How do combination locks work

They provide a quick and easy solution to the problems like theft or misplacing your valuables. A typical combination lock works on a set of established principles. It is not opened by a key, but rather by the proper alignment of its components in a particular position. Most commonly, these locks are fitted with a set of interconnected rings or discs that are controlled by a central shaft. The rings have to align in order for the lock to open.

However, the working of a combination lock is not at all that simple. There are various components that have to be discussed, before we will be able to understand how a combination lock works. We give you a detailed look at the components of a typical combination lock. An important aspect of the combination lock is the combination dial. The dial is present on the face of the combination lock. The dials has various numbers, letters or symbols on it.

It has to be turned to a specific direction and the numbers have to align perfectly, in order for the lock to open. A few good combinations dials available in the market are:. Its another 4 digit combination lock for lockers in gym, school, outdoor fences, and other storage boxes.

The combination dial is connected to a spindle. A spindle is a rod that serves as an axis on which something revolves. The spindle is used to connect the dial and the drive cam. The spindle goes through all the wheels and attaches to a drive cam which is present at the back. Drive Cams are used in almost all the mechanical combination locks that are available in the market. They are circular disks which are made either of metal or plastic. They are fitted inside the back of the lock.

They are usually stacked on top of each other. The drive cam consists of a drive pin which is attached to the top. The main function of a drive cam is to transfer any motion of the dial to the wheels. As mentioned above, drive pins are attached to the top of the drive cam.

The pins are used to fit inside pre-drilled holes. They act as a locking pin, which keeps the drive cam in place. The drive pin has to come into contact with a wheel fly for the unlocking mechanism to start. The locks consist of a wheel pack. The wheel pack is one of the most widely used apparatus in combination locks. The wheel pack has been in use for more than years. A wheel pack is nothing but a group of wheels that work together to understand the combination of the lock. The wheel pack is designed to understand the password and work accordingly.

Each combination lock has different number of wheels. The number of wheels depends upon how many numbers are used in the correct combination.

For example, let us take a combination of The number of digits present in this combination is four. Therefore, there will be four wheels in the wheel pack. Every wheel will also have a wheel fly. A wheel fly is a tiny tab present on every side of an individual wheel. It is like a slot or a gate on the side of the wheel. The slots are present at particular points in a wheel.

These points are determined by the combination of the lock. This slot is designed to hold drive pins inside it. Apart from a drive pin, each wheel has a notch. These notches have to line up for the lock to open. Another essential component of the combination lock is the fence. The fence is a small metal bar. This metal bar sits on the wheels of the lock. In order for the combination lock to open, the bolt that secures the lock has to open first.

Even a standard combination comprised of three numbers may be difficult to crack, but locks with additional numbers offer substantially combinations and may give a potential intruder or thief a much more difficult time. It is best to consult with your locksmith when deciding what type of lock is best for your needs. Our locksmith team offers wall safes, padlocks, and security safes in Orlando in addition to combination locks. If you live in the area, stop by and see us or call us at for more information about our business.

Call a locksmith now. Contact Us. How Do Combination Locks Work? Components There are quite a few different features that allow a combination lock to work, and they might vary from model to model. Mechanism The exact operation of a combination lock depends on the amount of numbers it takes to complete the combination. When you turn the dial, the spindle turns the drive cam. Attached to the drive cam is a drive pin.

As the cam turns, the drive pin eventually makes contact with a small tab on the adjacent wheel called the wheel fly. Each wheel has a wheel fly on each of its sides. The drive pin spins the first wheel until it makes contact with the wheel adjacent to it. This continues until all the wheels are spinning. This is known as picking up the wheels. Each wheel on the spindle has a notch cut into it. When the right combination is dialed, all the wheels and their notches line up perfectly.

The fence is a small metal bar attached to a lever. The fence prevents the safe door from being opened without the combination being dialed. It does this by resting on the wheels and blocking the path of the bolt that secures the safe door.