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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Disaster Preparedness
Home Security
Locks and Keys
Lock Picking
How to Pick a Tubular Lock Download Article Co-authored by Trevor Maclise
Last Updated: December 9, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article
Prep & Practice
|
Ballpoint Pen
|
Lock Pick
|
Video
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Trevor Maclise. Trevor Maclise is a Locksmith and the Owner of Infinity Key Locksmith in San Diego, California. Trevor has over five years of experience in the industry. He specializes in working with residential doors, including door and frame replacements, door hardware installation, multi-point locks, and mortise locks. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 266,889 times.
Tubular locks, found on many lockers and bike locks, are notoriously difficult to open without their key. But if you have the right tools and practice your technique, picking a tubular lock is possible. Whether you're learning the art of lockpicking or you need to access a locked item, you can learn to pick a tubular lock with practice. Try using a ballpoint pen to pick the lock first and, if that DIY method doesn't work, use a tubular lock pick as a backup method.[1]XResearch source
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Prep & Practice
Download Article
1 Buy a practice lock to perfect your lockpicking technique. If you're learning to pick tubular locks as part of a hobby and are mainly concerned about technique, purchasing a practice lock may come in handy before buying the real thing. Practice locks show the inside of the lock so you know exactly what you're doing as you pick it.
If you're trying to open a specific item and don't particularly care about technique, you don't need to purchase a practice lock.
2 Examine the lock to determine how many pins it has. Tubular locks usually have between 6-8 pins, with 7-8 being most common. How many pins the lock has influences what kind of lock pick you will need, so count and record the number before you purchase a lock pick. Advertisement
3 Clean your lock before you pick it. Wash dirty locks with soap and warm water to remove dust or debris. If your lock is rusty, try to remove as much as you can before picking it.
If your lock is clean, you'll be able to pick it more easily.[2]X Expert Source Trevor MacliseLocksmithExpert Interview
4 Slide the pick's needles back and forth. If the picking needles move easily, they will contour well to the interior of the lock and will be useful for picking. Needles that don't move as easily back and forth, however, may be dirty or rusty. Clean your pick and remove any visible rust to eliminate sticking.
If you've cleaned your pick and the needles still don't move easily, it may be broken.
5 Invest in a lock pick for the easiest way. Because tubular locks are so complex, they cannot be picked in the same way as other locks. 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.[3]X Expert Source Trevor MacliseLocksmithExpert Interview
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.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Ballpoint Pen
Download Article
1 Cut off the end of a ballpoint pen with scissors. Pick a ballpoint pen with an exterior the same diameter as or slightly smaller than the lock's opening. Remove the ink tube from inside the pen, as you will be using the ballpoint pen's exterior to jimmy open the lock.[4]XResearch source
2 Cut 4 vertical notches into the back of the pen. The notches should run up and along the sides of the pen. These will keep the pen flexible as they slide into the lock.[5]XResearch source
3 Slide the pen into the lock's opening. Insert the pen as far as it will go into the lock, using pressure if needed. If the lock seems jammed and will not allow the pen to slide in, try either making the notches longer or cleaning any potential dirt or rust inside the lock.[6]XResearch source
4 Shake the lock back and forth. Hold the pen in one hand and the lock in the other and shake both from side to side until the pins loosen. If you hit all of the pins, the lock should open. Try shaking it several times—if it doesn't open after repeated attempts, you may need to use a lock pick.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Lock Pick
Download Article
1 Make sure that your pick has the correct amount of needles for your lock. The number of needles should correspond to the pins on your lock. If your lock has 7 pins, for example, you should use a pick with 7 needles.[7]XResearch source
2 Twist the pick's tightening bolt to loosen it. The tightening bolt should be located on the side of the lock pick. When the bolt feels loose, line the pick up with the lock to make sure that the inner needles are aligned with the lock's pins. Tighten the bolt again after making adjustments when the needles and pins seem to align.
3 Slide the pick into the lock as far as it will go. If your lock feels stuck at any point, remove it from the lock and twist the bolt loose again. You may need to re-adjust the needles before they fit smoothly into the lock.
4 Turn the pick to the right. If your pick's needles are aligned correctly, this should trigger a spring and open the lock. Twist the pick as far to the right as it will go while pressing towards the center of the lock.
If the lock still won't open, try re-adjusting the tightening bolt and trying again.
