This is a model of a pin-tumbler lock mechanism, the kind you find in pretty much every lock in the world that has a straight key with one ragged edge.

This version is flat and made of plastic, but it shows very clearly how all such locks work: the pins, held in place with springs, block the barrel of the lock from rotating (or in this model, sliding to the left). When the key is inserted, the pins all line up exactly with the edge of the tumbler, allowing it to rotate or slide and thereby opening the lock.

You can even try to pick the lock using the included clear acrylic lock pick.

Your model will arrive attractively packaged with all the necessary parts and tools. It does not require any special model-building skills. A detailed, step-by-step assembly video is available on our instructions page.