Which statement correctly describes the shear point in a lock?

Which statement correctly describes the shear point in a lock?

• A. It is the moment when the latch retracts.
• B. It is the moment when the door is opened.
• C. It is the moment when the pins align at the shear line enabling the plug to rotate.
• D. It is the moment when the key is removed.

Answer: (C)

The shear point is the boundary between the plug and the housing where the pin stacks must align so the gap sits exactly on that line. When the correct key is inserted and turned, all pin stacks align at the shear line, freeing the plug to rotate. This rotation is what lets the locking cam retract the bolt and the door open. The other moments described—latch retraction, opening the door, or removing the key—occur after the shear point, not at it.

The shear point is the boundary between the plug and the housing where the pin stacks must align so the gap sits exactly on that line. When the correct key is inserted and turned, all pin stacks align at the shear line, freeing the plug to rotate. This rotation is what lets the locking cam retract the bolt and the door open. The other moments described—latch retraction, opening the door, or removing the key—occur after the shear point, not at it.