Cabinet lock

[DennisK]

I can't understand why I am having so much trouble with a cheap Chinese single sided wafer lock.Everywhere I have read,people say they almost fall open by themselves (a slight over simplification).Does anyone have any tips? I've tried about every pick I have from half diamond to rake.I even tried wafer picks,but this SOB won't budge.
Come on fellas,help a noob out!

[fgarci03]

Hey Dennis!

Most wafer locks are easy. But there are some exceptions. Not necessarily about the construction of the lock, but some are just a PITA.
And I'm assuming the lock is in perfect condition. If it's not, even more difficult.
Tell me something, is the lock mounted somewhere? Sometimes, when the bolt in under pressure, it's takes lots of force to rotate, and that's an issue on picking.

Let us know how it goes!

[DennisK]

Hey Dennis!

Most wafer locks are easy. But there are some exceptions. Not necessarily about the construction of the lock, but some are just a PITA.
And I'm assuming the lock is in perfect condition. If it's not, even more difficult.
Tell me something, is the lock mounted somewhere? Sometimes, when the bolt in under pressure, it's takes lots of force to rotate, and that's an issue on picking.

Let us know how it goes!

Bought it brand new yesterday and it isn't mounted.The key seems to turn it easily.It opens CCW so that is somewhat different than I'm used to,but come on; it shouldn't be this hard to open.

[MrAnybody]

Be VERY gentle, and they do nearly fall open. Tension at a minimum.

[DennisK]

Be VERY gentle, and they do nearly fall open. Tension at a minimum.

Thanks. I have tried light and heavy,but I'll give it another go. Is there any certain binding order,or can I just lift the wafers in any order I wish?

[Squelchtone]

If you're holding it in your hand make sure you arent gripping both the sleeve and the lock's plug. This would stop it from turning when picked.

A photo of the lock and key would really help us here, you can upload it to http://tinypic.com and Copy/Paste the link in your reply.

A half ball or snowman pick usually works great on these, make sure youre raking the correct side, it's easy to inserts picks and start raking the wrong side of a single sided wafer lock.

Squelchtone

[DennisK]

[DennisK]

[ckc123]

you may find it easier if the lock is mounted as well.. you will get more "snap" when the wafers are set, and you can feel it more when you have a solid mount (or use a vice)

[mechanical_nightmare]

L-Rakes and S-Rakes work really well with these locks. I usually don't even bother SPP'ing wafer locks anymore, I just work the rake through it. Tension control is important, and some of these locks have actual keyway profiles to make things a bit harder. Good luck and keep us posted!

[DennisK]

Ok everyone,thank you all for the help.It is simple once you know how to attack. My advice to beginners; like some have said on here,LIGHT tension. The half ball and the S rake all worked fine.As one fellow mentioned,there really is no use in trying to SPP them when a rake is so quick.

[fgarci03]

Thanks for updating the thread!

And congrats on getting it!

[KPick]

Get a set of jigglers. They work perfect for these locks and car doors as well. I have a pair of those amd they usually work for double sided wafee locks and as well for single sided wafer locks. Its too easy when you get the hang of it.

[fgarci03]

Get a set of jigglers. They work perfect for these locks and car doors as well. I have a pair of those amd they usually work for double sided wafee locks and as well for single sided wafer locks. Its too easy when you get the hang of it.

+1

I use Southord jigglers!

[DennisK]

Are you guys talking about the auto jigglers? I have some of those and have the pin tumbler version coming in the mail.