The following Glossary of Locksmith Terminology is provided courtesy of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA). Click on a letter below to be taken to its corresponding terms.

Gating - The slot in a lever through which the bolt stump passes or goes into during the travel of the bolt or runner.

Grand Master Key - When a series of locks is divided into two or more sub-suites the key which controls all the sub-suites (i.e. all the locks in the entire complex) is called the grand master key.

Great Grand Master Key - One higher in degree than a grand master key. It is used only in very special arrangements of master keyed locks.

Guards - A guard is a fixed part inside a lock to prevent false keys from turning, or to prevent an instrument ‘from reaching the bolt or levers. Some guards are plates suitably shaped which the manufacturer can arrange variously in a number of locks to provide the differs.

Gunmetal - Another term for bronze. NB. To avoid confusion between Polished Brass (PB), Polished Bronze is symbolised by PG (Polished Gunmetal).

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