When you are looking for a security solution for your home or office, a tubular lock is often a good option. They are more challenging to pick than traditional locks and offer more security against forced entry. However, picking a tubular lock can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing.
This blog post will teach you how to pick a tubular lock! We will go over the basics of how these locks work and give you tips on choosing the right tool and technique for the job. Let’s get started!
Tubular Lock- How it Works
As the name suggests, a tubular lock is a lock that uses a tubular key. They can be widely seen in applications such as vending machines, ATMs, and some high-security doors. You can also find them in bicycle locks and padlocks.
Tubular locks are often considered more secure than traditional cylinder locks because they are much harder to pick. The locking mechanism in a tubular lock differs from that of a conventional lock. In a standard lock, the key pushes metal pins out of the way so that the bolt can be rotated and the door opened. In a tubular lock, the pins actually rotate to unlock the door.
The notches’ depth and spacing should correspond to the pins’ positions in order to allow the plug to rotate. This makes it much harder to pick a tubular lock, as there are many more ways for the key pins to get stuck.
How to Pick a Tubular Lock
While tubular locks seem daunting to pick at first, it is not too difficult once you know what you are doing. You also need to have the right tools for the job. However, having the right tools on hand is not enough to start picking locks. You also need to know the right technique. And for you to be able to pick the tubular lock successfully, you must know the following:
- The Standard Configurations of a Tubular Lock
- How to Read a Key
- The Basic Principles of Lock Picking
- Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.
Tubular Lock Standards Configurations
There are three standard configurations for tubular locks: seven-pin, eight-pin, and spool. The most common configuration is the seven-pin, which is also the easiest to pick. The eight-pin configuration is more difficult, and the spool is the most difficult.
How to Read a Key
In order to pick a tubular lock, you need to know how to read a key. A tubular key has two parts: the blade and the bitting. The bitting is the part of the key that goes into the lock and determines the depth of each cut on the blade.
The blade is the part of the key that you insert into the lock, and it has a series of notches cut into it. These notches correspond to the pins in the lock, and they determine how the pins will line up when the key is inserted.
The Basic Principles of Lock Picking
Now that you know the basics of how a tubular lock works and how to read a key, it’s time to learn the basic principles of lock picking. There are three main principles that you need to keep in mind when picking a tubular lock:
- Apply the right amount of torque to the plug. Too much torque will cause the pins to bind, and too little torque will not allow the pins to move.
- Pick each pin one at a time. You need to apply pressure to each pin individually in order to set it.
- -Use a raking technique. Raking is a lock picking technique where you insert the pick into the lock and move it back and forth to set all the pins at once.
Now that you know the basics of picking a tubular lock, let’s see how to apply these principles in practice.
Picking a Tubular Lock- Step by Step
Now that you know the basics of picking a tubular lock, let’s see how to apply these principles in practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pick a tubular lock:
- Ensure that the needles are free and move independently, then loosen the collar to the point where it’s only just finger-tight to apply mild tension to the needles.
- To extend the needles, push the washer to move them over the end of the pick.
- Revert the needles to their baseline position by pressing the entire pick against a hard surface.
- Insert the tubular lock picks into the lock slowly, careful not to damage the picking needles. Allow them to map out the corresponding pin stacks so that you can unlock the door.
- Turn the torque slowly from left to right, turning torque to the pick, and the lock should pop open.
- Remove the tubular lock pick after breaking into the lock and tighten the collar.
Other Ways to Pick a Tubular Lock
Aside from using the tools above, there are several methods you can use to pick a tubular lock. Some can be found in the comfort of your own home and even inside your bag. Here are some other ways to pick a tubular lock:
Use a Ball Point Pen
This is one of the easiest ways to pick a tubular lock. This has been used by many people in the past and is still a popular technique. All you need is a ballpoint pen with the ink cartridge removed. Once you have that, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Prepare the Ball Point
The first step is to take the ballpoint pen and remove the ink cartridge. This is necessary as the outside of the pen will be used to apply tension, and the ink cartridge can get in the way. To remove the ink cartridge, simply unscrew the back end of the pen until it comes out.
Step 2: Make Vertical Notches in the Back of the Pen
Next, you should make four vertical notches on the back of the pen. These notches will help to grip the pins and prevent them from slipping. To make the notches, simply use a sharp knife or scissors.
Step 3: Insert the Ball Point into the Lock
You can now insert the ballpoint pen into the keyway. Apply a light tension with your hand and start to feel the pins. You should feel them click as you move the ballpoint around. Slightly shake the lock while doing this to help the pins align. Once you have found all of the pins, apply a little more tension and turn the plug to unlock the door!
If, after trying all the methods above but still can’t seem to pick the lock, it’s best to call a locksmith. At Cobb Parkway Locksmith, we will be able to help you with all your tubular lock picking needs! When you call us, we will be equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to do the job quickly and efficiently.
Pick a Door Lock Using A Paper Clip
Another way to pick a tubular lock is by using a paper clip. This method is similar to the ballpoint pen method, but you will use a paper clip instead of a pen. To do this, simply follow the steps below:
- Make sure that the paper clip is unbent and straight.
