Tubular Question

[mbell]

Many of the tubular locks in the UK have a ball bearing exactly in the centre of the lock) These are particularly on the higher security locks. I assume that the ball bearing has to be pressed down (found from the keys). Any help with how I can bypass this with a modified tubular pick and if it must be pressed down at a particular stage would be appreciated.

[Mad Mick]

Tubular locks have a ball-bearing in the centre as an anti-drill measure. The ball-bearing serves no purpose whatsoever in regular use of the lock. Look inside the key and you will find nothing which acts upon the ball.

Tubular locks, however, can be easily picked with 'traditional' tools. Find a small Allen key (wrench) which closely matches the size of the notch in the centre of the plug. Grind off the sides of the Allen key, to make a snug-fitting tension wrench which will fit into the notch. Firstly, find the deep-setting pins - these are the ones which press down the deepest. Remember them. Apply slight tension to the plug and using a slim pick, try to pick these pins first.

That's all you're getting, the rest is up to you. There is nothing posted here which cannot be found elsewhere on the forum. Please do a search, and help yourself.

HTH.

[Chucklz]

The width of your tubular tension tool should be 0.044 +- 0.001 inches in widt for maximal usability.

[mbell]

Thanks for clearing that up. I have now discovered that it's the amount of pressure from the springs. The odd picking needle is moving back up (Think I need one of those new Southord picks).