North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

Which lock component's orientation can be altered using a special key?

1. Combination Dial

2. Key Change Wheel

3. Escutcheon Plate

4. Relocking Mechanism

The correct answer is: Key Change Wheel

The key change wheel is a crucial component in some types of locks that allows for the reconfiguration of the lock’s internal mechanisms based on the specific key being used. By utilizing a specially designed key, locksmiths can change the position of the key change wheel, which effectively modifies the alignment with the lock's pins or tumblers. This alignment adjustment is essential for ensuring that only the correct key can operate the lock while providing the ability to change the keying of the lock without complete replacement. In contrast, the combination dial primarily serves as a mechanism for inputting a numeric combination to unlock the system, and its orientation is fixed to ensure proper functioning. The escutcheon plate is more of a protective cover on the exterior of the lock rather than a functional component that can be adjusted with a key. Lastly, the relocking mechanism is designed for security purposes, often triggering a lock to re-engage in the event of tampering, and does not typically allow for alteration through a key. Thus, the ability to change the orientation of the lock component using a special key is a distinctive feature of the key change wheel.