cylinder housing, cylinder core, housing pins, pin springs, and a locking bolt. The cylinder core, located inside the cylinder housing, is the rotating component into which the key is inserted. Turning the cylinder core locks or unlocks the lock. The cylinder core can only be turned if the key profile matches that of the pins inside the cylinder. The locking bolt is a lever that, after the cylinder core is turned, engages the bolt to actually lock or unlock the lock.
• PZ cutout (profile cylinder cutout): A PZ cutout (profile cylinder cutout) is a standardized recess in door hardware and locking cylinders that allows the insertion of a profile cylinder.
• Lock trap / Trap: The latch is the part of the lock that engages the latch when the door is closed. By engaging the latch, the door doesn’t need to be bolted to stay closed. Turning the door handle releases the latch from the strike plate, allowing the door to be opened again.
• Lock nut / door nut: The spindle or lock nut is located in the lock case and is a rotating element that connects the door handle or door lever (square of the door handle) to the lock latch via a square hole.
• Forend: The strike plate is attached to the door edge and covers the lock case and the lock latch.
• Fitting / Door fitting: A door fitting is the part attached to both sides of a door that protects the lock and cylinder from forced entry during break-in attempts, while simultaneously allowing the door to be opened and closed. The central element is the door handle, also called a door lever or door knob. Depending on the design, protective rosettes, cylinder covers, long plates, or short plates may also be included. Hinges and straps are also considered door fittings, as they hold the door in the frame and allow it to move.

The workings of a lock explained simply using the workings of a profile cylinder lock

A profile cylinder lock is a very common type of lock and consists of the elements mentioned above. The cylinder core and profile key play a crucial role in the locking and unlocking process.

1. The profile key is inserted into the keyway of the cylinder core (also known as the keyhole).
2. If the key has the correct profile, the pins inside the cylinder core are aligned by the pin springs so that the cylinder core can be turned. If the inserted key does not have the correct profile, the cylinder core cannot be turned.
3. Turning the cylinder core sets the locking bolt in motion, acting as a lever to operate the bolt.
4. When locking, the bolt retracts into the strike plate. When unlocking, the bolt extends out of the strike plate.

Types of Locks

There are many different types of locks. They can be distinguished by function, design, or, for example, by security technology.

5 well-known types of locks:

• Profile cylinder lock: In Germany, profile cylinder locks are generally fitted to house and apartment entrance doors. As described above, the key must have the correct profile to ensure the pins are correctly aligned in the cylinder core and the cylinder core can be turned.
• Warded lock: The lever lock is often used on interior doors. Its functionality is based on the shape of the keyway, which can only accept the correct lever key with a matching profile.
• Padlock: The padlock has the major advantage of being portable. Its basic components are a movable shackle and a lock body. The shackle is inserted through an eyelet and then locked into the lock body using a key.
• Combination lock: With a combination lock, locking or unlocking is not done with a key, but by entering the correct number combination. For example, if the padlock is a combination lock, the shackle is locked or unlocked by a combination, not a key.
• Motor lock: Motor locks are electrically operated.

Professional Lock Installation

Amper Locksmith Service is an experienced locksmith specializing in the professional installation of all types of locks. Whether it’s a profile cylinder lock, a lever lock, a deadbolt lock, or any other type of lock, we can handle it. Thanks to our many years of experience in the locksmithing industry, our skilled craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality tools, we can install any lock professionally and expertly.

Lock Component Repair

We also repair damaged lock components. It’s not uncommon for long-term wear and tear to cause the latch or bolt to break. Before we can begin the repair, in the case of a broken bolt or latch, the door usually needs to be professionally opened using specialized tools. Opening doors with a broken bolt or latch professionally and without damage requires considerable experience and expertise. Amper Locksmith Service can handle even the most complex cases and door openings with ease. Our employees are highly trained and use professional tools to effectively manage any situation.

Replacement of locks or lock components

Often, replacing the lock or the affected lock component is preferable to repair. Repairs can be extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. In many cases, replacement is the more economical option. We would be happy to advise you on your options on-site.

Professional locksmith services at a fixed price

Amper Locksmith Service is a fair, friendly, and customer-oriented provider of all types of locksmith services. We operate based on values ​​and therefore gladly offer our services at a binding and transparent fixed price. Once this fixed price is quoted before work begins, it will not be changed.

We are aware that there are some disreputable providers in our industry. With our fixed-price guarantee, we want to send a clear message against fraud and rip-offs in the locksmith industry.

Emergency Lock Replacement and Installation

Do you need your front door opened without damage, or a new lock replaced or installed as quickly as possible? And at an ungodly hour? No problem for Amper Locksmith Service! We offer all our services and lock work 24/7, 365 days a year. This means that if you have a problem with your lock, you can contact us and commission us at any time.

A lock malfunctioning can happen at any time. That’s why Amper Locksmith Service from Olching, whose service area includes the districts of Aichach-Friedberg, Augsburg, Dachau, Freising, Fürstenfeldbruck, Landsberg, Munich, and Starnberg, was founded as a genuine 24-hour emergency locksmith service.