7 or 8 Pin Tubular Locks?

[noctorum]

For tubular lockpicks, if the cylinder has 5, 6, etc. pins, and I know what position they are missing them from, could I use a 7 or a 8?

Is 8 superior to 7? (i.e. I can make an 8 into a 7)

and which is most common? Should I just buy an 8 or shell out of the money for an 8 and a 7?

Thanks

~Alex

[skold]

from what i know about tubular lock picks (very little) i think you can turn an 8 pinner into a 7 pin pick , but i may be wrong.

[Chucklz]

That conversion requires some rather careful drilling for the New style S.O. pick. If you are without a drill press, forget it.

[noctorum]

Generally I'd have a friend pay me a few bucks and if they lost their bike key I could get it off for them. I've had to get a allan wrench set and take off their handlebars and headsets lots of times, and they lose the lock. Which would be better for this?

~Alex

[S3rratedSp00L]

I believe most of the tubulars you'll encounter on bike locks (and in general?) are 7-pin. Hope that helps.

Do a search as well. The conversion info is here someplace if you are interested in that still.. I remember seeing a thread about it. Good luck!

[noctorum]

Thanks guys

~Alex