Wafer/Warded/Rotating disc

[Jon1987]

Hey guys,

I have searched but I am still rather confused. I don't really know the difference or how to identify Wafer, Warded, and rotating disc locks. Are they all the same thing just different names? I understand they don't use pins. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Jon

[E-Mind]

Waffer lock:


Warded lock:


Rotating Disc lock:

Facts about the ABLOY lock cylinder

ABLOY lock cylinders have rotating disc detainers which are force-controlled by the key. The key meets no resistance when inserted into the keyway. There are no spring-loaded parts to wear the key or to wear out.

The first quarter-turn of the key rotates the discs into the position defined by the key cuts. Only the correct key will align the gates of all discs under the locking bar.

The locking bar can then enter the groove formed by the individual discs’ gates, and thus allow the key to turn the cylinder plug in the cylinder housing and operate the lock.

When turning the key backwards to the starting position, the combination is scrambled by the key movement

http://www.assaabloy.com/artarchive.php?id=830

[Mad Mick]

Warded locks here:
viewtopic.php?t=7620

[Mad Mick]

Wafer tumblers here:
http://img16.photobucket.com/albums/v47 ... Wafers.jpg

[fixer]

A warded lock is one of the oldest varieties of lock. The 'wards' inside the lock prevent all but the correctly shaped key from turning and activating the bolt. Some cheap padlocks use this method, but it is very easy to bypass.

A wafer lock uses small (typically brass) wafers that have to be lifted to the correct position to allow the plug to turn in the lock body. A common use for this type of lock is desk drawers and filing cabinets with so called 'cam locks' installed.

A rotating disk lock is where the disks inside the lock need to be 'rotated' to the correct angular position. Abus made a padlock that used this system and some vehicles used a variant of this style if I remember correctly.

I hope this helps.

[Mad Mick]

Disc tumblers here:
viewtopic.php?t=415
Read the whole thread.

[Mad Mick]

A rotating disk lock is where the disks inside the lock need to be 'rotated' to the correct angular position. Abus made a padlock that used this system and some vehicles used a variant of this style if I remember correctly.

I hope this helps.

Ford & Jaguar use disk locks on some models.

[vector40]

Wafer locks have flat wafers as you look into the keyway (obviously you'll only see the first one). They're pretty easily distinguishible from pins with a bit of experience.

Warded locks are easy to identify from the shape of the keyway, which is the "keyhole" shape (http://www.gnu.org/software/gnu-crypto/ ... eyhole.png) that little children peek through to watch dirty things. Such a keyhole is going to be either a lever lock or a warded lock... a warded lock is basically just a lever lock without levers.

There's another sort of warded lock found on cheapo modern padlocks... it's also really easy to identify, but I can't describe it. Maybe someone can provide a picture of a keyway.