How to open Double wafer locks

[whypurplishblue]

I believe I have a double wafer lock and have tried some of the recommendations in the forums, like using a double ball pick, brushing softly. But am still having trouble opening it. I dont' know what i'm doing wrong, i do apply the tension wrench to the bottom of the keyhole, would that matter?
I heard most people apply the tension wrench to the centre.

[jordyh]

Are you absolutely sure that this IS a wafer lock?
The key is, well, weird.
On a first glance, i can't identify it.

[UWSDWF]

for picking double sided wafer locks it easier if you have a auto-style tension wrench when applying tension make sure your tension wrench is not touching/blocking any of the wafers... the double ball in the picture is your best bet

[jordyh]

Allow me to elaborate.
If this is a double sided wafer lock, it is the first that i've ever seen that has a key that can only be inserted one way.

All the double sided wafer locks that i've come across so far have keys with bitting and warding that allows it to be inserted "up side down", so to speak.
Your key is'n symmetrical, that's why i'm doubting.

Yours,

Jordy

[whypurplishblue]

Are you absolutely sure that this IS a wafer lock?
The key is, well, weird.
On a first glance, i can't identify it.

This is a closeup.. Looks like wafers to me or did i get it wrong?

[whypurplishblue]

for picking double sided wafer locks it easier if you have a auto-style tension wrench when applying tension make sure your tension wrench is not touching/blocking any of the wafers... the double ball in the picture is your best bet

Thanks for the tip UWSDWF, but what is an auto-style tension wrench?

[jordyh]

An auto wrench is a wrench that grips the lock on both ends (above and below) of the keyway, leaving you the middle to manouver your pick in.
Quite a usefull tool, if you've got a lot of wafer locks on your path.

[UWSDWF]

viola

[jordyh]

Paaahhh....
I guess it's a wafer lock allright.
Still strikes me though, that the keyway only allows the key in one way, but okay.

Like said before: an auto wrench is best for this.
If you don't have one, just apply tension to either the lower, middle or upper side and start practicing.

Good luck and happy picking.

Yours,

Jordy

[whypurplishblue]

ohhh one of those.. I'll have to get my hands on that. using a standard tension wrench doesn't leave much room for picking

[whypurplishblue]

Paaahhh....
I guess it's a wafer lock allright.
Still strikes me though, that the keyway only allows the key in one way, but okay.

Well.. this type of key is common in singapore and malaysia, mainly for household room doors They don't make keys like this in your part of the world?

[globallockytoo]

You should really do a search here because there are lots of entries about theses locks.

It is an older Schlage A series lockset alos known as W series. You can use a standard turning wrench and pick. it is very easy.

[jordyh]

Well.. this type of key is common in singapore and malaysia, mainly for household room doors They don't make keys like this in your part of the world?

In Europe, all the double sided wafer locks that i've seen had exactly the same bitting on both side.
This means that it doesn't matter how you insert it, as both sides of the key fit both sides of the lock.

The key on this picture is from my bicicle, both sides are the same.
That's the difference.

[jordyh]

You should really do a search here because there are lots of entries about theses locks.

It is an older Schlage A series lockset alos known as W series. You can use a standard turning wrench and pick. it is very easy.

Thanks, didn't know that.
Schlage doesn't reach holland, so to speak.

[globallockytoo]

Well.. this type of key is common in singapore and malaysia, mainly for household room doors They don't make keys like this in your part of the world?

In Europe, all the double sided wafer locks that i've seen had exactly the same bitting on both side.
This means that it doesn't matter how you insert it, as both sides of the key fit both sides of the lock.

The key on this picture is from my bicicle, both sides are the same.
That's the difference.

Your lock that you show the key for is a single sided lock with a double sided key. There are quite alot more sophisticated locking systems in Europe, but what you are showing is a simple automotive style lock key.

These cylinders are quite simple to pick or impression.
The lock in the OP is a door lock (not vehicle) and is one of the oldest style of modern day locks ever produced