Does ignition 'housing' or 'tumbler' deter. positions?

Hi all, just wondering if the ignition housing or the tumbler/key set determines how many positions a switch is? For example I have an original 31899 3terminal ignition housing and I'm looking for a tumbler/key set for it, it's gotta be 2 position though, so are all the tumblers the same and is it the housing that determines how many positions or is each tumbler different eg. 2 position versus 4 position? Thanks boys Adam

Yes if you have a key you can remove the tumbler and put it right back into a four way from a two way. Now certain German switches have a cam on the rim of the tumbler for the application that would prevent this. Just push down on the sprung brass pin through the drain hole and wiggle it out. The right key must be in there though. Certain German ones have clips that you have to drill your own hole to release.

Thanks, so it is the housing that determines how many positions a switch is? Mine needs to be 2 position

Yes, your good to go.

Thanks heaps boys!