Locksmithing is the science and art of making and defeating locks. A lock is a mechanism that secures buildings, rooms, cabinets, or other storage facilities from theft by burglars. A key is usually used to open a lock. It is often said that "a lock keeps honest people honest."

Practitioners are called locksmiths. Locksmithing is one of the earliest forms of security engineering. Lock-picking was one of the first methods of cracking security systems.

The issue of full disclosure was first raised in the context of locksmithing.

Topics in locksmithing

• Cylinder lock
• Pin tumbler lock
• Tubular pin tumbler lock
• Disc tumbler lock
• Warded lock
• Combination lock
• Bored cylindrical lock
• Mortise lock
• Lock-picking
• Lock-bypassing
• Wafer lock
• Electronic lock
• Safecracking

Technical terms in locksmithing

• key blank
• bitting
• change key
• master keying
• shear line
• selective key system
• angularly bitted key
• maison key system
• total position progression
• rotating constant
• raking technique

External links

• The Associated Locksmiths of America, INC
• International Association of Investigative Locksmiths
• The alt.locksmithing FAQ
• MIT guide to lock-picking by 'Ted the Tool'
• Guide to purchasing keys, locks and other security devices by mail order