diference between pin tumbler and wafer tumbler lock?

[leo77]

the mechanism is the same,i dont get it.

[illusion]

The mechanism is different.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=10541

This is a wafer lock.

http://locksport.com/LSIGuide/lsiguide.pdf

This is a pin tumbler lock.

They are different.

[Wolfe]

It looks to me that you "get it" just fine, same concept different design. The biggest difference to a picker is a wafer is easier to pick than a pin tumbler because of that design difference.

Anyways read up on what Illusion gave ya and good luck.

[Shrub]

All locks work the same at the end of the day, a part stops somthing moving and when a correct key is inserted that part is moved out of the way so the 'somthing' can then move,

In the case of wafer and pin locks the main differance is that one uses wafers and the other pins, wafer locks also tend to have parts protrudeing from the plug at 180' to each other whereby a normal pin tumbler only has one row of pins,

Grab yourself a cheap wafer lock and disassemble it, the comparrison between the two will easily be seen then,

I havent looked but im sure the links illusion has put up are perfect to explain the differances to you in better detail,

[linty]

main differences are that a pin tumbler has a single shear line between the top pins and bottom pins, and the top pins are pushed down by springs. each bottom pin needs to be lifted a different amount to clear the shear line.

a wafer lock has shear lines between the pins and the plug housing at the top and bottom, the wafers are pushed down by springs sort of beside / under the wafers, and unlike a pin tumbler lock, to clear the shear line each wafer needs to be lifted by the same amount as the other wafers.

[WOT]

main differences are that a pin tumbler has a single shear line between the top pins and bottom pins, and the top pins are pushed down by springs. each bottom pin needs to be lifted a different amount to clear the shear line.

a wafer lock has shear lines between the pins and the plug housing at the top and bottom, the wafers are pushed down by springs sort of beside / under the wafers, and unlike a pin tumbler lock, to clear the shear line each wafer needs to be lifted by the same amount as the other wafers.

Why do cars almost always use wafer locks and more frequently than not, double sided (exceptions: GMs)?

[hippy5749]

Less chance of malfunction through normal wear and tear, my guess. It wouldn't jam up with debris as easily. I also think the tolerances aren't as high, so that it gives cutting keys a little more leeway.

Correct me if I'm wrong, someone.

Thanks,
hippy5749

[linty]

hippy is pretty much on the money. wafer locks stand up to abuse better than pin tumblers. but also they have the advantage of being smaller, since you don't need extra space for the springs and top pins.

the reason they use double sided wafer locks is probably because people prefer a key that has no top or bottom. You don't have to have a double sided wafer lock to accomplish that but once you go to a double sided key you have to worry about what holds the key in the middle of the lock.
double sided wafer locks tend to center the key since there is spring pressure on both sides of the key so they are more tolerant of the keyway wearing out.

[jzorn1]

Briggs and stratton in Milwaukee also says that wafer locks are cheaper to make. In addition, the customer can insert the key either way. Much easier to sue, and wear is less on a wafer lock

[Tygart]

Also when picking waffers the distance between them are much less. (then a pin tumbler)

[Mutzy]

Alot of automotive locks have the discs sticking out at opposing sides, i.e. disc one comes out of one side, disc 2 comes out at the other side, and back and forth. Helps to frustrate picking.

[UWSDWF]

that would be a double sided wafer lock... some even have sidebars.... and thats as far as i'm getting on that subject... or they'll put the unpickable lock on us