Diagram Of A Door Lock Jun 2026

When the correct key is inserted, it lifts the key pins to the correct height, so when pushed down, the driver pins and key pins align at the shear line. With the pins aligned, the plug can rotate, and turning the key will rotate the cylinder cam, which then retracts or extends the bolt (latch), allowing or preventing the door from opening.

A small plastic or metal insert behind the strike plate that prevents wood debris from clogging the hole where the bolt rests. Why Does This Matter? diagram of a door lock

[Outside of Door] [Inside of Door] ┌─────────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ [Keyway] │ │ [Turn Knob] │ │ ↓ │ │ ↓ │ │ ┌────┐ │ │ ┌────┐ │ │ │ │ │ DOOR │ │ │ │ │ │Key │←───Cylinder────│───Thickness│──Cylinder──→│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─┬──┘ │ │ └─┬──┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ [Faceplate] │ │ [Retractor] │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ↓ │ │ ↓ │ │ ┌──────┐ │ │ ┌──────┐ │ │ │Cam │───────────────┼────────────┼───────│ Cam │ │ │ └──┬───┘ │ │ └──┬───┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ↓ │ │ ↓ │ │ [Latchbolt]──────────────────────────────────────→[Latchbolt] │ │ │ (extends into strike plate) └─────────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────────┘ When the correct key is inserted, it lifts