by mcsteve » 19 Apr 2011 12:32
If you read up a bit on how tubular locks work, and how to pick them, you can probably pick that lock to turn it back to a normal position. It would be fairly simple with no special tools required. Since you can access the back of the lock, you can apply tension by turning the cam directly, and you can push on the pins with a paper clip. Also, those locks installed on computer cases are usually very cheap and not keyed well.
Simply apply tension in the direction you want the lock to turn, and try gently pushing on each pin with a paperclip. One pin should be binding, meaning it is slightly harder to push than the others. When you continue to push, it should set, with a faint click and slight rotation of the lock. Now another pin will be binding. Repeat the process. When all pins are set, the lock will rotate one position in the direction you are trying to turn it.
Since you have the keys, it might be somewhat easier since you can look at the cuts on the key to see how far each pin should be depressed to turn the lock.
I don't know how easy this would be for someone with no prior lockpicking experience, but it might be worth a try. Otherwise simply do as femurat suggests and file the protruding tab off one of the keys.
