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Tubular Lock Pick Set Guide: How It Works, Uses & Choosing the Right Set
2026-08-27 13:39
Tubular locks use a circular keyway and a ring of pins rather than the linear pin arrangement found in many conventional pin tumbler locks. Because of this distinctive construction, they require specialized tools designed around the lock's circular layout. Whether you are learning locksport, practicing on training locks, or working in an authorized locksmith setting, understanding the differences between tubular pick configurations is important before you Buy Tubular Lock Pick Set tools. This guide explains how tubular locks and picks work, where these tools are commonly used, and what specifications to consider when choosing a set.
What is Tubular Lock Pick Set?
A tubular lock pick set is designed specifically for tubular or circular locks. Instead of using a conventional flat keyway, these locks arrange their pins around a central post. The corresponding key is tubular in shape and interacts with those pins around the circumference of the lock.According to Lockpickmall, tubular locks can be found in applications such as vending machines, coin-operated laundry equipment and bike locks. Specialized tubular picks are designed to fit the circular keyway and use multiple picking fingers or needles positioned around the tool.
A typical tubular pick may include:
- Multiple picking needles corresponding to the lock's pin arrangement
- An adjustable friction or locking collar
- A cylindrical body that matches the tubular keyway
- A handle designed to provide controlled grip
- A decoder component on applicable models
- A guide pin on some advanced designs
The exact configuration varies considerably, which is why identifying the target lock before choosing a tool is essential.
How Does a Tubular Lock Pick Work?
The main difference between tubular and standard lock picking is the arrangement of the pins. With a tubular lock, the pins are positioned in a circle, so an ordinary hook or rake is not designed to interact with all of them in the same way.A tubular pick instead positions several picking fingers around its cylindrical body. On adjustable models, the picking needles can move independently as they interact with the lock's pin system. Lockpickmall's advanced models also allow the user to adjust needle pressure, which is intended to accommodate locks with different spring pressures. Some tools also function as decoders. After an authorized training or locksmith procedure, the resulting needle positions can provide information about the corresponding key configuration.For safe practice, use tubular picks only on training locks, locks you own, or locks you have explicit permission to work on. Lockpickmall gives the same restriction on its tubular pick product pages.
7 Pin vs 8 Pin vs 10 Pin Tubular Lock Picks
One of the most important specifications is pin count. Lockpickmall currently lists individual and combined options for 7-pin, 8-pin and 10-pin tubular locks. Its advanced three-piece set, for example, includes one pick and decoder tool for each of these three configurations.
Finally, consider whether you need:
| Tubular Pick Type | Pin Configuration | Example Lockpickmall Option | Listed Specification / Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Pin | 7 pins | 7 Pins Adjustable Tubular Lock Picks Tools | Available in 7.0, 7.5 and 7.8 mm versions |
| 8 Pin | 8 pins | Advanced Tubular Lock Pick Decoder Key 8 Pin | 0.316/0.318 in inner diameter, 0.370 in outer diameter |
| 10 Pin | 10 pins | Lock Pick Decoder Key 10 Pin Tubular | Dedicated 10-pin configuration |
| Multi-Size Set | 7, 8 and 10 pins | 7 Pin, 8 Pin and 10 Pin Advanced Tubular Picks Set | Three pick/decoder tools, stainless steel construction and adjustable manipulation |
An important detail is that similar keyway dimensions do not make the pin counts interchangeable. Lockpickmall states that its 7, 8 and 10-pin advanced tubular locks use the same keyway size, but the spacing between the pins differs. Consequently, a pick intended for one pin configuration should not simply be treated as a substitute for another.
Where are Tubular Lock Picks Used?
Tubular locks are selected for applications where their compact circular mechanism is useful. Lockpickmall identifies several common examples, including vending machines, coin-operated washers and dryers, coin boxes, cigarette machines, soda and snack machines, jukeboxes and some bike locks.
For legitimate users, tubular pick sets can therefore serve several purposes:
- Locksport practice: Learning how a circular pin arrangement differs from a conventional pin tumbler mechanism.
- Locksmith training: Developing familiarity with tubular lock construction and specialized tools.
- Practice-lock exercises: Some kits include transparent tubular cylinders specifically for training.
- Authorized servicing: Appropriate tools can help qualified users work with compatible tubular locks when they have authorization.
- Decoding practice: Pick-and-decoder models provide another way to study how tubular key configurations correspond to pin positions.
How to Choose the Right Tubular Lock Pick Set?
Start with pin count. If you know that your authorized practice lock uses seven pins, a dedicated 7-pin model may be sufficient. If you expect to train with several tubular lock formats, a multi-configuration set can provide more flexibility.Next, check diameter and size compatibility. Lockpickmall's advanced 7, 8 and 10-pin set specifies an inner diameter of 0.316/0.318 inches, or approximately 8.02 to 8.07 mm, and an outer diameter of 0.370 inches, or 9.39 mm. Other 7-pin products are offered in 7.0, 7.5 and 7.8 mm sizes, so buyers should not assume every tubular tool has identical dimensions. Construction is another consideration. The three-piece 7.0, 7.5 and 7.8 mm set listed by Lockpickmall uses 304 stainless steel and an aviation aluminum handle, while other adjustable models feature tempered stainless steel picking fingers and adjustable friction collars.
Finally, consider whether you need:
- A single dedicated pin configuration
- Multiple diameter options
- 7, 8 and 10-pin coverage
- Adjustable needle pressure
- A decoder
- A transparent practice lock
- A longer tool head for deeper compatible keyways
Final Thoughts
There is no single tubular pick that is automatically right for every tubular lock. Pin count, spacing, diameter, tool construction and intended training application all matter. A dedicated 7-pin tool may be enough for a specific practice setup, while a 7, 8 and 10-pin kit provides broader coverage for users learning several tubular formats. Lockpickmall currently lists everything from individual adjustable picks to multi-piece sets and training kits with transparent locks, giving buyers several configurations to compare. If you are searching for a Cheap Tubular Lock Pick Set, prioritize compatibility and construction rather than price alone, and always use these specialized tools for legitimate locksmith work, educational training, locksport, or locks you own or have explicit permission to work on.