[68] Four Ace II Tubular Locks Picked in a Row and Gutted
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- The Ace II tubular lock is one of the more common tubular locks available. For reasons that escape me, it has built up a reputation as being particular hard to pick... probably because it does not share the common tubular lock design flaw that allows fast self-impressioning. The pick-resistant reputation is not well-deserved in my opinion. With a little practice, these locks can regularly be picked in under a minute.
7y old video, so not much hope anyone reading tgis, but I just wanted to tell, that this kind of lock was my first ever pick! Customer had left Kensington cable hanging from his rental laptop, and of course the key was nowhere to be found. I do not have any tools, but I gave it a try with tweezers and paperclip :D took a while, but I managed to get it open! And yes, whole time LPL was whispering to my ear: "nothing on one, a little click on two...."
Im here i see you
Good work.
I see you Jarkkos
I know this is old, but love coming back to it as a mini masterclass in 'how to'!... If only lock makers could bring themselves to watch it again and again too. 🤣
Many thanks, pure class.
P.S. Having seen that magnificent little tension tool I made a swift sketch and made myself one, for personal use. Your clear instruction and excellent detailed camera work is endlessly appreciated. Thank you.
The copper pin causes failure of the pin if anything other than the key is "forced" into the keyway it will deform and prevent that pin being set rendering the lock useless afterwards even with the key. Maleable materials found in these locks are for this reason. Also copper work hardens meaning it may start soft but gets harder the more its manipulates so it also can delay a forced rotation on the lock. Starts soft but ends hard.
First tubular lock I've seen that isn't vulnerable to the self-impressioning tool, and had to dug into your archives for this. It's a shame they don't vary spring tension and driver pins on most of these locks, if it's this easy to protect against an unskilled attack that takes two seconds IMO no lock that misses this step should be considered a lock at all. An obscure latch, maybe.
Where can a person pick up the tensioner you are using?
There is the practice to mix different metals in a lock to prevent accessibility by pouring acid into the cylinder. By theory the bolts can be weakened until they break, but only if the used acid can attack every metal used. There where mixes with stainless steel, copper and a third one, maybe gold or silver. You could see the differences in the three colors. I saw them in scooter locks.
I'm the lockpicking lawyer and today, free snacks for everyone.
Hello, I’ve recently bought a caravan, which the previous owner has put a tubular lock on the door, . The grooves don’t line up and I cannot lock it, I was wondering if you could give me any help on this please? Thank you in anticipation, Philip,.
@@philipboehme3233 you do know that this is not the lockpicking lawyer right?
@@ashthetrash2109 lmao he took the comment seriously
😅
The tumbler locking pin can be removed by drilling a small shallow hole in it and threading a small screw into the hole until it catches then pull it out with needlenose pliers then it can be later reinstalled without damage.
You can use that tool on them locks. I use light tension and a stethoscope to hear the set (or not if you’re young). You retract them all and thumbset using those push ends they put on there for that reason. Bonus is once it is set you got a key. Bought several vending machines in my day keys not included and ace 2 locks are still standard on them.
Possible explanation for the copper pin?:- it's soft, annealed copper which easily deforms/dents if excessive tension is applied during picking? Not an issue if a legit key is used but could be an issue if a heavy handed inexperienced picker were to attempt the lock. May also be a witness in that case.
Just my two cents 🤨
perhaps because it deteriorates faster, so you buy another one
It's a dollar fifty for your advice
I do agree in that since
Thank you for posting this. I lost my keys for my cheap Stack On gun cabinet, so I'm gonna give it a go without having the tools u used. Hope I get it open, cause I have a whole bunch of useless junk in there! My cabinet is the kind with two doors. A skinny one and a fatter one. Each has two locks, top and bottom. Got all day to fool with it.
Did you get it?
could you pick it SPP, then when it's half way between sets, use the HUK to impression the pins? Would make it easier to turn it the rest of the way if the Huk was already set and just used as a "key"
Fantastic Picking & Great Gutting Plus Explanation. Keep up the great work. Nick.
Thanks.
The reason they have the reputation as being difficult to pick is precisely because they do not self-impression. The different material spring modification was specifically introduced to defeat the tubular self-impression. However, both the ACE and the ACE II have much tighter tolerances than many nasty tubular locks which again, makes them harder to pick.
The design to defeat self impressioning I get and appreciate... and the increased tolerances are nice. But these locks are still very easy to SPP... just crank up the tension to defeat the tapering on the pins, and these things pop open with ease.
@@lockpickinglawyer I think that a vast majority of people don't have a tubular tension wrench with them most of the time. And if they do it has to be picked 3 or 4 times. It's security through laziness.
