North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

Which tool is primarily used to apply torque while attempting to pick a lock?

1. Trim Tool

2. Thumb Turn

3. Tension Wrench

4. Plug Spinner

The correct answer is: Tension Wrench

The tension wrench is the primary tool used to apply torque while picking a lock. It is designed to fit into the bottom of the lock's keyway and allows the locksmith to apply the necessary rotational force to the plug of the lock. By turning the tension wrench slightly, the locksmith can create a binding effect on the pins inside the lock, helping them feel for the correct position of each pin as they manipulate them with a pick. This torque is essential because it maintains tension on the lock mechanism, preventing the pins from falling back into their original positions. Without this applied torque, the locksmith would be unable to set the pins properly, making it much more challenging, if not impossible, to successfully pick the lock. The tension wrench thus plays a vital role in the lock-picking process, enabling the locksmith to exploit the mechanical properties of the lock effectively.