Tubular Picking help

[bobbyblank]

Hey, looking for a good thread or links on how to "hand" pick tubular locks. I have a DIY pick set i have used for a while and have become good at picking most locks, but i have alwase been interested in tubulars. I see most people are useing the special picks for them but i dont feel like purchaseing one since i would not have a use for it after i had acomplished picking one . I saw a video of someone picking one with a tubular tension wrench and a standard hook pick but cannot find any other links or info on useing standard picks. Being new, i cannot get the search engine to work so anyone have good threads or links .

[mitch.capper]

The search engine is broken actually, but you can use google with site:lockpicking101.com

The primary trick is just getting a good tensioner, once you can properly tension the cylinder you pick it in much of the same way you pick a normal pin tumbler lock.
Apply tension, and go around and push the pins down one at a time. Find the binding pin and set it then go on. Non-binding pins will generally bounce back up (as long as you arn't applying too much tension). Keep going around until they are set and it will turn.

The primary problem is once it starts to turn if you don't keep the pins pushed to the right amounts as soon as you turn it so all the pins line up again (360/7 or 360/6 degrees depending on the pin count) and you will have to pick it all over again and keep this up until you reach your proper spot.

The best thing I can suggest is make sure that the amount of tension will not cause it to move very far once picked, then try to fashion a key once its turned a slight bit. You will be able to push on the pins fairly hard without them moving to either impression a key or mold one.

This is why the tubular picks are so good as they let you lock the pins once you get it too:)

You may be even able to make a working key by heating a plastic tube, and pushing it into the pins to impression the depths.

if this is for a one time open you may just be able to pick it a few times to get it turned to whatever poitn you need.


Also the picking tips are fairly valid unless it has spool/security pins if it has these you are going to have a much harder time without a proper pick.

[raimundo]

Try a bic biro!

[Squelchtone]

Try a bic biro!

"Don't tase me bro!"



http://www.promobasics.com.au/catalogue/c1/p2

but seriosuly.. whats better to use for this project, the cap or the pen barrel itself?

Squelchtone

[MacGyver101]

Hmm... I hope he doesn't have access to British Nuclear Weapons.

[Wolfe]

lol thats a funny ass artical Mac.