this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2023
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Tubular locks are extremely simple to pick. The only reason they're used is because they're cheap and used to protect cheap stuff, like food in vending machines
Some tubular locks are simple to pick and yes a modified bic pen is the poor man's pick but it's certainly not all of them that can be done that easily.
Anyone can pick the lock in seconds if they take the time to learn.
My dad owned a few vending machines when I was a kid. Since they were used, he had to replace the locks on all of them and taught us how to pick them. It's relatively easy to do so. I think he only ever ended up drilling out one of the cylinders while he was able to pick the rest.
A Bic pen won't work that well, but a $50 pick will.
I own a tubular lockpick set and have experience picking locks.
Not all tubular locks are as easy as you think they are, I assure you.
You can see my previous comment in this thread explaining that I've also owned and operated multiple types of vending machines over the years.
The reason they are used is because people think they are safe because they look special and, of course, they are also small and cheap.
Yup, perfect for just making it slightly too annoying for kids to get into toilet paper holders in public bathrooms.
The toilet paper and paper towel holders are usually not tubular locks...
Most of those can actually be picked with a small screwdriver or even a zipper pull from a coat or similar clothing item though.
They are here in sweden, exact kind of lock as the image. Ever since i worked at a theme park i've been unable to not notice the locks lol
Interesting... The majority in the US are definitely not but they're actually much easier to pick than most tubular locks.