Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

In lock picking, what is the primary function of the tension wrench?

1. To hold the lock in place

2. To hold the tumblers at the shear line

3. To manipulate the lock mechanism

4. To apply lubrication

The correct answer is: To hold the tumblers at the shear line

In the context of lock picking, the tension wrench's primary function is to apply tension to the lock cylinder. This tension is crucial because it allows the lock's internal components, particularly the tumblers, to be held at the shear line. When the tension is applied correctly, it positions the moving parts of the lock so that when they are manipulated by a pick, they can settle into the correct position and ultimately allow the lock to turn. While the tension wrench doesn’t physically hold the tumblers in place, it does create the necessary conditions for them to stay at the shear line momentarily while the picking process is taking place. This is essential for successfully unlocking a cylinder. In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the role of the tension wrench. For example, the tension wrench does not serve primarily to hold the lock itself in place, manipulate the lock mechanism directly, or apply lubrication, which speaks to other aspects of lock mechanics or maintenance rather than the direct act of picking a lock.