A Guide to Tubular Locks
Tubular locks aren’t the most popular lock, but they frequently show up when individuals want a secure lock. Variable pin options provide an added layer of security, but if you know about the locks, you can open them with the right set of tools.
Common Thoughts on Tubular Locks
If you’ve ever noticed the lock on an ATM, a glass store display, and a bike lock, you’ve seen a tubular lock in action. Why are these locks so commonly used on important security items? These locks are commonly regarded as safer than standard options. However, the choice seems to be more a matter of habit than a decision based on fact.
It’s true these locks are generally less common than a standard padlock or combination lock. As such, fewer individuals know how to pick them. Because of advances in locksmith tools, newer tubular locks used springs of varying lengths to add an extra layer of security. As such, the lock located on your neighborhood ATM is probably much sturdier than the one guarding fashion jewelry at the drugstore.
Behind the Mechanism
A typical tubular lock features a solid central cylinder, a circular imprint, and an outside metal ring. If you look inside the imprint, you’ll find six to eight pins. The pins are moved horizontally instead of the normal vertical form. As a result, the key pins and drivers are located in the same cylinder within the lock.
The key is a circular shape with an open bottom and grooves along the side. Typically, you’ll find a notch in the key that will correspond to a notch in the outside ring of the lock proper. Usually, this notch will look rectangular. When not lined up properly, the key cannot fully insert into the lock. Once you fit the key correctly into the lock, it will depress the pins appropriately.
Picking a Tubular Lock
There are three main ways to pick a tubular lock. The first is called SPP or single pin pick. Depending on the lock, you may have to repack the lock with every quarter rotation. While this is not difficult, it can become time-consuming fairly quickly. Essentially, you’ll need to push the pins properly to bind them. After depressing the pins, you’ll need to decipher the binding order. This is fairly simple, as you need to cycle through pressing the pins until the plug rotates.
When you need speed on a budget, use a standard tubular pick. The components of the tool give you the ability to pick and decode at the same time. The tool has a handle and a series of ‘needles’ to help you pick the lock. First, you’ll have to calibrate the device before you can pick the lock. After calibration, evenly press your pick straight down, but be careful not to bend the needles. Turn the pick in the lock. If it works, you can use the pick as a key for the lock. If the lock remains shut after 2 minutes of work, recalibrate your pick. Note, this method will not work with locks that have variable spring pressure.
When the SPP and standard pick won’t work, you’ll need to invest in an advanced tubular lock pick. What you need is a pick that can individually adjust the wires. Interchangeable tips can be a great investment if you plan to use your pick frequently. While there is a method, experts say you might have a quick project if you cycle through like you would with the SPP method.
Use this guide to get you started learning about tubular locks. Start with simpler models before moving on to the harder variable pin options.
FAQs
Well, in the case of tubular keys, you use the same exact key for both seven and eight-pin keys. They're the same key and the difference is the spacing on the key itself.
Are tubular locks harder to pick? ›
Instead of one row of pins, tubular locks have pins positioned all the way around the circumference of the cylinder plug. This makes them much harder to pick. Conventional lock-picking techniques usually don't work on this type of lock. Some pin-tumbler locks have modified pins that make picking more difficult.
How many pins is my tubular lock? ›
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.
Are tubular keys all the same? ›
Are All Tubular Keys the Same? The same tubular key is produced by manufacturers for vending machines of the same model. Their keys are programmed with a unique key code for each model. As a result, if you want to use a single key on all of them, you must install only one version of a tubular lock.
Can tubular keys be copied? ›
You can generate a key that will work the lock and it will be exactly like the original key that you do not have, if you have a tubular blank of the same type, and you have a tubular pick tool for that particular format of tubular lock, and you have the correct machine for cutting tubular locks.
Is there a universal key for vending machines? ›
This is a common and perfectly reasonable concern among vending machine owners. You would be relieved to know that there is no such thing as a universal vending machine key. Manufacturers now produce so many different types of machines. These machines come with different types of lock and key sets.
Are tubular keys universal? ›
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. This can be extremely useful for businesses that have lots of tubular locks.
What locks Cannot be picked? ›
Key takeaways
- A pick-proof lock has specialized keys and safety features that prevent lock picking and bumping.
- The best pick-resistant locks to buy are the Medeco3 Cam Lock, BiLock deadbolts, and the EVVA MCS locking system.
1) EVVA MCS
Each key has a complex rounded shape, this coupled with the magnetic element makes it an extremely hard lock to pick. The only way to gain access to the door would be for the key to be cloned, and in that case, a master locksmith would need to get their hands on the original key.
Can you break a tubular lock? ›
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.
There is a very high likelihood that you have seen these types of locks within everyday uses. Some common items that make use of a tubular lock are bike locks, vending machines, coin operated machines, some safes, etc.
How to unlock a tubular lock? ›
To do this, place the pick into the lock, making sure to evenly apply pressure straight down. - Insert the pick into the lock slowly, allowing the picking needles to map to the corresponding pin stacks. Slowly apply left to right turning torque to the pick and the lock should pop open.
Can you get tubular keys cut? ›
Tubular Keys cut to photo
At We Love Keys, we can make Tubular keys replacements in record time. All you need to do is upload 5 photos of your key using the upload tool above like the sample photos above. From these pictures, we'll be able to make a replacement key. Dispatch in 1 to 3 working days depending on the key.
Are all pinhead keys the same? ›
With Pinhead [Amazon] skewers, there are 11,500 different key combinations. Each key is engraved with a nine digit code that you can use to order replacement keys or more matching locks.
Are tubular lock keys universal? ›
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. This can be extremely useful for businesses that have lots of tubular locks.
What is the most common tubular key size? ›
365”/9.27mm in outside diameter. Use HPC/Scotsman 137SB key blanks. “Standard” Tubular Keys: This is the most common of the tubular key family.
Are all Caterpillar keys the same? ›
There are actually two universal Cat keys. One looks like two tines of a fork, and it's called the battery master key. It shuts off all electricity flowing from the battery. The other lioks like a regular key, but they are all the same.
