Lockpicking

The amount of time it take to pick a lock depends on the type of lock and the skills of the maker. In general, the creator of a lock determines the difficulty of the lock they wish to create. The difficulty level determines the number of successes needed by the creator on their Micromachinery roll. This also sets the base time to pick the lock. Each level of difficulty of the lock requires a base 10 minutes to pick. Each additional success the creator rolled adds a penalty die to the lockpicker’s roll. For example, if Alexander wanted to create a lock with a difficulty of 5, he’d need 5 successes. Since he’s a master locksmith, this isn’t extremely difficult thing to achieve and he rolls 7 successes. This gives the lock a difficulty of 5-2. When a person tries to pick the lock, the amount of time any attempt will take equals the base time divided by the number of success. For example, Julia has lockpicking 4. She attempts to pick Alex’s lock. She specializes in this type of lock and has 2 bonus dice. She will roll 4+2-2 dice based on her skill 4+2 and the locks difficulty -2. The base time for the lock is 50 minutes [difficulty 5 x 10 minutes). She rolls two successes meaning it takes her 25 minutes to pick the lock.

Types of Locks

Padlocks

Padlocks are portable locks with a shackle that may be passed through an opening (such as a chain link, or hasp staple) to prevent use, theft, vandalism or harm. Padlocks can have a shrouded shackle. This is where the shoulders of the padlock raise up the sides of the shackle to make it far harder for bolt cutters to cut the padlock.

Bolt

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Also called a crossbar. Crossbars were historically common, simple fasteners consisting simply of a plank or beam mounted to one side of a door by a set of cleats. The board could be slid past the frame to block the door. Alternatively, the bar can be a separate piece that is placed into open cleats or hooks, extending across the frame on both sides. The effect of this device is essentially the opposite of the crash bar in that its operation is to permit the door to be opened inward rather than outward. On a set of double doors, the same principle works, but needn't extend past the frame. The bar simply extends into another set of cleats on the other door such as to interfere with the door opening.

Deadbolts

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A dead bolt, deadbolt or dead lock is a locking mechanism distinct from a spring bolt lock because a deadbolt cannot be moved to the open position except by rotating the key. The more common spring bolt lock uses a spring to hold the bolt in place, allowing retraction by applying force to the bolt itself. A deadbolt can therefore make a door more resistant to entry without the correct key.

Knob Locks

Knob locks are frequently installed in modern residential situations on outside doors in addition to deadbolts and are sometimes used as the primary source of security for doors. First and foremost, it should be said that knob locks should virtually never be used for security on external doors. The problem lies in the fact that the lock cylinder is in the knob itself and not the door. In almost all setups, they can be broken off the door with a hammer, or bypassed using pliers or a wrench behind the knob, completely bypassing the locking cylinder. If you currently have knob locks, consider replacing them with simple passage knobs as it will provide almost as much security as long as you are using deadbolts on the same doors.

Lever Handle Locks

Lever handle locks are frequently used for inner doors, specifically in commercial settings. They have a large push down style handle used to open the door. Lever locks are frequently used over knob locks as they are easier to open as they can be pushed down rather than having to turn a knob. Frequently when accessability, perticularly for handicap individuals, is important lever locks are used.

Cam Locks

Cam locks are used in various applications but are most frequently found in filing cabinets. They come in a few different lengths, but the primary area in which they vary are on the metal piece on the back of them. This part is frequently called a tailpiece or the “cam” (yes the same name as the lock), and it interfaces with the actual locking mechanism. There is a very large variety of options for the cams.

Warded Locks

A warded lock (also called a ward lock) is a type of lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. The correct key has notches or slots corresponding to the obstructions in the lock, allowing it to rotate freely inside the lock. The warded lock is one of the oldest lock designs which can be found as far back as ancient China and Rome. During the Middle Ages they were used prolifically on monasteries where, because money and time were not issues, their complexity grew. Warded locks are still in use today in the UK and Ireland for low security applications, and on heritage sites such as ancient monuments and churches to preserve original features, with primary security being provided by other means such as a lever lock mechanism installed alongside.