Shear line (locksmithing)

In a cylinder lock, the shear line (also known as the split line in Australia), is where the inner cylinder ends and the outer cylinder begins. When a break in the pin is reached by picking, the pin will "hang" at the shearline due to the space between the inner and outer cylinder. This "imperfection" in the lock mechanism is an unavoidable defect in the manufacturing process that allows for lock picking. Lock picking is a vital part of the locksmithing process as it can grant non-destructive entry to the lock device thus allowing it to be rekeyed instead of being replaced.

Locksmithing & Lock picking Topics Electric strike Key control Key relevance Lock bumping Lock picking Lockout-tagout Maison key system Rekeying Single-point locking Three-point locking Components Bitting Bolt stump Break Interchangeable core Key blank Key code Keyhole Lockset Shear line Split pin Key types Berlin key Bump key Change key Master key Skeleton key Smart key Tubular key Transponder key Lock designs Bored cylindrical lock Bramah lock Cylinder lock Disc tumbler lock Electromagnetic lock Electronic lock Key retainer Lever tumbler lock (Chubb detector lock) Magnetic-coded lock Magnetic keyed lock Mortise lock Padlock Combination lock Rotary combination lock Time-delay combination locks Pin tumbler lock (Snib) Protector lock Relocking device Time lock Tubular pin tumbler lock Warded lock Wafer tumbler lock 5 lever lock Specific lock types Bicycle lock Chamber lock Child safety lock Dead bolt Keycard lock Kensington Security Slot Luggage lock Power door locks The Club Tools Lockpick Slim Jim Snap gun Tubular lock pick Related Bolt cutter Door chain Exit control lock Famous locksmiths Keychain Key (engineering) Lock manufacturers Lock puzzle Lock snapping Locksport Category:Locksmithing Keys Locks Book