What kind of lock is this? On a cabinet

[subver]

Is this a regular pin and tumbler lock or something else? I don't have the key, my boss asked if I could get it open and he couldn't even describe the key to me. It looks like it could be a regular pin and tumbler but also maybe one of those keys that have the square grooves on them? Not sure. I only have experience picking pin and tumbler locks/padlocks/etc

If anyone could tell me the type of lock this is that would be great!

Thanks guys!

[subver]

Further inspection they look like flat pins - if that makes sense. All my experience lies with padlocks/door locks things like that.. never really got into other types, so I'm not sure if I can get this open with regular picks or not?

[GWiens2001]

That is a wafer lock. Easy enough to pick, even easier to rake.

Gordon

[subver]

Ah yeah I think it's a Timberline core. Never really picked a wafer lock before, do you just pick it as you would a pin and tumbler lock?

[GWiens2001]

For the most part, yes. Two things to watch out for:

1. Don't put your tension wrench in very far or it will block the front tumblers.
2. Be careful about levering your pick off the bottom of the keyway, as it may force the front tumblers down while you are picking the back tumblers.

Good luck!

Gordon

[subver]

Ah that makes sense - thanks for the tip! I guess it's time to expand my lock-type horizons!

[cledry]

Just go to a locksmith and purchase a 149TA Timberline key. They pick easily but a key is inexpensive.

[subver]

Yeah true, I may just do that.
I did pick it easily, but when I rotated the cylinder 180 degrees the wafers clicked back in, so I tried to pick it again and was having trouble. Of course I could pick it easy going back the other way to it's original position, not sure why continuing the rotation is harder.. Weird. I need to bring a wider tension wrench, too, the one I was using just barely turned the cylinder and was getting in the way, weird position when the wafers were on the bottom. I'll give it another shot on Monday and if not just tell him to get a 149TA key. Thanks for the help, guys!

[GWiens2001]

A lot of wafer locks are 'cam locks', and only allow the lock to be turned so far in either direction. It can also be done with pin tumbler locks, such as this TrioVing:



However, most desk locks or cabinet locks only allow the plug to turn to a certain point, at which point there is a physical block to prevent it being turned too far.

Gordon

[cledry]

Yeah true, I may just do that.
I did pick it easily, but when I rotated the cylinder 180 degrees the wafers clicked back in, so I tried to pick it again and was having trouble. Of course I could pick it easy going back the other way to it's original position, not sure why continuing the rotation is harder.. Weird. I need to bring a wider tension wrench, too, the one I was using just barely turned the cylinder and was getting in the way, weird position when the wafers were on the bottom. I'll give it another shot on Monday and if not just tell him to get a 149TA key. Thanks for the help, guys!

Timberline locks have stops built into the front of the lock, they limit rotation to match the purpose of the lock. Timberline locks are modular, you might have any one of a number of lock styles 180 degree rotation is typical. You can easily swap a plug in to patch the colour finish and key code you need. It takes a second to swap this to a brass, bronze, nickel, chrome or many other finishes.