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
Mechanical Locks	Bored cylindrical lock Bramah lock Cylinder lock Disc tumbler 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
Electronic Locks	Electromagnetic lock Electronic lock Electric strike Magnetic-coded lock Keycard lock Electronic/digital-cylinder pin tumbler 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 TSA lock
Tools	Lockpick Slim Jim Snap gun Tubular lock pick
Related	Bolt cutter Door chain Exit control lock Famous locksmiths Interlock (engineering) Keychain Key (engineering) Lock manufacturers Lock puzzle Lock snapping Locksport Two-man rule
Category:Locksmithing Keys Locks Book