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How does a key open a lock? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Have you ever felt like a key is able to magically open up a locked door?? How do they work?!
Certain keys work in their own special ways, but most keys of the keys you’re familiar with are probably flat and thin with ridges, and work with what’s known as a “Yale cylinder lock.” These keys work thanks to those funny bumps and ridges they have!
Look closely at a key, and the different height and shapes of its bumps and ridges. Now look closely at another key for a different lock – do you see that it also has bumps and ridges, but different bumps and ridges than the first key?
The placement of every key’s bumps and ridges are what makes it open the lock it belongs to! The bumps on every key match up to pins on the inside of the lock. When the bumps fit into the height of the pins inside the lock, the lock will turn! When the ridges don’t match up with the pins, the lock won’t turn and a different key is needed!
Lock it up!
Besides doors, what are some things people put locks on? Cars, bank safes, and even mailboxes are all good examples!
Why do you think people want or need locks? What are some other ways of keeping things safe and secure, aside from using locks?
How many kinds of locks do you know about? Have you ever seen a “combination lock” which opens when you enter the right series of numbers? What about a digital lock that will open for someone who has the right fingerprint?!
Certain keys work in their own special ways, but most keys of the keys you’re familiar with are probably flat and thin with ridges, and work with what’s known as a “Yale cylinder lock.” These keys work thanks to those funny bumps and ridges they have!
Look closely at a key, and the different height and shapes of its bumps and ridges. Now look closely at another key for a different lock – do you see that it also has bumps and ridges, but different bumps and ridges than the first key?
The placement of every key’s bumps and ridges are what makes it open the lock it belongs to! The bumps on every key match up to pins on the inside of the lock. When the bumps fit into the height of the pins inside the lock, the lock will turn! When the ridges don’t match up with the pins, the lock won’t turn and a different key is needed!
Lock it up!
Besides doors, what are some things people put locks on? Cars, bank safes, and even mailboxes are all good examples!
Why do you think people want or need locks? What are some other ways of keeping things safe and secure, aside from using locks?
How many kinds of locks do you know about? Have you ever seen a “combination lock” which opens when you enter the right series of numbers? What about a digital lock that will open for someone who has the right fingerprint?!
