How do keys work? Explained in one Gif

Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by tptacek on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @06:44PM (#5100419)

It's the currently binding cylinder. With the right amount of tension applied via the wrench, one pin binds at a time, which is what allows you to set the pins one at a time.

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Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by TallboyOne on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @07:02PM (#5100502)

What's the difference in feeling where he's 'testing' which one's the binding cylinder or not? Is it just a tiny bit more 'grainy' harder to push or something?

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Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by tptacek on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @07:04PM (#5100517)

The binding pin won't bounce up and down when you actuate it with the pick. The non-binding pins won't offer any resistance at all. Also, when you manage to get the binding pin to the shear line, the tension wrench will sometimes give up a little more rotation.

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Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by RandallBrown on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @08:34PM (#5100844)

why does only one cylinder bind at a time?

It seems to me like the lock shouldn't be able to turn at all until all of the cylinders are pressed to the right height.

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Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by SquareWheel on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @08:46PM (#5100880)

Due to imperfections in the lock. It only takes a tiny difference for that tension to not be applied evenly so you can focus on one pin at a time.

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Re:How do keys work? Explained in one Gif by hoov on Tuesday January 22, 2013 @08:49PM (#5100891)

Manufacturing tolerances aren't 100% perfect.

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