CAL CAL - Certified Automotive Locksmith Lock Cylinder Service and Rekeying Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which automotive lock component links the lock cylinder rotation to the actual locking/unlocking mechanism inside the door?

Accepted Answer

The actuator rod or connecting rod

Answer

The key retainer spring

Answer

The tumbler wafer

Answer

The plug follower

Question 2

When an automotive lock cylinder is 'seized' and will not turn, what is the first recommended diagnostic step before attempting disassembly?

Accepted Answer

Apply an appropriate lubricant such as dry graphite or Teflon spray and attempt to work the cylinder with a key

Answer

Drill the cylinder immediately

Answer

Replace the entire door lock assembly

Answer

Apply WD-40 heavily and leave it overnight

Question 3

What is the purpose of the 'sidebar' found in some high-security automotive lock cylinders?

Accepted Answer

It provides a secondary locking mechanism that must be satisfied in addition to standard tumblers, preventing picking and bumping

Answer

It connects the cylinder to the door panel

Answer

It holds the key blank in the correct position during cutting

Answer

It stores the key code in an encrypted format

Question 4

When measuring the depths of a cut on a decoded automotive key, a locksmith uses which tool?

Accepted Answer

A key gauge or digital calipers referenced against the manufacturer's depth chart

Answer

A feeler gauge set

Answer

An oscilloscope

Answer

A micrometer set to millimeter resolution only

Question 5

Which problem causes an automotive lock cylinder to turn but fail to operate the latch or ignition switch?

Accepted Answer

A broken or disconnected actuator rod

Answer

Worn tumblers causing wrong key operation

Answer

A seized plug due to lack of lubrication

Answer

Incorrect key bitting

Question 6

What is the correct orientation of wafers when reassembling an automotive wafer-tumbler cylinder after rekeying?

Accepted Answer

All wafers must be fully retracted to the shear line when the correct key is inserted, with no wafer extending beyond the plug diameter

Answer

Wafers should be installed randomly and adjusted with the key inserted

Answer

Every other wafer should face in the opposite direction

Answer

Wafers are not orientation-dependent and can be installed in any direction