![Tubular Lock and Key](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Tubular_Lock_and_Key.jpg)
A tubular pin tumbler lock, also known as a circle pin tumbler lock, radial lock, or the trademark Ace lock popularized by manufacturer
Chicago Lock Company
Chicago Lock Co. is a lock manufacturer, founded in Chicago in 1920. Since 1933, it has sold a tubular pin tumbler lock marketed under the registered trademark "Ace." Millions of Ace locks have been sold; for instance, these locks are used in No ...
since 1933, is a variety of
pin tumbler lock
The pin tumbler lock is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular pin tumbler locks (als ...
in which a number of pins are arranged in a circular pattern, and the corresponding key is tubular or cylindrical in shape. Most locks use between six and eight pins, although some use as few as four or as many as ten. The devices have been widely used on
vending machines
A vending machine is an automated machine that provides items such as snacks, beverages, cigarettes, and lottery tickets to consumers after cash, a credit card, or other forms of payment are inserted into the machine or otherwise made. The fir ...
,
elevator
An elevator or lift is a wire rope, cable-assisted, hydraulic cylinder-assisted, or roller-track assisted machine that vertically transports people or freight between floors, levels, or deck (building), decks of a building, watercraft, ...
s,
public computers
A public computer (or public access computer) is any of various computers available in public areas. Some places where public computers may be available are libraries, schools, or dedicated facilities run by government.
Public computers share simi ...
, and
bicycle lock
A bicycle lock is a security device used to deter bicycle theft, either by simply locking one of the wheels or by fastening the bicycle to a fixed object, e.g., a bike rack.
Quick-release levers, as used on some bicycle wheels and seatpost faste ...
s.
Design
The design of a tubular lock is similar to the
pin tumbler lock
The pin tumbler lock is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular pin tumbler locks (als ...
, in that there are several ''stacks'' of pins. The key is a cylinder shape with notches cut around the outer or (rarely) inner edge. Each of these notches depresses a single pin inside the lock to a specific height allowing the ''lock cylinder'' to turn freely.
Uses
Tubular locks are commonly seen on
bicycle lock
A bicycle lock is a security device used to deter bicycle theft, either by simply locking one of the wheels or by fastening the bicycle to a fixed object, e.g., a bike rack.
Quick-release levers, as used on some bicycle wheels and seatpost faste ...
s (such as the
Kryptonite lock
Kryptonite is an Allegion-owned brand of bicycle lock for securing a bicycle to a pole or other fixture, when the owner wants to leave the bicycle in a public place. The basic design, made of hardened steel of circular cross section bent into a ...
),
Kensington computer locks, elevators, and a variety of coin-operated devices such as
vending machine
A vending machine is an automated machine that provides items such as snacks, beverages, cigarettes, and lottery tickets to consumers after cash, a credit card, or other forms of payment are inserted into the machine or otherwise made. The fir ...
s, and coin-operated washing machines.
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
A self-service laundry, coin laundry, laundromat, or coin wash is a facility where clothes are washed and dried without much personalized professional help. They are known in the United Kingdom as launderettes or laundrettes, and in the Unit ...
. However, the primary reason this type of lock is used in these applications is that it can be made physically shorter than other locks.
Vulnerabilities
Such locks can be
picked by a special
tubular lock pick
Lock picking is the practice of unlocking a lock by manipulating the components of the lock device without the original key.
Although lock-picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for the legitimate professi ...
with a minimum of effort in very little time; it is also possible to defeat them by drilling with a
hole-saw drill bit. Standard tubular-lock drill bit diameters are and . To prevent drilling, many tubular locks have a middle pin made from hardened steel or contain a ball bearing in the middle pin.
Some tubular locks, such as those used on older models of
Kryptonite-brand bike locks, can be opened with the back end of a ball-point pen.
See also
*
Pin tumbler lock
The pin tumbler lock is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. Pin tumblers are most commonly employed in cylinder locks, but may also be found in tubular pin tumbler locks (als ...
*
Tubular lock pick
Lock picking is the practice of unlocking a lock by manipulating the components of the lock device without the original key.
Although lock-picking can be associated with criminal intent, it is an essential skill for the legitimate professi ...
*
Wafer tumbler lock
A wafer tumbler lock is a type of lock that uses a set of flat wafers to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. This type of lock is similar to the pin tumbler lock and works on a similar principle. However, unlike the ...
References
{{Locksmithing
Locks (security device)