Should i buy a tubular lock to practice on?

[Uisgdlyast]

I'd like to expand my knowledge and i could probably pick up a tubular for 8$USD, heres a description:
"high security Fort 1000 Series tubular key camlock. This multi-function lock features a 7 pin tumbler and nickel plating. The hardware shown is included. There are two keys per lock. The key, when inserted, rotates 90 degrees clockwise, and can be removed in the unlocked position."

I'm wondering if this would be a good thing to learn, i plan on not using a tubular pick so what should i use for a good tension wrench? Will a screwdriver work or do i need something more specific.

Also i searched but how much longer does it take to pick a tubular manually than a normal deadbolt sinc eyou have to pick it a few times?

Thanks, and please don't mention bic's.. i've read enough about those

[D_Shane]

I'm sure there's a topic on these in here, but...

You can use a regular tension wrench. Play around with it alittle and you'll see how it works. As for difficulty, it depends on the locks- both the tubular and the door or padlock you comare it too. You won't have to completely pick it several times by the way.
For a 7-pin like you are talking about about after you have the 1st set of 7 pins picked and rotated, you only have 5 pins for the remaining 2 sets. (3 picks total to turn 90 degrees.)
The design of the lock covers 2 of the pins until its placed back in the locked position.

Whether you should get it or not is up to you. If you want to try something a little different then go ahead, you can try out the method that is not spoken. Or upgrade to a cylinder that is harder to pick than you currently have.

[jason]

I just own a tubular pick (HPCs) - I've never even tried to pick a tubular without it, when I did get called to open a tubular it was on a mountain bike frame (a friend's kid had locked it on his parent's fence and gone out with his mate and surprise, surprise lost his key).

In cases like that, picking open in situ can be a pain in the behind as you are at all sorts of funny angles trying to get comfortable.

I probably will get some old tubulars and have a tinker, but that's one of those things to do when I have a little quiet time to study what's happening to them.