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Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Never use excessive force when picking a lock, as this can damage its inside. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
Picking a tubular lock with a ballpoint pen is challenging. In most cases, you will need a lock pick to open it. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 4
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Pick locks for legal reasons only, like learning lock picking or unlocking a personal item. Lock picking for illegal activities may result in fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2
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Things You'll Need
Tubular lock pick
Ballpoint pen
Scissors
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Co-authored by: Trevor Maclise Locksmith This article was co-authored by Trevor Maclise. Trevor Maclise is a Locksmith and the Owner of Infinity Key Locksmith in San Diego, California. Trevor has over five years of experience in the industry. He specializes in working with residential doors, including door and frame replacements, door hardware installation, multi-point locks, and mortise locks. This article has been viewed 266,889 times. 22 votes - 74% Co-authors: 10Updated: December 9, 2024 Views: 266,889 Categories: Lock PickingArticle SummaryX
Tubular locks can be difficult to pick, but with the right tools and a little practice, you can get it. The easiest way to pick a tubular lock is by using a tubular lock pick. However, you can use a ballpoint pen if you don't have one. You’ll need to cut off the end of the pen with scissors, cut 4 vertical notches in the plastic, then slide the pen into the lock's opening. Insert the pen as far as it will go, then, holding the pen in one hand and the lock in the other, shake both from side to side until the pins loosen. After shaking for a bit it should open. To learn how to use a tubular lock pick tool, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Lavinia Davis
Jan 11, 2023
"Very easy due to detailed directions, thank you."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Trevor Maclise Locksmith 22 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: December 9, 2024 Views: 266,889
Lavinia Davis
Jan 11, 2023
"Very easy due to detailed directions, thank you."
Anonymous
Jan 11, 2024
"It was very helpful and straightforward." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Trevor Maclise Locksmith This article was co-authored by Trevor Maclise. Trevor Maclise is a Locksmith and the Owner of Infinity Key Locksmith in San Diego, California. Trevor has over five years of experience in the industry. He specializes in working with residential doors, including door and frame replacements, door hardware installation, multi-point locks, and mortise locks. This article has been viewed 266,889 times. 22 votes - 74% Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 9, 2024 Views: 266,889 Categories: Lock Picking Article SummaryX
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1 Buy a practice lock to perfect your lockpicking technique. If you're learning to pick tubular locks as part of a hobby and are mainly concerned about technique, purchasing a practice lock may come in handy before buying the real thing. Practice locks show the inside of the lock so you know exactly what you're doing as you pick it. 
2 Examine the lock to determine how many pins it has. Tubular locks usually have between 6-8 pins, with 7-8 being most common. How many pins the lock has influences what kind of lock pick you will need, so count and record the number before you purchase a lock pick. Advertisement 
3 Clean your lock before you pick it. Wash dirty locks with soap and warm water to remove dust or debris. If your lock is rusty, try to remove as much as you can before picking it. 
4 Slide the pick's needles back and forth. If the picking needles move easily, they will contour well to the interior of the lock and will be useful for picking. Needles that don't move as easily back and forth, however, may be dirty or rusty. Clean your pick and remove any visible rust to eliminate sticking. 
5 Invest in a lock pick for the easiest way. Because tubular locks are so complex, they cannot be picked in the same way as other locks. 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.[3] 
1 Cut off the end of a ballpoint pen with scissors. Pick a ballpoint pen with an exterior the same diameter as or slightly smaller than the lock's opening. Remove the ink tube from inside the pen, as you will be using the ballpoint pen's exterior to jimmy open the lock.[4] 
2 Cut 4 vertical notches into the back of the pen. The notches should run up and along the sides of the pen. These will keep the pen flexible as they slide into the lock.[5] 
3 Slide the pen into the lock's opening. Insert the pen as far as it will go into the lock, using pressure if needed. If the lock seems jammed and will not allow the pen to slide in, try either making the notches longer or cleaning any potential dirt or rust inside the lock.[6] 
4 Shake the lock back and forth. Hold the pen in one hand and the lock in the other and shake both from side to side until the pins loosen. If you hit all of the pins, the lock should open. Try shaking it several times—if it doesn't open after repeated attempts, you may need to use a lock pick. Advertisement 
1 Make sure that your pick has the correct amount of needles for your lock. The number of needles should correspond to the pins on your lock. If your lock has 7 pins, for example, you should use a pick with 7 needles.[7] 
2 Twist the pick's tightening bolt to loosen it. The tightening bolt should be located on the side of the lock pick. When the bolt feels loose, line the pick up with the lock to make sure that the inner needles are aligned with the lock's pins. Tighten the bolt again after making adjustments when the needles and pins seem to align. 
3 Slide the pick into the lock as far as it will go. If your lock feels stuck at any point, remove it from the lock and twist the bolt loose again. You may need to re-adjust the needles before they fit smoothly into the lock. 
4 Turn the pick to the right. If your pick's needles are aligned correctly, this should trigger a spring and open the lock. Twist the pick as far to the right as it will go while pressing towards the center of the lock.