North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

The appropriate tool for the removal of the cylinder plug while ensuring that the internal components remain intact is the plug follower. This tool is designed specifically for locksmithing tasks involving cylinder locks. When working with a pin tumbler lock, the plug follower is used to push the plug out of the lock cylinder after the cylinder has been disassembled. By doing this carefully, the follower keeps the springs and pins in their proper position, preventing them from falling out and being lost or mixed up during the process.

Utilizing a plug follower allows locksmiths to work efficiently and maintain the integrity of the lock components, which is crucial for reassembly and proper lock function. The importance of maintaining the order and position of the internal components cannot be overstated, as even a small mistake can lead to malfunctions in the lock.

The other choices either do not offer the same functionality or do not apply specifically to the process of safely removing the cylinder plug while keeping the internal parts intact.