High-Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference

Graham Pulford

oct. 2007 · Butterworth-Heinemann

À propos de cet ebook

High-Security Mechanical Locks comprehensively surveys and explains the highly technical area of high security locks in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. Well over 100 different locks are presented, organized into 6 basic types. Each chapter introduces the necessary concepts in a historical perspective and further categorizes the locks. This is followed by detailed 'how it works' descriptions with many pictures, diagrams and references. The descriptions are based on actual dissections of the real locks.


The scope is limited to key operated mechanical locks, thus keyless combination locks and digital locks are not covered. The book does not deal with routine locksmithing topics such as installation and servicing of locks. The sensitive area of picking and bypassing of locks is dealt with only at a high level without giving detailed information that would be unacceptable in the wrong hands.

* Comprehensive coverage of over 100 different types of 19th and 20th century key-operated locks, unified in a simple classification scheme
* Detailed operating principles - clear 'how it works' descriptions
* Manipulation resistance rating for each lock on a scale of 1 to 5

Notes et avis

This is the author of "High-Security Mechanical Locks: An Encyclopedic Reference" (Graham Pulford). I felt compelled to post a follow-up. Your lukewarm review does not do justice to this book. Your comments are trite and make me wonder if you have read the book. (Did you actually buy it? Many people just download the illegal leaked PDF...) If you had read the book you would understand why it does not deal with automotive transponders (hint: they are not mechanical). Combination locks are also not covered, nor is lock servicing or key cutting, etc. Pin depths for various locks are mentioned in several places throughout the book. I also explain that master keying system design is out of the scope of the book. There is a considerable amount of information about master keying concepts however for different locking systems. I wonder what "really crucial info" you are refering to? If it's lock picking you're after, please feel free to buy another book. Maybe one day you will understand that writing a book for a mixed audience including security industry professionals, as well as hobbyists, means that you cannot just write whatever you feel like. Whether you like it or not, many people earn a living from making or servicing locks and they will see you as a threat if all you are interested in is causing trouble by e.g. telling every hood on the block how to bump locks, etc. Please read chapter 1 of the book to understand more about this topic. Since you obviously are a smart guy (and are not afraid to hide it), I invite you to write a companion volume to my book that addresses the perceived shortcomings. If you wish to publish through Elsevier, it will be my pleasure to be one of your pre-publication reviewers. Regards Graham Pulford