Tubular locks

[scifibuff]

I have a 7 pin tubular lock pick. I have been able to pick some locks.
How do you decode using the decode key so you can get a key for the lock. I have keys for the locks I picked but the way I am doing it the numbers from the decode key do not correspond with the key numbers.
I must be doing something wrong or is there more to it than reading the numbers from the decode key.
Scifibuff

[Chucklz]

Are the "key numbers" ones that you have determined using the decoding key, or are they a code printed on the key. If they are a code, its likely that it is not a "direct code" for the lock. Btw, what brand of tubular pick/decoder are you using?

[Varjeal]

The numbers on the key itself shouldn't match the "bitting" of the key.

[scifibuff]

Hi all
I am using the old type 7 pin pick with the brass grip and the decoder is a depth chart in the shap of a key. I pick the lock pushing the pick into the lock. once open I use the decoder on the depth of the pins writing the number down. The number dosn't correspond with the number on the key. If I open a lock for a customer who has lost a key how can I get a replacment. Think I am doing something wrong or decoding is more complicated than I thought. I thought opening them would be difficult. Am I right in thinking with most tubular locks say a motorbike disk lock you can get a replacment key by giving the make of the lock and number to the key wholesaler and get a key. If the number dosn't correspond with the depth how do you get a replacment or do you have to cut it yourself?
all help appreciated
scifibuff

[Varjeal]

You can get a replacement by writing down the bitting that you've found and take it to a locksmith who deals with tubular locks and code cutting. If you give them the make of that lock (or the vehicle/equipment it came from) The locksmith will be able to identify the correct keyblank and cut the key to the bitting you give them.

If for some reason the customer has the "code" from the key and gives it to you, you can go to a locksmith and simply give them the code, tell them what the key is for, and they should be able to cut it directly from that as well. It's really much simpler than you think.

Of course, the other option is to purchase a tubular key duplicator, and insert your tool on one side, blank on the other, and duplicate it straight from your pick.

[scifibuff]

Thanks very much, I was making it more difficult than it really is. When you say the "bitting" that will be the depths I measure using the decoder or do you mean actullay take the pick to the locksmith. Sorry for so many questions, I don't want to get stuck when a customer says can you get a key for me now you have opened it.
Scifibuff

[Varjeal]

Either, or both. If you find that when you decode your pick is giving you exact bitting depths, then just take the bitting depths you write down.

Btw, better to ask a dumb question than to make a dumb mistake.

[Deviant Ollam]

out of curiosity, what is the numbering convention used for tubular bitting?

i mean, with standard blade-type keys, from what i've learned the bitting depths (0 for no cut, 9 for deepest cut) are listed from shoulder to tip, yes?

with a tubular lock, if i had to just take a wild guess, are the bitting values listed starting at the ridge on the key (where there is no bitting cut) and going around in a clockwise fasion? i'd like to know for certain so that if i ask to have a key made i sound like i know what i'm talking about.

[Chucklz]

Not all keys go 0-9, not all keys start with 0 (ie 1). IC keys are numbered tip to bow. There are no hard and fast rules, just overwhelming gereral agreement.