Smallest Tubular Lock?

[emc2kh]

What is the smallest diameter for a tubular lock you guys have heard of? Has anyone heard of a tubular key being around 3mm in diameter?

[master in training]

i've got a key here with the diameter of the hole inside being 4mm and that seems seriously small, my bike lock key is about 8mm diameter inside, this seems like normal size to me.

any ideas what keys this small are for?

[Chucklz]

Switch locks that once were common on the front of computer cases. Usually either 0 or 4 pins. If its the 4 pin model, its usually all the same depth.

[emc2kh]

I work in the IT industry, and the smallest key I have has a hole that is 5mm in diameter. We use these locks for PCs, laptops, kiosks, etc. I am trying to make a tiny lock to prevent access to something, and I can't find anything anywhere even close to what I am looking for. I am thinking that I need to make one myself.

[master in training]

this probably is a computer case key, its 4 pin, 2 different heights though, but they are in a pattern, so its still an easy pick. not as easy as the lock that was on our phone line in our house, mum put it on to stop the use of the internet upstairs a few years ago, it got ripped out a few weeks ago and i had a look at the lock, there were no pins in it what so ever!! lol! talk about security by obscurity...

emc2kh what kind of thing are you trying to prevent access to? if its just something inside a pc, you could get the cases that come with a bracket to put a lock in then just use a padlock.

[emc2kh]

What is the proper terminology relating to these locks? They have radial pin tumblers right? I have seen other names for these locks. Is "tubular" the most accepted one?

[emc2kh]

I don't want to say what I want to prevent access to until I find out that something is already out there that solves my problem. I don't want to stumble onto a novel idea and give away my secret.

[n2oah]

Switch locks that once were common on the front of computer cases. Usually either 0 or 4 pins. If its the 4 pin model, its usually all the same depth.

I took one of those off of an old computer awhile ago. The key is 4mm in diameter and has only 1 pin.

What is the proper terminology relating to these locks? They have radial pin tumblers right? I have seen other names for these locks. Is "tubular" the most accepted one?

They are commonly called ACE, ACE-II, tubular, and circular.

[vector40]

Though you might want to avoid "circular," with the danger of being confused with various combination locks (or even Abloy-type).

[keysman]

try here:

http://www.abalocks.com/

They make some VERY small diameter locks

[emc2kh]

Thanks keysman. Hey, I live in Henderson, NV. Do you know of any good lock MFGs in the Vegas valley? I'm wondering what it would cost me for a tiny custom lock to be made.

[Shrub]

The smaller the lock the less secure it is, if you are making a lock that is 10mm big for example what is to stop someone just forcing it off?

You could always buy one of those lockable picture pendants the catalogues sell

[emc2kh]

This application is more of a deterrent than a high security system, so the complexity or strength of the lock is of little importance. Anyways, the surrounding area of the lock could be easily destroyed with a pair of pliers.

[NKT]

Uh-oh! Ten second override with a bic ahead!

Please don't go with security through obscurity, nor have a fitting that can be ripped off in a second. If pliers will destroy the whole area around it in a few seconds, mount it elsewhere! Even PC cases are tougher than this, if you mount them just right, the locks for preventing opening of the case can be incrediblely tough to beat.

If you just want a tamper seal that will slow people for ten seconds, drill a hole through the case and add a bag ziplock tie that goes one way.

[keysman]

Those locks are carried by Coin Security in Van Nyes Ca.

Miwa USA used to be in Las vegas but sold out, and moved


Other than New Standard padlocks, I don't know of any manufactures in LV