Tubular Lock Differences

[Udbassist]

I searched all of google and this forum without much luck. And if there is a post on here somewhere, no need for smart comments. Thanks in advance.

My question is about the slits, notches, whatever you want to call it.

For example-

Look at the example of the lock here. It has a notch at 12 o'clock.
http://www.gadgetsdirect.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15802


This one has one at 12 and 3 o'clock.
http://www.best-b2b.com/Products/896/926-2/mini-tubular-lock_465704.html

This one has one at 12 and 6 o'clock.
http://www.lockpicks.com/browseproducts/Vending-Machine-Re-Key-Kit.HTML


So what are the differences? Is it security features or just for looks? Thanks again in advance.

[fgarci03]

Good question, not sure if it ever popped in here.

Do you own any tubular lock? If there is only a notch on 12 o'clock, you can only remove the key when it's rotated back to where it started, either by going back, or making a complete turn. Depends on the lock.

With notches on other places, you can remove the key when it's at that position.

Imagine a key that connects an electronic circuit. You may want to leave it at closed (12 o'clock), or at open (3 or 6 o'clock).
But for a mail box for example. It wouldn't make much sense if there was a way to remove they key without it being locked. So you always have to lock it before removing the key.

Hope this answers your question!


Oh and welcome to the forum BTW

[Udbassist]

That makes way too much sense. Haha. Maybe that's why I couldn't figure it out. Thanks! And thank you for the welcome. I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to join and get in all the fun.

[fgarci03]

You won't regret it!

Sometimes the most obvious things are the ones we can't get to. I say this by personal experience!