Standard tubular-lock drill bit diameters are 0.375 in (9.5 mm) and 0.394 in (10.0 mm). To prevent drilling, many tubular locks have a middle pin made from hardened steel or contain a ball bearing in the middle pin.
The 7-pin tubular lock is the most common, while the 10-pin type is the rarest.
Instead, tubular locks have universal keys designed for each lock type or model. Most manufacturers produce these locks in versions, providing a single key to access all the locks under it. Thus, it prevents the use of different keys to access the tubular lock and further heightening its security.
Tubular locks offer superior protection to pin-tumbler locks and wafer-tumbler locks, but they are also more expensive. Instead of one row of pins, tubular locks have pins positioned all the way around the circumference of the cylinder plug. This makes them much harder to pick.
Tubular locks often found where higher security is needed such as high security bicycle locks, vending machines, and fire safes. Tubular lock picks come in several different configurations to work on the various configurations of of tubular locks. The most common configuration is the 7 pin centered arrangement.
Using a lock pick is the only verified way to open a tubular lock without the key so, if you have time to spare, purchase a pick to open your tubular lock. If you're in a hurry, you may be able to pick your lock with a ballpoint pen, but this method is less guaranteed than using a pick.
Overall Latch Size = Backset
An easy way to choose which latch you need is to measure from the edge of your door to the centre of your door Stile. Choose the Backset which is closest to this measurement, and the handle will be as central as possible to the Stile on your door.
Tubular pin tumbler locks are often considered to be safer and more resistant to picking than standard locks. This is primarily because they are often seen on coin boxes for vending machines and coin-operated machines, such as those used in a laundromat.
For security purposes, vending machine keys are all keyed differently. The locks on these machines can only be opened by a key that has a compatible "key code". Key codes are what distinguish one key from another. There is no key on the market that is compatible with all key codes.
Just like regular keys, tubular keys are distinct, so you need the model and identification number from the machine when you contact the manufacturer.
Master key: The master key can open all locks you have in your residential or commercial property.
Tubular locks have a variety of pins arranged in a circular pattern, most tubular locks use 7 or 8 pins, some may even have off set pins. The Tubular Lock Picks have feeler picks that spiral the tube and correspond to pins in a tubular lock.
A tubular lock is also known as a radial lock, barrel key, Ace lock or a circle pin tumbler lock where there are a variety of pins (between 4-10), arranged in a circular pattern with the matching key in a tubular or cylindrical shape, which led to being referred to as circular key lock.
Although they can come in different sizes the two most common sizes in the UK for internal door latches are 63mm and 76mm. These sizes are the overall length of the latch, or the case. When measured to the spindle mechanism, the backset, then they translate as 44mm for the 65mm case and 57mm for the 76mm case.
The most common size has a casing which is 63mm in depth and the distance to the middle of the square operating spindle is 44mm. This size of latch is used for the majority of lever handles on back plates, where the width of the back plate is about 40-45mm.
In the United States, there are two common backsets for residential door locks: 2 3/8 inches and 2 3/4 inches. Pack your locks with a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch latch, depending on which backset you specify. Dummy sets have no latch and are surface-mounted so you can install a dummy set wherever you choose on the door.
Circle locks, also known as tubular locks, work differently from standard locks. They are typically used in public places because they cannot be easily opened. However, you can open a round lock without key by picking it with a circle lock pick or with a pen.
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
Step 1: How a Tubular Lock Works
The shape of the key is circular, open in the center, and has grooves that are cut into the outsides of the circular shape. Once the key has been fitted correctly in the keyhole, it will depress the key pins to the correct depth and the key can be turned opening the lock.