- Workers laminate steel plates together to make the body of the lock: the portion that houses the locking mechanism. A punch press then shapes different types of steel into caps, which are then riveted to the underside of the lock.
- Cutting machines size steel rods to fit into the holes on the lock bodies. A press bends the rods into U-shaped shackles. These shackles are tempered with heat to strengthen the steel.
- Workers place the shackles into the bodies along with lubricant and ball bearings. The bearings allow the shackles to slide up and down in the lock bodies. Workers then place the locks into casings.
- A machine inserts springs and pins into plugs, then cuts a groove with a unique pattern into the plug to make the locking mechanism. Another machine cuts a key matching the same groove pattern.
- A worker sorts keys and locking mechanisms, then places the mechanisms inside the bodies. A press fixes a plate onto the bottom of the lock. Workers place springs on one end of the shackles, then rivet a cap on the bottom of the lock to hold everything in place.
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