Plug Spinners: Tools for Locksmiths
A plug spinner is a specialized tool used by locksmiths to quickly rotate the lock’s plug in the desired direction for lock picking. They apply torque allowing the lock to turn rapidly without relocking. Plug spinners come in various shapes and sizes. When picking a lock in the wrong direction, a plug spinner can solve the problem by swiftly spinning the plug so picking can continue in the right direction. To use a plug spinner, insert it into the lock aligning with the plug, then press the button to activate high-speed spinning. This saves the tedious task of manually rotating the lock back to the beginning.
Software Engineering: Spinlocks
In software engineering, a spinlock causes a thread trying to acquire it to loop while checking lock availability. This spinning avoids using “Big Kernel Locks” that reduce multi-core performance. Spinlocks enable better multi-processing on multi-cores through granular locking of kernel primitives. But applying them everywhere may not improve performance.
Spindles in Door Locks
A spindle connects two door knobs passing through the lockset in the door. Many British spindles measure 19/64 inches square. Since locks have 8mm followers, spindles fit despite metric and imperial size differences. To replace a broken spindle, locate setscrews inside the knobs. Remove spindle halves from the door lock.
Lock Picking Overview
Lock picking is physically bypassing and opening a lock without a key. It exploits weaknesses in a lock’s design. Different techniques effectively pick locks. Lock picking has a long history.
The master lock picker visualizes what occurs within the lock. They use their pick like a brush to paint the key. Many unique techniques exist to pick locks.
Lock picking tools are illegal in some countries. But in others they are legal if not used for crimes. Lock picking is useful for emergencies and professionals working with locks.
Locks contain pins that must align at a shear line. Rotational tension is applied as the pins are lifted to the shear line. This mimics the mechanics of the proper key.
Most locks are pin tumblers. Padlocks appear simple but have complex internal parts. The user rarely sees these parts.
Lock picking involves manipulating internal lock parts to bypass security. Factors like skill and lock type are considered when picking a lock. The goal is mimicking the key without using it. Locks seem simple but have complex concepts.
Lock picking methods differ between pickers. But all share the goal of opening locks without keys. Methods include single-pin picking and raking. Locksport practices recreational lockpicking.
Learning lock picking helps understand locks. It allows creating more secure households. Picking tools are simple. Lock basics are easy to learn. Then practice locks of varying difficulty.
Rather than aligning pistons, key bumping moves all counterpins at once. This briefly frees the plug’s rotation. Bump keys are modified for specific locks. They transfer impact force when hit to open locks.