4 Piece Rivet Chicago Wafer Picks

4 Piece Rivet Chicago Wafer Picks

You don't know what a wafer lock is? Wikipedia defines a wafer tumbler as a type of lock that utilizes a set of flat wafers to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. This type of lock is similar to the pin tumbler lock and works on a similar principle. However, unlike the pin tumbler lock, the wafer is a single piece. The wafer tumbler lock is often incorrectly referred to as a disc tumbler lock, which uses an entirely differently mechanism. If you need to pick a desc tumbler lock you'll need a set of double sided picks designed specifically for them.

Wafer tumbler lock configurations vary with manufacturer. The most common is the single-bitted, five-wafer configuration most commonly found on desk and cabinet locks and some key switches. Some wafer tumbler locks utilize a stack of closely-spaced wafers designed to fit a specific contour of a double-sided key and works on the principle of a carpenter's contour gauge. Wafer tumbler locks can utilize single-bitted or double-bitted keys. Though wafer arrangements within the plug may vary, such as automotive locks, where the wafers are arranged in opposed sets, requiring a double-bitted key, the operating principle remains the same.