Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

Which type of tumbler is most commonly used in a file cabinet lock?

1. Disc tumbler

2. Short Wafer

3. Pin tumbler

4. Lever tumbler

The correct answer is: Short Wafer

The most commonly used tumbler in a file cabinet lock is the short wafer tumbler. This type of tumbler provides a compact and reliable locking mechanism that is suited for the design of file cabinets, which typically require a lock that can be easily installed while ensuring a certain level of security. Short wafer tumblers operate by utilizing flat, thin components that can be easily stacked and manipulated to engage with the lock cylinder, making them ideal for the limited space within a file cabinet lock. In comparison, other types of tumblers like the disc tumbler, pin tumbler, and lever tumbler may offer various advantages but are less frequently found in file cabinet locks. Disc tumblers tend to be used in higher security applications, while pin tumblers are more common in residential and door locks. Lever tumblers require a more complex mechanism that is not needed for the straightforward locking function of a file cabinet. Therefore, the design and functional requirements of file cabinets lead to the prevalence of short wafer tumblers in their locking mechanisms.