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Which component is primarily responsible for aligning tumblers in a disc tumbler system?

  1. The sidebar

  2. The keyway

  3. The broach

  4. The pin stack

The correct answer is: The sidebar

In a disc tumbler system, the sidebar plays a crucial role in the alignment of tumblers. When the correct key is inserted, it lifts the tumblers to specific heights that correspond to the notches on the key. The sidebar then engages with the tumblers, ensuring that they are aligned properly. This alignment is essential for the locking mechanism to function correctly, as it prevents unauthorized access. The sidebar's importance lies in its ability to lock or unlock the mechanism based on the proper arrangement of the tumblers, thus providing security. The keyway refers to the path that the key follows and does not influence the alignment of the tumblers directly. The broach is related to how the key is shaped and made but does not serve a function in aligning tumblers. The pin stack, while part of some locking mechanisms, is not relevant in a disc tumbler system where the sidebar is the main component aligned for proper operation.