- Insert the paper clip into the keyway and apply light tension.
- Start to feel for the pins as you move the paper clip around. You should feel them click as you move the paper clip around.
- Slightly shake the lock while doing this to help the pins align.
- Once you have found all of the pins, apply a little more tension and turn the plug to unlock the door!
If you still have trouble picking the lock, call Cobb Parkway Locksmith, and we will be more than happy to assist you. We have years of experience in tubular lock picking and will be able to help you in no time!
How to Practice and Get Better at Picking Locks
Picking locks is a skill that takes time and practice to master. For some of you, picking a lock might be easier, but for others, it might be more difficult. If you’re having trouble picking locks, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways that you can practice and improve your skills.
Practice With Tubular Lock Picking Kit
One way to practice is by using a lock-picking kit. A lock-picking kit includes all the tools you need to pick a lock and a few practice locks. This is a great way to get started because it will give you a feel for the tools and how they work. It’s also a good idea to start with easier locks before moving on to more difficult ones.
Use A Real Lock
If you want to get really good at picking locks, you should use a real lock. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to use a lock that is similar to the ones you’ll be dealing with in the real world. That way, you can better understand how they work and what challenges you might face. Of course, ensure you have permission to practice on the lock before you start!
Get a Partner
Picking locks is often more fun when you have someone to help. Find a friend or family member interested in learning, and practice together. You can take turns picking locks and give each other tips on how to improve. Not only will this be more fun, but it will also help you learn faster.
Use a Transparent Lock
If you want to see exactly what’s going on as you pick a lock, you can use a transparent one. These locks are clear plastic, so you can see all the inner workings. This is a great way to visualize how all the pins move and what you need to do to pick the lock. You can usually find transparent locks at your local hardware store.
Practice With Other Tools
To expand your skills, you can also practice picking locks with other tools. For example, you can try using a paperclip or a bobby pin. This will give you a better understanding of how different tools work and how they can be used to pick locks.
Types of Tubular Locks You Can Pick
Tubular locks are not created equal. In fact, there are many different types of tubular locks, each with its unique challenges. Here are some of the most common types of tubular locks that you might encounter:
- Tubular Deadbolt Lock: This is one of the most common tubular locks. It’s often used on doors and can be found in residential and commercial settings.
- Tubular Cam Lock: These locks are often used on cabinets, drawers, and other furniture. They are usually smaller than deadbolt locks but can still be tricky to pick.
- Tubular Padlock: Padlocks are one of the most common types of locks, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Tubular padlocks are no exception. These locks can be found on everything from lockers to gates.
- Tubular Keyed Lock: These locks are similar to tubular deadbolt locks but require a key to unlock them. They are often used in commercial settings, such as offices and stores.
Although there are many different types of tubular locks, the principles of picking them are generally the same. By understanding how these locks work and practicing with different tools, you can become a master lock picker in no time!
The Best Tools and Supplies for Picking Tubular Locks
While a specific set of tools are designed for lock picking, you can use a variety of different things. For example, paper clips, bobby pins, and hairpins can all be used to pick locks. In addition, you can also use lock-picking kits, which come with all the tools you need to get started.
No matter what you use, you can learn how to pick a tubular lock like a pro with the skills and knowledge!
The Benefits of Knowing How to Pick Tubular Locks
As mentioned above, tubular locks are challenging to pick. However, the benefits can be great if you know how to do it. Here are some of the main benefits of learning how to pick tubular locks:
- You can open any tubular lock without a key.
- You can save time and hassle yourself if you lose your keys.
- You can impress your friends and family with your new skills!
- You can use your skills to help others who have lost their keys or are locked out of their homes.
- It can also help you in an emergency.
- It can help you stay sharp and focused.
As you can see, there are many benefits to learning how to pick tubular locks. If you’re interested in becoming a lock picker, practice with different types of locks and use the best tools for the job. With patience and practice, you’ll pick locks like a pro in no time!
FAQs
How long does it take to learn how to pick a tubular lock?
It depends on your level of experience and expertise. It might take some time to get the hang of it if you’re a beginner. However, if you have some experience with lock picking, you should be able to learn how to pick a tubular lock fairly quickly.
What are the best tools for picking tubular locks?
There is a specific set of lock-picking tools that are designed for tubular locks. However, you can also use various things, such as paperclips, bobby pins, and hairpins. But before using these tools, you should practice with different types of locks because any wrong move might destroy the lock.
Can I use a lock-picking kit to pick any types of tubular locks?
Yes, you can use a lock-picking kit to pick any type of tubular lock. These kits come with all the tools you need to get started, so they will be a great addition to your toolbox.
Conclusion
While tubular locks can be a challenge to pick, you can become a master at them with the right tools and practice. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Soon enough, you’ll be able to pick a tubular key lock like a pro. If you’re not sure about your skills yet, don’t worry. Cobb Parkway Locksmith is here to help. Our experts can help you with any type of lock, no matter how challenging. Give locksmith Marietta GA a call today, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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