What kind of lock is this (if it is even a lock)?

[kkamann]

I admit I am very green on this subject, but I have researched for hours but to no avail. I've come across something that I have never seen before. I would like to know what kind of lock this is called so I can research on how to get by it. I hesitate to use the word "cylinder" because I know it is part of a normal lock mechanism (like inside a doorknob). So when I mention these term, I am NOT referring to this.

It was through a hole where a normal padlock could go, like a metal gate or something. But instead of a padlock, there was a cylinder shaped lock thingy. It was about 1-2 inches long and looked like a M-16 bullet that didn't have a point. About a third of a way down the cylinder, it got skinnier, as if the hole it was sticking through was "choking" the lock. Then the other end was big again So you can't just slide it through. On one end, there is a small hole, like a bed/bath lock.

What kind of lock is this called? Is it a simple as getting a normal alan wrench? Do you twist/pull/push? Maybe this isn't even a lock, but something else being cleverly used as a lock.

[mh]

It might have been a seal, something that can only be cut off.

Or a Barrel Lock? like those on http://www.meterguard.com/ ?

Go ahead and post a picture.

Cheers,
mh

(and welcome to this great place!)

[Shrub]

Take a photo of it and show us or failing that do a sketch as best you can,

[kkamann]

Yep. It is a barrel lock. It is much easier to find info now I know what to look for. You're awesome. Here is a link to one that looks just like the one I am seeing. I don't know if it is this actual brand or model, but it looks identical to this, minus the shiny luster. I do not know what part is the "cap" or if it has the weather seal. I see there are other models in this catalog that look the same as this, but I don't have a clue which one it might be. They all look the same to me.

http://www.brooksutility.com/catalog/pr ... asp?ID=352

This link has another model. Look at the brass looking one.

http://www.brooksutility.com/catalog/pr ... asp?ID=346

How does the mechanism work? The "key" looks pretty high tech. Is the only way to get around this is to dremmel it off? I suppose an alan wrench wont work here.

[Shrub]

I dont know what your doing but it sounds dodgy,

These locks are widely used on services equipent like electricity or water etc and you should not be playing with them,

You havent or wont show a picture of the lock you are looking at which also suggests your up to no good,

I conceed there could be a slight chance that this is above board but as a first post i think its best this gets locked,

You do not pick locks that arent yours,

You do not pick locks that are in use,