Kinda Tubular

[ragebot]

Part of what aroused my interest in learning about tubular locks was a strange lock (if it meets the definition of a lock) on a high end laser I have. The laser is made by JetLasers, often viewed as the top tier consumer laser company in China. While I was impressed with the overall product the lock on the tail cap of the laser seemed strange to me. After some discussion on a laser forum I was able to determine the lock was probably a clone of this lock sold on Amazon. The thing is the keyway is much smaller than the standard 7.8, or even 7.0, keyways on common tubular locks. I am not even sure there are pins in this lock (which is why I said it may not meet the definition of a lock). I ordered the lock from Amazon and (as suggested by a locksmith who is a member of the laser forum) the keys from the Amazon lock worked on the laser tail cap lock. In fact from what I can figure out all of these type of locks use the same key. Amazon lists this as a cabinet door tubular cam lock and the link is below.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V ... UTF8&psc=1

While it seems trivial to get a key for this lock I am not sure how, or even if, it can be picked. Anyone know more about such a lock/whatever.

[GWiens2001]

They do have pins. Four of them, IIRC. Used to see those on what are now considered old-school computer towers. Have never seen one that is keyed differently.

Gordon

[ragebot]

They do have pins. Four of them, IIRC. Used to see those on what are now considered old-school computer towers. Have never seen one that is keyed differently.

Gordon

Have you tried to pick one. I had trouble getting my short hook in the keyway. I have seen some youtube vids where tubular locks were being picked using the SPP method but not sure if it would be possible with this lock. More of an exercise as anything else since once you have one key you should be able to get in all the locks of this type.

[GWiens2001]

They do have pins. Four of them, IIRC. Used to see those on what are now considered old-school computer towers. Have never seen one that is keyed differently.

Gordon

Have you tried to pick one. I had trouble getting my short hook in the keyway. I have seen some youtube vids where tubular locks were being picked using the SPP method but not sure if it would be possible with this lock. More of an exercise as anything else since once you have one key you should be able to get in all the locks of this type.

Several times. Use a sewing needle.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

Or you could maybe find an HPC mini bore tubular pick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osugwf9bPY0

[ragebot]

They do have pins. Four of them, IIRC. Used to see those on what are now considered old-school computer towers. Have never seen one that is keyed differently.

Gordon

Have you tried to pick one. I had trouble getting my short hook in the keyway. I have seen some youtube vids where tubular locks were being picked using the SPP method but not sure if it would be possible with this lock. More of an exercise as anything else since once you have one key you should be able to get in all the locks of this type.

Several times. Use a sewing needle.

Gordon

Gotta love it. I have some sewing needles I use on my boat for canvas/sail repairs. Thanks for the tip.