How To Pick A Tubular Lock - Short Guide | Sure Lock & Key (2024)
There are more legends and strange facts about lock picking than you would think. However, this skill is highly important for locksmiths and it can’t hurt to learn a bit more about how it works.
The tubular locks are notoriously difficult to open without a key. However, picking a tubular lock is possible if you have the right tools and have learned and then practiced the technique. Try to pick the lock with a ballpoint pen first, and if that method doesn't work, use a pipe pick as a backup.
You may buy a practice lock to enhance your picking technique. Practice locks are transparent, so you can see inside the lock and know what you are doing when you pick it. If you are trying to open a specific item and don’t particularly care about technique, you may skip the step with a practice lock.
Clean the lock before picking it. Wash dirty locks with warm water and soap to remove dust or debris. If the lock is rusty, try to remove as much rust as possible. This is necessary because if the lock is clean, you will have an easier time picking it.
Another tool you might use is a lock pick. Here’s a short guide on how to use it.
Step 1
Make sure that your lock pick has the correct number of needles for your lock. The number of needles should match the number of pins. For example, if your lock has 7 pins, you should use a lock pick with 7 needles.
Step 2
Turn the lock pick's tightening bolt to loosen it. The tightening bolt should be located on the side of the lock pick. When the bolt is loose, place the lock pick against the lock to ensure that the inner needles align with the lock pins. After adjusting, tighten the bolt again when the needles and pins are aligned.
Step 3
Insert the lock pick into the lock as far as it will go. If at any point the lock jams, remove the pick from the lock and turn the bolt again. You may have to re-adjust the spokes to be sure they fit smoothly into the lock.
Step 4
Turn the pick to the right. If the needles of your pick are aligned correctly, this should activate the spring and open the lock. Turn the pick to the right, pushing it down in the center of the lock.
To open a lock using bolt cutters, position the shears on either side of the shackle (the u-shaped upper part of the lock). Squeeze the handles of the bolt cutters together until the shackle is severed, then remove the lock from the door or box you are trying to open.
If your lock is clean, you'll be able to pick it more easily. Because tubular locks are so complex, they cannot be picked in the same way as other locks. Using a lock pick is the only verified way to open a tubular lock without the key so, if you have time to spare, purchase a pick to open your tubular lock.
Codes are usually in the format of R, T, 8T or H, followed by 5 digits, e.g. R23728. Sometimes they may consist entirely of numbers, e.g. 70200. Simply type in the code of the key you require in the box above, and we'll do the rest!
Is There a Universal Tubular Key? There will not be one tubular key that opens every single tubular lock in the world, but you can have a master tubular key which means you can have locks on several machines and have one tubular key for them all.
Most locks use between six and eight pins, although some use as few as four or as many as ten. The devices have been widely used on vending machines, elevators, public computers, and bicycle locks.
There is no perfect solution. There is no unbreakable lock. Many locks have labelled themselves as pick-proof. Most of the time they've been proved wrong.
For pin tumbler locks, including deadbolts and entry doors, make a pick set out of 2 bobby pins or paper clips.Stick them into the lock and wiggle them until the lock opens. Use an unbent paper clip or a hairpin for locks on privacy door knobs.
Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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