Wafer
Wafer
A wafer (or wafer tumbler, disc tumbler, plate tumbler) is a type of lock design that uses flat metal locking components to directly block rotation of the plug. Wafer keys position all wafers at the shear line to allow the plug to rotate freely.
Wafer locks are popular in a variety of environments, and are classified as low to medium security. Low-security cabinet, desk, and drawer locks are commonly a wafer design. Wafer locks are also the most common form of automobile lock, with many newer models integrating electronic components.
Disc-detainer lock designs use similar locking components, but are instead characterized by round disks that are rotated by the key.
History
The original wafer design was developed by Hiram S. Shepardson in 1870.[1] In the 1930s Chicago Lock and Briggs Stratton began producing wafer locks that used a sidebar.
Principles of Operation
A set of wafers is used to block rotation of the plug at one or more points. Low-security wafer locks traditionally block at a single point, though more advanced models can block at the top and the bottom, as well as alternate the bitting of components to be at the top and bottom of the keyway. When the correct key is inserted, all wafers are properly positioned and the plug is free to rotate and engage the bolt mechanism.
Master keying is made possible by wafers with stepped or otherwise segregated bitting areas that interact with the change and master keys.
Vulnerabilities
Wafer locks are vulnerable to a variety of attacks:
Notes
- Wafer locks are not vulnerable to key bumping or pick gun attacks because they do not use pin-tumblers. Bumping a wafer lock will damage the wafers and may cause the bump key to get stuck in the lock.
- Low-security wafer locks are also subject to visual decoding based on the resting position of each component.
