How to Make a Code Wheel

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Create a code wheel to easily translate between letters using a Caesar Cipher.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 You need two concentric circles (one circle should be larger than the other).
    Punch a hole in the middle of both and attach with a brass fastener so the top wheel (the smaller one) can move independent of the bottom wheel.
  2. Step 2 Drawing over the entire circle, divide into 26 sections.
    Use a protractor to get each segment the same size -- they should be about 13.8 degrees each
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  3. Step 3 Write the letters of the alphabet, in order, on both circles.
  4. Step 4 To use, determine a number to use a cipher, for example:
    4.
  5. Step 5 Turn the inner wheel that number of turns (so A >> E, B >> F, etc).
    When writing the letter, look at the inner wheel and write down the letter that is matched on the outer wheel.
  6. Step 6 For additional complexity,...
    For additional complexity, use a cipher that changes on each letter (such as the digits of π or the numerical digits of a sentence).
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use number code instead of alphabet?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No because unless you pre-coded, you will just have numbers that mean nothing.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 23
  • Question
    How do I decipher numerical codes? Do I search for the most common ones?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Make the inner ones in the smaller circle numbers 1-26 instead of letters. Make sure they are still at the same angle or if everything to be numbers, just replace everything with numbers 1-26.
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     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 19
  • Question
    What if I don't have a protractor?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Use a drawing compass or a pot lid.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
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Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • 2 paper plates or construction paper
  • A pencil, pen, or marker
  • Paper piercer
  • A brad
  • A ruler.

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 64,377 times.
10 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: August 31, 2023
Views: 64,377
Categories: Cryptography
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 64,377 times.

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