Why wafer lock less secure?

[betlock]

Why are wafer locks generally considered to be less secure than normal pin tumbler locks? Is because of the looser tolerances of equally cheap wafer locks or is it something inherent in the design?

[JoshuaWest]

Why are wafer locks generally considered to be less secure than normal pin tumbler locks? Is because of the looser tolerances of equally cheap wafer locks or is it something inherent in the design?

I can't speak to tolerances as well as some of the more seasoned pickers will, but the general consensus is that they are more easily defeated. More easily defeated is considered less secure.
--> I believe it is design that causes this ease of defeat, though I admit I have more trouble on wafer locks than 5 pin tumblers for some odd reason (not enough practice I guess, haha)

JW

[WittyNameHere]

Aren't there less depth possibilities for wafers compared to pin tumblers? Less depths = less possible combinations = shallow bitting = easy to rake. Also, I've usually found that wafer locks have less wafers (often 4) than pin tumblers usually have pins (typically 5). And the tolerances are frequently pretty sloppy.

[illusion]

The biggest problem, AFAICS, is overlifting - apply tension, lift as high as possible and then bounce the tension wrench gently, releasing turning force gradually.

With this said, there are some more complicated wafer locks, although your chance of running into them except in a specialized field is slim.

[_NSAKEY]

From a pure picking standpoint, your average wafer lock is the sort of thing you keep around as a confidence booster for those times when you're having trouble with a harder lock. You can accidentally rake them open without any real knowledge or skill. The first lock I ever opened was a wafer lock I bought from Lowe's. I picked it without really trying, then moved on to trying every other pick in my set against it, and finally started jamming random household objects into it (A paperclip, a letter opener, etc). I've yet to find something that won't open it, as long as there's enough space for it to fit in the key way.

The above shouldn't be taken to mean that I'm some sort of boss at opening wafer locks. It's just that the particular wafer lock in question is better for learning lock picking than it is for securing things.

[nite0wl]

There are many reasons why Wafer mechanisms are generally considered less secure than pin-tumbler locks. Not all apply to every wafer in the world but do apply to most you will encounter.
1. Loose tolerances
2. Low number of key differs (possible unique keys)
3. Weak materials/construction (many wafer locks can be forced open more easily than a similarly sized pin tumbler cylinder)
4. Lack of pick-resistant design features (most wafer designs don't have an equivalent to 'security pins', paracentric keyways, etc)

Most of these weaknesses are a result of the fact that the wafer design as it is commonly encountered is selected to minimize cost and complexity in manufacturing. There are a handful of fairly secure wafer lock designs but they are complex, vulnerable to damage by debris , and much more expensive than what most furniture manufacturers care to spend on locks for what is usually not considered a 'high-security' fitting.

[KPick]

Makes u wonder why cars still have them doesnt it?

[GWiens2001]

Makes u wonder why cars still have them doesnt it?

Because the theft security is from the chips. Physical security is practically non-existent when you are talking about glass. Four cars have been broken into at my wife's job in the last four days. None of them were picked - the glass was broken.

Gordon

[FuzzyChopz]

Why are wafer locks generally considered to be less secure than normal pin tumbler locks? Is because of the looser tolerances of equally cheap wafer locks or is it something inherent in the design?

I can't speak to tolerances as well as some of the more seasoned pickers will, but the general consensus is that they are more easily defeated. More easily defeated is considered less secure.
--> I believe it is design that causes this ease of defeat, though I admit I have more trouble on wafer locks than 5 pin tumblers for some odd reason (not enough practice I guess, haha)

JW

I am having the same problem as you. I have a difficult time picking some wafer locks. I really need to dissect one and learn about in inner workings of them. I am a rookie lock picker and have mostly dedicated my time to pin and tumbler locks so far.

[Kheops]

I won't go into the specifics, but...

Because of the way they are designed, there are methods that are almost a sure bet, for reading the wafers and making a key. Won't work on all wafer tumblers, but definitely MOST.

[mcsteve]

Wafer locks with serrated edges to the wafers and their slots in the cylinders are quite a bit more challenging, in my experience. I still haven't been able to pick the couple I've got.

As for standard wafer locks, like furniture cam locks, I don't even use a tension wrench for most of them. Just insert a snowman pick, twist and wiggle.

[ARF-GEF]

wafer locsk are cehepr to make, so they are usually made to fill in the gap at the bottom of the market. You could make better wafers with false gates there is a good secure wafer lcok with 3 tracks, but that is of course more expensive.
I think they don't even care much about it's security, wafer locks are for low security needs.
So long answer short they re insecure because the are more crude and made as cheaply as possible.

2 seconds of raking will open almost every average wafer lock.

[Poolsharks1]

Wafer locks with serrated edges to the wafers and their slots in the cylinders are quite a bit more challenging, in my experience. I still haven't been able to pick the couple I've got.

As for standard wafer locks, like furniture cam locks, I don't even use a tension wrench for most of them. Just insert a snowman pick, twist and wiggle.

Love it when you go to a job with these types of lock. Easy money, not to mention you look great to the customer when you open their lock in 2 seconds