Tubular lock giving me fits

[zimm]

I got a shiny new Southern Specialties 7/8 pin convertible tubular lock pic (Christmas present to myself). I have an Trimax trailer lock in my box 'o locks to play with. https://www.trimaxlocks.com/shop/couple ... pler-lock/

It's a 7 pin with an anti-drill bearing in the tip.

I set up the tool and played with it for about 15 minutes before I finally got it to open. Once it opened, the tool came out and whatever setting I locked in, didn't "take". So now it's stuck in the open position. I've been trying to pick it closed for 2 days now with no success. I even found a write up on here for ACEII locks in which I removed the washer and manually tried to SPP each pin using the tool as a tensioner and working each pin individually. Now my fingers are cramped and I can barely type.

When I look at the lock- the slot of the rotation pin is at the 3 o'clock position. At the 12 o'clock (where it would be if it was locked) there isn't a pin, so I haven't been using that pin on the tool thinking maybe if it's extended through the hole in the lock, it won't rotate.

I could use some advice, my newbie lock picking confidence is shattered right now.

[zimm]

Here's a picture. I noticed the 12 o'clock pin isn't visible. Where did that go?

[zimm]

Another update- I partially picked it with the tool- the lock freely rotated left then stopped. Now it's halfway between locked and unlocked. While it was rotating, I tried locking the pins in place, but the resulting "key" didn't help. Starting from scratch again.

[zimm]

Hmmm... I heard a clink and the pin at the 11 o'clock position fell out. If I stick a feeler in the hole, the other pin and spring are still in there. Is this lock a goner?

[billdeserthills]

The pin that fell out looks like a driver pin, so if you do manage to turn the lock back, everytime you pass another driver pin, it will also try to fall out. I've seen this in the field with well-used ace-type locks & it signals the end of that lock

[zimm]

Bummer that's what I was afraid of. I'll trash can this one and look for other tubular locks to add to the collection. It's the only one I have right now.

[blue60]

Even though its not the case here, it is a good reminder for everyone new to the forum, this is one of the reasons why we do not pick locks that are in use.

[stratmando]

Don't trash it, just remove spring and other pin,
I Call that pin 6, #6 from 12:00 position in lock position. You would need to file outer nub on a spare key, insert key so it is 90° to the right(on the no pin spot), turn straight up, get rid of that key, or only use to duplicate, or sure you won't try pulling out unless one of the positions,
Some here might, pick lock correct direction, but just barely and see if you can put original Pin(s), back to Original, and don't use to pick. Good Luck

[zimm]

How do I remove the pin and spring from where the driver pin fell out? I filed down the key so it fits, but without a way to push on the 11 o'clock pin, I'm stuck.

[stratmando]

Maybe take a hacksaw, cut a slice in the key at that position. I believe The Blade cut is narrower than a pin, but will allow a paper clip to push that pin down, rotate around to where you can insert the pin that fell out, turn to the normal removal position. Don't use that key afterwards.
Good Luck. You're close

[stratmando]

Just looked at photo again, try inserting pin place, insert key, turn key to left 1 pin

[zimm]

The pin is too thick to go back through the lock "face". I did use part of your idea and cut a paper clip to the same length as the pin that fell out. I finally got it to drop into the hole, but it's so skinny it flops around and the key doesn't engage it. Or maybe length is off just a tad. I'll mess with it tomorrow. I'm going back to playing with padlocks for a while.

[stratmando]

Maybe try filing or sanding a side of the pin til it goes in. Shouldn't affect Operation. If came out through there, should be able to go go back in, maybe try inserting at an angle.
Also try taking a small screwdriver and leverage the center of lock down, may make more room. Thanks for not giving up and throwing out.

[billdeserthills]

I think you should toss that lock and get a better one-- once the pins begin falling out there is no way to keep them in, unless you replace the outside of that lock

[stratmando]

Bill, shouldn't the lock be OK so long as he doesn't remove key in a bad position. Not his modified key.