the tubular lock on the front of the computer

[2122]

Has anyone ever tried to pick theirs? I tried mine today. It only had 4 pins and was really easy. Unfortunently it was a really crappy lock and right after it opened 2 of the pins shot out and hit me in the face! Is there a way to fix it?

[JackNco]

and theres the reason we don't pick locks we rely on...

Without seeing the lock I have no idea, if they came out they will go back in but chances are ull have to strip the lock.

John

[raimundo]

THe pins probably came out the place where the key has its pickup notch, this is sometimes large enough to let pins through when no key is present. these little locks could probably be keyed with various pen barrels, rolled up business cards etc. by the way, how old is that computer? these locks are still being used? the little mini ace was a thing of the 1980's now only found on funky handcuffs

[UWSDWF]

my computer doesn't have a lock on the front of it

[JackNco]

my computer doesn't have a lock on the front of it

most dont dude there usually found on the font og CD drives so stop people getting in to them. the only reason i answered it is because they are so old no company would still be using them. haven't seen one in years. were talking an 8YO PC at least

[UWSDWF]

my panasonic toughbook CF27 has a dimple lock on the power button

[2122]

The computer is about 3 years old my dad and I custom built it. There is a hatch on the front that covers the power switch cd drive and burner. I don't rely on it. I don't think i've ever even seen the key. I'd be surprised if we still have it. I picked the lock from open to locked then my hand slipped. Luckily i was able to open the case back up without fixing the lock.

[LockNewbie21]

Mine ahs the same thing mate and i got hit in the face with pins.

My pops built the whoel inside up, the Tower schell's still ahve them here and there. I don;t know why theres a lock on ours. I think its just for show if someone wanted my hard drive you can just pull them open. And take the lock to to pick after you pawned my hard drive

But i will agree, i have never seen a lockie or ebay sell them. Haven't looked much but natta

[RangerF150]

Funny you should mention that !
I picked the lock on my new Thermaltake case, pins and springs came flying out.
I have no need for the lock so did not care, but lesson learned, they ain't for picking

[linty]

these are ornamental locks anyways, i've seen several of them open quite smoothly with the wrong key.

[stilte]

I found a few unwanted computers and took them in for parts. Two had locks, but they weren't even real locks. It was just a sort of latch that was moved by a piece of metal sticking off the tubular-style key.

[arris]

i rember my really old pc had some kind of tubular lock on,

hmm next time im at my dads ill check if we still have the case

[Tygart]

I build all my own computers, I have not see a case that has a lock, just the real old ones.

On my dad's case there is a place to put a pad lock on it, also on my mini ATX comp has the same thing. Just to keep people from getting inside.

[linty]

my case is an antec sonata, just a few years old and it came with this kind of small tubular lock.

[melvin2001]

most older (pre 1990) computers have an electronic switch tubular lock (mini ace) that disables the power switch. its not much security as you can just open the case, cut the wires, and spice them back together, then use the power switch like normal bypassing the lock altogether. (i dont think this is advanced seeing as its for computers no longer in use).

Some higher end cases (antec and the like) often have a front flap on them that covers all the drive bays (cd, dvd, floppy drives) and also covers the power/reset buttons. these sometimes have small tubular cam locks that prevent the flap from being opened without the key. this flap is usually just plastic and can be ripped off, but whatever i think someone would notice that.

at any rate they are pretty useless and i dont know of anyone that uses them anyway.