@@lockpickinglawyer So a higher tension IS recommended. Ok, cool. I was afraid I was using too much, but the ACE 2 have is pretty old and very stiff. Is that normal?
@@lockpickinglawyer What I'd like to see discussed is if there is a drop in replacement for these types of locks that would make them harder to pick. It seems these locks require very little skill to unlock and I could see someone buying one of those tools and just around unlocking mailboxes. What's the point of having a security mailbox if this lock is the weak point.
Thank you! That's a really nice tension tool. I just ordered it!
@Williams Williams it's sold on USALockPicks.com
Did you ever get it?
Security of one's property is paramount today, and I thank you for your informative videos.
Shut up
Where do you find the tension tool you were using. I have those kinds of locks on my candy machine and the impression tool won’t work
Sparrows "Goat Wrench", another collab pick with another youtuber.
@@herbert633 thanks
I've been at this tubular lock I bought for about 5 hours now over the past few days. Easy my ass.
too much tension
thank you for the info
fascinating stuff, really helpful video thanks. definitely gonna be getting one of them!
+richardwales Thanks -- good luck with it. Let us know how you make out.
Did you pick it?
Good video. Had one a guy lost a key to and as a newbie it helped
I might be late to the discussion, but could the copper pin be used to brick/jam the lock in case of a failed drill attack?
Erick Reyes copper is one of the softer metals..
@@omgitsjoetime I think that's the point. Softer metals don't drill, they melt and gum up tools. That's why the SAF U-lock has an aluminum block around the steel shaft.
I wanted to see the drilling out of the retaining pin. did you just use a drill bit stright into it or went off to the side?
+LOST FOUND I don't have much experience with these... I drilled straight into it. The bit got lodged in the pin, and the pin started spinning. When I pulled the bit out, the pin came with it.
Maybe a marker for manufacturing showing this is 1st chamber? Other ideas aren't terrible either. Manufacturer probably touts it on their website if it's a feature, if not probably an in house mechanism.
great picking...you are a braver man than I am, gutting a tubular lock!
+Jeff Moss Thanks... taking apart is easy, getting it back together may be a different story. ;-)
Regarding the "tabular lock pick tool" (impression tool)... I had a similar situation with one of my safe locks... The impression didn't work. I just removed all rubber rings, inserted a tool, tensioned, and then just used each individual pin to "pick a lock". It took me a few days to "learn and feel it", but I opened it.
I have a cheap Hilka safe that has an electronic digital lock and tubular lock beneath. I bought my Southord tubular impressioning picks and got to work. Last night; i was getting absolutely nowhere!
Such a nice video: Entertaining and informative :-) Thank you.
Do I see it right, that after picking it, you can use the tubular tool to make a "key" for it and just turn it as you want?
Like the tension wrench - very handy.
+Potti314 Thanks. You are correct. I wasn't very clear on this point, but after turning the core approximately 1/16 of a turn, you can use a normal tubular lock impressioning tool to mold the key and turn the core further (or decode the lock to cut a real key).
So would this be done while you've still got it in that in between position and before you turn it and have to pick it again?
Asrtyulg Correct.
LockPickingLawyer Great video. Where Can i buy this tool to open tubular locks ??
Søren bangood.com mate
Great video! What pick set r u using in the video? I have a empty unit i need to open to get keys made. thanks again for the video. 😉😉
Copper is way more soft than brass. Due to this, it would be hypothesize to bind and sheer off easier than brass pins.
Whoa, totally tubular, man!
I was gifted a gun safe. I was provided the e-combo but inside the safe is a lockbox with a tubular lock and no tubular key available. I have tried using a HUK pick set to no avail. I would like to try the tension method but I don't have a tension tool. Where do I find a tension tool, like the one you use in your videos? Thanks
Sparrows has one called the mantis
What are you looking for in each pin sorry I’m a novice but I can open any lock but I have yet to be able to open even one tubular lock and I’m so frustrated I can’t even pick the transparent training lock that came with my 3 piece loom set which I think are useless and all three of my locksmith buddies have yet to open a single thing then too so I don’t feel that bad anyway please help
where did you get that tension wrench? I’ve been looking all over for that exact one, and am having no luck...
Sparrows has a couple styles you can get.
LPL replied in several other comments. USA Lockpicks.
Hi, I have a vintage Mi Co parking meter from the 40s or 50s the barrel lock has mx4 Ace in the center. Will this method open this meter up. Would love to have a key made for it. Great video 👍
Hi, regarding the 7 pin tubular locks, what is the most common size of these locks (in the US) - 7.0, 7.5 or 7.8 mm?
