Tubular lock, should I pick or drill?

[wloch248]

I was able to buy an older vendo pop machine for a very cheap price because the owner couldn't find the keys. I have had an interest in picking for a while and tinkered around with it.

I was considering trying to pick it but from everything I have read on the site you either need a tubular pick for it ($70-100) or pick it quite a few times to open it. I also called a few local locksmiths who said it would be a minimum of around $70-80 to come out, pick it, cut a key, after the service fee....... I really don't want to go that route. They also suggested just drilling ti out an replacing the lock ($12-25)

If I went that way which looks the easiest and cheapest how would I drill the lock? It looks older and says ACE on the outside. I am pretty sure it isn't hardened or drill proof. Any ideas on size of bit or how far to drill in? Then how to turn to get the handle to pop out? Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

[Iceberg_Slim]

drill straight thru the lock an inch, then try and open and then drill another inch and try to open it, then ETC ETC

[scorpiac]

I've no personal experience with this but as I understand it the proper method of drilling these is to use a hole saw that fits around the center the same as the key would.

[wloch248]

I started drilling with my air drill. The biggest bit that would fit in it is just catching the edges of the outer ring. So far the outer pins have all come out and nothing will turn. I think I will try to drill deeper. Any more suggestions would help a lot.

[lunchb0x]

if the pins have started to come out it is probably the bottom pins jambing it, hit the lock to try and vibrate the pins out then you shoud be able to turn the centre part of the lock

[SEVEN]

Hole cutter and drill straight through back should come away.

[LockNewbie21]

Or just carry a dollar for a cherry coke.

[Shrub]

Sorry drilling locks isnt allowed in the open forums,

The tubular locks use a special cutter which as said is indeed like a hole cutter,

Get the locksmith and be done with it, you know its been done right then,