How to Pick a Tubular Lock

It may sound crazy, but you may actually be able to pick a tubular lock with a ballpoint pen. Use a ballpoint pen with an exterior the same diameter as or slightly smaller than the lock's opening and remove the ink tube from inside. Cut 4 vertical notches into the back of the pen that run up and along the sides of the pen so it'll be flexible it slides into the lock. 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. 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.

No lock is super easy to pick, but you can make tubular locks easier to pick by properly preparing for it. 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. 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. 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.

The best way is to use a tubular lock pick. They're complicated locks and with a tool made for the job, you can make the task a little easier. 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. 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. 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.