How To Shim Open A Lock Cylinder

Today, Uriah of Guardian Safe & Lock explains a crucial technique that all locksmiths should know... Shimming open a lock! A shim is a small piece of flexible metal utilized by locksmiths to create an artificial shear line in the lock cylinder by stopping the spring-loaded driver pins from falling into place.

This is accomplished by wedging the 'shim' into place between the motions of the key pins being moved with a blank key. Shimming is one of the only ways to change a standard lock cylinder that has no working keys.

Key and driver pins are essential concepts to fully understand in master key systems as well: https://www.guardiansafeandlock.com/blog/how-does-a-master-key-work/

What do you need to know about changing locks on a new home?: https://www.guardiansafeandlock.com/blog/changing-locks-on-new-house/

How can you be sure you're hiring a legitimate locksmith?: https://www.guardiansafeandlock.com/blog/tips-for-hiring-a-locksmith/

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