In this blog entry, the Daytona commercial lock installation and Daytona lock repair experts here at Green Locksmith Daytona will detail the benefits of wafer locks and what wafer locks are used for.
Wafer Locks
Wafer locks were invented in the 1800s and are similar to pin tumbler locks. They are a single piece that are mostly used for file cabinets and drawers and they are often found on cars. They are made of a cylinder, springs, and cam that locks and unlocks the bolt. They have a plug that rotates when the proper key is being used. Wafers are small thin metal elements that are the main lock component. Wafer locks need special keys that match wafer configurations. There are two forms of wafer locks – single bitted locks and double bitted locks. Single bitted locks have wafers in their upper half that unlocks then aligned with a key. The second type has wafers on their top and bottom, and are much harder to pick.
How do wafer locks work?
These involve cylinders with a plug and wafers that hold them together. Wafers block the plug movement. When the proper key is inserted, it fits the hole, aligning with the wafer. The key pushes the wafers up and allows them to rotate the plug. The key can be turned, which activates the mechanism and unlocks the lock. If the wrong key is used, the wafers will ot move as the springs will hold them in place; use of the wrong key can actually damage the wafer lock.
Are wafer locks secure?
Wafer locks are much simpler on a construction standpoint to pin tumbler locks. They have a single set of wafers that are built in such a way to create a wide gap inside the lock. This configuration makes it much easier to pick the lock. They are not the most ideal choice for doors, but are a solid idea for drawers, cabinets, closets, and other areas like this.