Picking tubular locks

[Josh66]

First off, sorry if this is 'advanced' - that may explain why I didn't find much searching...

So, in theory, would picking a tubular lock be pretty much the same as a standard pin tumbler? e.g., apply tension, set the binding pin, repeat...

I'm dealing with the lock on a Snap-On toolbox, specifically.


And the key:




I have 3 of these locks (2 mounted, one not) and 6 keys (1 set of 4, 1 set of 2). Since I had 4 copies of the same key (two come with a lock, I bought a second lock so I could use the same key on both boxes - so I have 4 working keys, and a spare lock with two keys), I figured I could sacrifice one of them... I filed the groves for the pins out so 1 - they don't touch the pins, and 2- I can get a pick in there to manipulate the pins.

You have to push in, then turn 90° (or turn 270° to take the lock out).

Before I destroy another key to test it - If I filed off this tab ↓↓↓ , would I be able to open it without having to push it in (there is another tab on the inside that would still turn it - all this tab seems to do is prevent you from removing the key when it is half way between locked and unlocked. Also, you would not be able to remove the lock with this tab missing)?


The reason I ask is because I can't really feel any pins binding, and I think it's because of having to apply force to the key on two axes at the same time. Because of this, I am probably also putting way too much tension on it too...

I guess since I already 'ruined' one key, I'll go ahead and file that tab off on that key - just trying to figure out if I'm wasting my time even trying to go about picking it like this...

[zeepia]

Hi,

I have picked several tubular locks with a home made tension wrench and smallest pick I have or with pin. Very light tension and you can feel when you set a pin, the plug turns just a bit. Make notes for this order in a paper, it helps you when you proceed. And your lock needs only 90 degrees rotation, some locks that require more, like Kryptonite, you have to pick it through once, then again because the plug turns only less than a quarter after first cycle. My lock needs four cycles if I rememer correctly.

The tab in your key prevents only that key don´t come off in between. Key works well even without it. if you pick a lock in halfway, you can reset it or make it open with a key which tab has been filed off.

Some locks like chinese Ming Tyan are much harder to pick because their tolerances are so poor that you dont get the feedback right. But hey, that lock opens with toilet paper tube board and a piece of tape

Good luck and patience!

[cledry]

Sometimes if you file the tab off the key will come apart. It is also part of the physical connection between the head of the key and the blade of the key. They pick normally and usually easily. They also impression easily for the most part.

[Squelchtone]

tread lightly please.. I know tubular isn't exactly 'high security' but they protect vending machines and in this case tool boxes full of expensive tools. I should know, someone in my family is a mechanic, and his Snap On tool box alone was $20,000. Talking in great detail about picking the locks on these would not be responsible.

I may be moving this to advanced, just based on what it is protecting, please remember when we talk about locks here, everyone who has Google can search for this information and possibly use it for illegal means, and we're not here to give them a how to manual.

Thanks,
Squelchtone

[Josh66]

I understand, squelchtone. I have close to $10,000 in toolboxes, and much more than that for the tools inside them.

The company I work for now provides our tools (we're actually not even allowed to bring personal tools onto the facility), so they're just sitting in my apartment...

[Josh66]

You know, I was just thinking ... if somebody wanted in one of these toolboxes, it would be so much simpler than trying to pick the lock.

To get into mine, for example, all they would have to do is walk onto the Snap-On truck and say "I need a new lock, key code K621. I want to change the lock on one of my boxes so I only have to use one key..."

It would cost like $20 - a single wrench stolen would make that money well spent for the thief. Yes, you could grind the key code off the lock - but in my 10+ years of experience, I have never once seen somebody do that.
I have also never heard of somebody's tools mysteriously disappearing from a locked box... Tool theft is a big problem at most places I've worked, but usually they grow legs when people don't lock their stuff up at break time.

[zeepia]

OK, sorry. I must use more consideration in my responses in future.