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.

Keep or Keeper - A term sometimes used, particularly in the North, for a staple or striking plate.

Key - A small removable device for operating the mechanism of its own lock, locking latch or nightlatch.

Key-bitting machine or key cutting machine - A machine for cutting keys from key blanks.

Key blank - A partly-made key, which has been shaped to enter the keyhole of a certain type of lock or latch, but of which the blade has not been finally shaped (i.e. notched or bitted) to operate the mechanism of the lock.

Key change - A term sometimes used instead of “differ”. The change or differ of the key is generally indicated by numbers and sometimes numbers and letters marked on the bow.

Keyhole - The hole into which the key enters to operate the lock or latch. It is often referred to as the keyway, particularly in a cylinder mechanism.

Key Steps or key depths - This term usually means the bolt step and lever steps of a key for a lever lock.

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