Patent ID: 8087276

Claim:
A method for unlocking a pin tumbler lock defined by a plug disposed within a casing, a series of aligned vertical holes formed within the plug and casing, spring-loaded driver pins and corresponding key pins disposed within the aligned holes such that the plug can be rotated relative to the casing when respective contact surfaces between the driver pins and key pins are aligned with a shear line between the plug and casing, a locking mechanism that releases upon relative rotation of the plug and casing, and a keyway horizontally formed within the plug, the method comprising: inserting an insertion element into the keyway; lifting the insertion element to urge the key pins and driver pins upward against their spring biases such that the key pins and driver pins are disposed outside the plug's periphery and respective contact surfaces between the insertion element and key pins are aligned with the shear line; and rotating the plug relative to the casing to release the locking mechanism.