Answer :
Final answer:
A shim is a thin and flat tool used in locksmithing to unlock a cylinder plug by separating the pin tumblers at the shear line.
Explanation:
In the context of unlocking a cylinder plug from its shell, a shim is a thin piece of material used to separate the pin tumblers at the shear line, one at a time. The shim is inserted between the plug and the shell, and its purpose is to bypass the lock mechanism without the use of a key. This is particularly useful in lock-picking or locksmithing to service or compromise a lock without damaging it.