+TheBugmenot2009 In my experience, 7.8 is the most common.
+LockPickingLawyer Ok, Thank you very much!
Great video!!!
+Boaz L Thanks.
LockPickingLawyer no problem :D
Where can I get this pry bar?
can you use the tool to impression after you pick it once like in your other video?
+JB Yes, if you pick it half a position, you can use the impressioning tool to create a "key" and turn it the rest of the way.
So if you had to buy one, are there any brands/ models more resistant than others?
I had a customer bring 50 gumball machines with tubular locks in them to me that he wanted keyed alike. He had no keys and the locks had no codes printed on them. I used my tubular pick on one and made a key for it. It didn’t work in any of the other locks. Just great. I continued to pick the rest of the locks, took them out of the machines and repined them. Took me about 3 hours to finish. I hate tubular locks.
the copper pin for magnetic attack maybe? or just to confuse? or maybe they ran out of brass? lol
None of the pins are magnetic under normal conditions for a lock. (All metals are magnetic under some conditions involving movement and/or electricity.) The copper pin is softer than the brass ones and might help the lock bind by melting during a drill or cutting attack.
Have you used the Sparrows Mantis tool before? If so, do you find that the tension tool is too small and makes it hard to get the pick in? Thanks!
Yes. I don't like it very much. It's too short IMO and the pointed tips dig into my fingers making it uncomfortable to use.
LockPickingLawyer Yeah I just gave it a go and its kind of annoying to use. I'm also having some trouble with a tubular lock, when I get the first pin set the next 2 are sort of stuck. I can set one but the next one pushes the previous one back.
Tim Leong That sometimes happens. These locks have a binding order of course. Try pushing harder on the pins. If that doesn't work, ease off on tension until you can set the pin, and worry about the ones that drop later.
@LockPickingLawyer, I have a tube lock where it spun clockwise past the starting point and i can't get it to go back to use the key to unlock it. It won't budge pushing the pins in. What can i do to fix it?
I love your videos very interesting question do you know where I can get keys for the cam lock or Tumblr lock that's 012 and 013 it could be A0012..A0013 number on lock is only three digits thank you for any help you can give
do you have any experience with the Flex Ace tubular Locks?
Mr. LPL, I hope you see and respond to me. I would like to get my hands on one of those tube lock tensioners but I can’t find one on Covert Instruments. Can you direct me to where I can get one? Thank you
Are these similar to chateau branded tubular locks? I have two of them I need removed and they charge 50 to remove from my storage locker! I got the storage keys stolen from my car including my weekend car keys. Which will cost a thousand to replace easily.
Where did you get that tension wrench?
Could you tell me if a regular tension wrench work to pick. tubular locks or if you recommend the tubular tension wrench where would I go to buy one
I definitely recommend a tubular tension tool... the one in this video is from USALockPicks.com
Thank you so much I really appreciate it.
where you gonna break in ?
Dear LPL, I really would like to know how to get that tensionbar that you are using. Hopefully you can help me.
How to know if the lock I'm trying to open has variable spring tension?
Push on them. It’s not subtle. 👍
re:my last... I hate auto spell! My question was, "How much pressure on the tension wrench?"
Hi there, may I know what are the tools you used?
I lost my keys to this sort of lock.. So I am looking to open it.
+Jason Teo The tension tool is from USAlockpicks.com
Zip cutter, lockpicking is a skill my dude
i tried this for about an hour using a tiny flat head to put tension on the part that turns and the digger part of fingernail clippers to press the little springs down. Didn't work lol, I failed..... My Handgun safe battery died and has a manual lock like these but I don't have the key anymore... I could get it if I had something that could put greater tension on the bolt that turns like what you have.
Hi, I change my bike key to this tubular lock, is this more secure than a regular lock?
gran video. un tensor bastante bueno. ese tensor me hace falta. te hace el trabajo mas facil. bien echo. UN SALUDO
+adrian leon Gracias. La herramienta de tensión es de usalockpicks.com
Is it even possible to pick an Ace II since the pins require different amounts of tension? Another issue with this particular safe of mine... is that I had to apply some force even when I still had the key, pushing in on the door and almost lifting upward.. so frustrating. Yes, I've attempted single pin picking and am simply having the same problem, and I cannot find the right tension wrench to use... please help.
I need a tension tool like the one used in the video, suggestions?
www.usalockpicks.com/order/ Here is the tension tool used in this video. Scroll down to the sixth item on the page. I wish it could be purchased without the DVD to lower cost for those wanting the tool only.
