Tubular Success... How to make a key.

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Hi,

I've recently had success freeing a bike that was locked in a friends basement with a tubular U-lock. I used my new TPXS-07.

My 'fee' was a Tasty dinner, and of course the lock itself.

I'd like want to make a key for the lock. I have a few tubular blanks, and some metal tubing that is the correct size.

How do I cut the little bitings on the key? I've seen some cool hand powered tools on HPC and the *.cn sites. Has anyone tried a home brew model. Any hand filling techniques I could try?

Thanks.

freakparade3 edit. Hotlinked image removed

[MacGyver101]

If I remember correctly, I think the TPXS-07 comes with a "depth key" that is cut for each of the standard pin depths. The easiest/cheapers route, if you already have a tubular lockpick and a tubular blank, is probably to:

- Pick the lock using your tubular pick;
- Before you remove the pick from the lock, tighten the tension knob (to prevent the feelers from moving when you remove the pick);
- Use the "depth key" to read each of the feelers in the lockpick, recording the depth of their cut;
- Using a file, cut your blank to the depths you've recorded (use the "depth key" to check periodically as you cut).

I doesn't look as pretty, but you can simply file notches right through the "wall" of the tubular blank (i.e., as if you were filing down a traditional key)... there's no need to do the usual little "milled" cuts into the sides of the blank. (Doing so would be easier on the fabric in your pocket -- but it doesn't sound like you're planning on carrying the key around on your keychain.)

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I should have mentioned that I have a key depth gauge, and am pretty confident that I have the code correct.

I tried to make a pocket killing key but I've had no success getting it to work correctly. I would ideally like something that would work for other people. Something that doesn't look hacked.

It is a good suggestion. I'll give it a try again soon and file a little more carefully. Maybe w/o the dremel this time

To most non sport pickers tubular locks are still 'high security'. I'd rather not confuse them too much with a hacked key. I do plan on using the lock as a theft deterrent.

Thanks

[MacGyver101]

Ah, I didn't realize from your earlier post that you were looking to put this back into service as your regular bike lock.

To most non sport pickers tubular locks are still 'high security'. I'd rather not confuse them too much with a hacked key.

Well, it depends I guess on which "them" is important. I would agree that shoppers at the local hardware store would probably consider it "high security"... but they're not the people who are going to be stealing your bike. Bicycle thieves aren't dumb: they have a significant financial interest in knowing which locks can be easily opened... and if anyone can buy a cheap, off-the-shelf pick that will open your lock in 2 seconds, it's not "high security".

Please don't misunderstand my intentions: I'm not saying this to be argumentative... I just don't want to see you get ripped off!

[test]

Thanks for the advice on bike safety. There is no feeling like losing a bike.

I have a nice bike that has never seen a lock before, if it is outside it doesn't leave my sight. This lock will be use for my beater bike.

A little off topic but, If anyone is looking for theft resistant bike locks I suggest the following:

Contractor grade padlock ( american, master )
2 to 4 feet of heavy chain ( 14mm - 5/8" Hexagonal short link chain)

There are some serious flaws for ulocks that that allow them to be destructively opened in seconds. ( out of scope for here ) not to mention the pen is mightier than the sword...

I'm picking up some new swiss files soon... I'll wait for those to arrive before I destroy any more key blanks.

Thanks