North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

The drive cam is a crucial component in a locking system, particularly in combination locks. It is designed to engage with rotating elements when the correct combination is entered. The left and right contact points of the drive cam correspond to the alignment needed to engage the lock mechanism properly.

When the dial is turned, it moves the drive cam, which in turn aligns the locking pins or bolts inside the lock cylinder. The presence of both left and right contact points allows for the necessary precision in movement and engagement, ensuring that the lock will either secure or release when commanded. This duality is fundamental for the mechanical function of locks, providing an effective means of securing and releasing a locking mechanism.

In contrast, the combining dial generally focuses on inputting the combination rather than directly interacting with lock components in this manner. The lock cylinder serves primarily as the housing for the pin tumbler mechanism, while the safety latch functions more as a secondary security measure, lacking the specific dual contact points that the drive cam has.