Tensioner

A tensioner, “tensor” in Spanish, is a small tool, usually a strip of steel bent into an L shape, inserted into the keyway of the cylinder to apply light turning pressure to the plug. Without that pressure the pick on its own achieves nothing: the two always go together in any picking or raking attempt.

They come in different thicknesses and shapes, depending on the type of keyway.

It is worth knowing about because narrow key profiles with many twists leave very little room for the tensioner and the pick at the same time, and that makes manipulation much harder. It is one of the reasons why security cylinders have such oddly shaped keys.

If your key is flat and simple, your cylinder is probably a basic one. Ask about our security cylinders.