need to retrofit a desk wafer lock with something better

[Squelchtone]

Hey gang,

a friend asked me to check into this. His desk drawer has a wafer lock exactly like the one in THIS link. He's a picker too so he knows how easy it is to get past a wafer lock.

Is there an off the shelf upgrade available for these types of lock cores that would make it harder to pick? I'm thinking pin tumbler, Abloy, Medeco, etc.

I already explained to him that the hole in the desk where the wafer core inserts has channels on opposite sides so the wafers sticking out of the plug enter those channels and the lock is locked. When you insert the key all the wafers get pulled flush with the plugs body and the lock turns. At the end of the plug is a protrusion that allows the plug to interface with the mechanics that actually lock the desk's drawers. The replacement lock would have to have this as well.

Thanks for checking around to see if something better exists. (This furniture is leased, so I cannot drill holes or add surface mount locks, padlocks, new cam lock holes, etc)

Squelchtone

[raimundo]

interchangeable parts, what a concept, unless you have the cylinder in your hand, finding a plug to replace the current one, will be kind of hit or miss, it may fit tight, or loose, many won't fit at all, then theres the back end linkages, which are different from every manufacturer,
If your guy is really interested in security on that desk drawer, abloy has a line of furniture locks, but they won't fit your pre existing core,
Is that lock core installed in some way that is covered and unreachable, or needs a special tool to remove it?
your guy could also get the really tiny four inch needle files and cut a nick on the wafers just below the shearline interface, sorta security pins for wafer locks, its gotta add a little bit of difficulty, makeing it closer to a minute to pick.

[Rickthepick]

He shouldnt be so paranoid really iv never met anyone that has proved they can pick a lock outside of the locksport/locksmith community

[Squelchtone]

He shouldnt be so paranoid really iv never met anyone that has proved they can pick a lock outside of the locksport/locksmith community

The place he works has a lot of brilliant minds.. engineering types.. like during the Manhattan project where that one scientist, Richard Feynman, learned how to open everyone's file cabinets and safes because he was simply interested in how it worked and enjoyed solving puzzles. Thats the type of place he's in, so its not your typical office.

Thanks,
Squelchtone

[LocksmithArmy]

you could always try the illinois duo... I think they make locks that small and they are alot harder to pick than that little thing lol...

[mcm757207]

I would guess you're out of luck. I can't think of any solutions don't require at least some modification to the furniture. Perhaps, if it isn't opened very often, some kind of tamper-evident seal?

[mh]

Or use a surface mount lock that is not screwed but clamped to the drawer. Maybe just to cover the keyhole.

However, the existing locking mechanics in typical office furniture might be also a bit weak and prone to forcing with a prybar or screwdriver; if done with care, this might not even leave traces.

[globallockytoo]

The major problem here is the size (diameter) of the housing. Hafele locks are similar in design but I think they have some dimple key versions that might fit the existing application.

Most higher security cylinders require a wider diameter.

[globallockytoo]

there is a manufacturer in Connecticut who makes Bell Type cylinders for parking meters that would probably fit that diameter hole. It wont be a exact replacement but it could be an option.

[Josh K]

I'd say keep that lock in front and drill another hole to put something. Of course, if you rivet a latch on the drawer you could put a padlock on it.

[Squelchtone]

I'd say keep that lock in front and drill another hole to put something. Of course, if you rivet a latch on the drawer you could put a padlock on it.

no can do.

This furniture is leased, so I cannot drill holes or add surface mount locks, padlocks, new cam lock holes, etc)

Thanks
Squelchtone

[Josh K]

I must have missed that part.

You could probably modify the lock cylinder to accept a Schlage or Kwikset core, attaching the rear to the latch with a pair of screws.

[mh]

Clamp it, use plastic insulation tape or similar to make sure there won't be scratches.

[I Pik U]

Have him remove the code number off the face of the cylinder plug.
Anyone can read the # and have a key made.