North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

The term that describes the act of visually decoding a lock combination without disassembly is "reading." In the context of locksmithing, reading refers to the skillful observation and interpretation of the lock's components and the way they interact, which enables a locksmith to ascertain the correct combination or configuration necessary to operate the lock. This is a valuable skill, as it allows a locksmith to gain access to a lock without physically taking it apart, saving time and maintaining the integrity of the lock mechanism.

The term "plug retainer" refers to a component that holds the plug of a lock in place, rather than the process of decoding a lock. "Inspection" generally implies a more general examination of the lock without indicating the specific action of decoding a combination. "Breaking" suggests a forceful approach to accessing the lock, typically involving damage to the lock or door, which is not in line with the precise skill of reading. Thus, "reading" is the most accurate term associated with visually decoding a lock combination effectively and without disassembly.