Posted in:

What We Need to Know About Tubular Lock Picking

Tubular lock picking is a method used to open tubular or cylindrical locks. These locks are commonly found on vending machines, coin-operated laundry machines, and some safes. Tubular locks are designed to be difficult to pick due to their unique design and shape, which consists of several pins arranged in a circular pattern. People can get Locksmith Tools to learn how to pick tubular locks and master this important skill by themselves.

What’s the Tubular Lock Picking?

Tubular lock picking involves using specialized tools to manipulate the pins in the lock, typically by applying tension to the lock cylinder while using a tubular lock pick to set each individual pin. This technique requires a high level of skill and experience to master, as it can be more challenging than picking traditional pin-tumbler locks.

Tubular lock picking can be a useful skill for locksmiths or security professionals, but it can also be used by individuals with nefarious intentions. It is important to note that tubular lock picking should only be used for legal and ethical purposes, and individuals should not attempt to pick locks that they do not have permission to access.

Main Key Components of Tubular Locks

Tubular locks are designed to be pick-resistant due to their unique design and the use of specialized pins. Here are the key components of tubular locks:

Key: The key used to open a tubular lock has a circular or tubular shape, with notches cut into the edge of the key that correspond to the pins in the lock. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder, and when turned, it aligns the pins so that the lock can be opened.

Lock Cylinder: The lock cylinder is the component of the lock that holds the pins in place. It is a cylindrical shape and contains several pin chambers that house the pins.

Pin Chambers: The pin chambers are the slots in the lock cylinder where the pins are located. The number of pin chambers can vary depending on the type of tubular lock.

Pins: The pins in a tubular lock are typically designed with a circular shape and are arranged in a circular pattern within the pin chambers. They are typically made of brass, stainless steel, or other durable materials. Each pin consists of two parts, the top pin and the bottom pin. The top pin sits above the shear line, while the bottom pin rests below the shear line.

Shear Line: The shear line is the point at which the lock cylinder and the lock body meet. When the pins are correctly aligned with the shear line, the lock can be opened.

Lock Body: The lock body is the outer casing of the lock, and it is typically made of brass or steel. It houses the lock cylinder and the pins and is designed to protect the lock from tampering.

Keyway: The keyway is the narrow channel in the lock body through which the key is inserted to engage the pins and unlock the lock. The keyway is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the lock by restricting the size and shape of the key that can be used.

How Tubular Lock Picking Works

Tubular locks work by using a series of pins that are aligned along a circular path within the lock cylinder. The pins are arranged in such a way that they can only be aligned with the shear line when the correct key is inserted into the lock.

When the correct key is inserted into the lock, the notches along the key’s edge correspond to the pins in the lock. As the key is turned, the pins move up and down within their respective pin chambers. When the pins are aligned with the shear line, the lock can be turned, and the lock cylinder will rotate, allowing the lock to be opened.

Tubular lock picking is not easy for beginners or lockpicking hobbyists. You need get good tubular lock picks and related locks to train your lockpicking skills. You will master the lockpicking skill well through hardworking training.