Interesting, you go round them counterclockwise. Any particular reason?
Do you find that it is more effective to pick in an order that is counter to the rotation of applied tension?
Nope... just force of habit. The other way works as well.
@@lockpickinglawyer thanks!
I think the copper pin would make bumping the lock harder, weight difference in pins can make some attacks more difficult
Bumping a tubular lock?
What are the tools that you used for that lock?
I cant wait to get my tubular lock picks in my new Echelon set c:
Can you pick a tubular lock that does not have a notch in the center of cylinder for tension??????
Question for anyone. What am i doing wrong?? I don’t have a tension handle like that I just use the classic L. Center of lick was turning correct way n all the pins should have been set. (They all clicked when I released. And before bottom of pins still had movement not bound up but the tops were set) but still nothing
Solid video thanks for making it. I thought maybe it was that pin that prevents over lift but it’s just little plastic container that locks that was 6 bucks so I don’t think it’d have all that 🤷🏽♂️ so any advice?
it looks like you eather new where the binding pins were on all the locks,or they were the cheapest locks ever. Were there not soft pins in any of them as you when around? It seamed like you got clicks out of most of them. I am still having a tuff time opening my locks,but i am working on the Kryptonite locks. I've open them a couple of times but it takes me a long time not 3 times around I'm talking about a half hour on one
I did not know where the binding pins were in advance... that why you feel them. The feel of a binding pin is not subtle. And if its taking significantly longer than 3-5 times around the lock, you need to increase your tension significantly. Good luck.
Thanks
Would you suggest a cordless drill and drill bit?
my gun safe ha as 2 notches in it, r they picked in a different way and use different picks? thanks again
What is the name of the picking tool that you used to apply pressure to turn the center of the lock?
i liked the video mate
Thanks.
Is that a Reichtangle?
Can they be impressioned after rotating, like you have done here, to open the rest of the way with the tool? Edit: I guess not with the different length drivers.
what is the name of the tension-er tool you used in the video? I have a tube lock on my Motorcycle and need to rekey the lock.
make a tubular pick similar to the tool they have with individual pins that lock in place with set screws that way each pin sets in place individually. that will make a tubular key for the ace two. have a nice day.
The tool he has (had, probably still has) works to do impressioning once the core is turned to the partial point he left it in.
It just doesn't work without picking first because of the variable driver pins.
i've never spp'd an ace II, but ive impressioned a ton of them, (using several different tools) it may take more wiggles than a kryptonite, but they were definitely doable.
That's surprising given what is inside. Are you sure it was an actual ACE II? The springs along should preclude that attack.
yes sir i am certain and it has been many, in my exp. ace II's can be more difficult than Chinese brands or generics with the kryptonite(1st gen) being easiest of all. i've worn out seven pin picks and estimate the number of tubular locks ive opened with them to be in the high hundreds . that said i've been stopped by ace, chinese, generic and even kryptonite on occassion. maybe earlier aces didn't use varied stacks? i got most of my exp with these between the early 90's and early 00's. also those were all 3/8ths barrels, the impressioning tools you use (huk?) seem to be much smaller diameter, like the infamous bic pen thing.
yes sir. again, many ace II's, generics, chinese (like l.a.i.) & kryptonite (1st gen). from the early 90's to the early 00's. some examples of each have defied impressioning but the majority opened. some take a lot longer than others and sometimes you have to throw an extra rubber band on. maybe the varied stacks are a newer bandaid and weren't in the older ones? also all my tools were for 3/8ths in. keys (9.7mm?) never had a tool in 7.anything. thanks and cheers!
@@padlok1520 Which tubular impressioning tool (brand/model) fits the ACE II? The HUK 7.8 comes close to fitting, but it's a hair too small and won't go into the lock.
@@JOHNHOOK1966 all the original ace locks were very close to 9mm, (used to make keys out of .357 shells). so 7.8 won't do. i've had them in the past made by a-1 & maybe hpc & a few without names.
What is the tention bar you use called ? & Where can I purchase one from ?
Usalockpicks.com 👍
Where did you get that tension tool??
What is your tensioning tool called
Not sure if it has a proper name... it's sold on USALockPicks.com
@@lockpickinglawyer Apparently Usalockpicks.com has gotten a horrible reputation for taking the money but never delivering. BBB and many other horrible reviews and complaints.
@@addicted6385 Yes I have this one. Thanks though, for the effort to help.
I bought the tool from bandgood no issue it works great
I'm locksmith at california.
Over 20 years. Where you bought that tension tool?
It's great skill.
And how much is it ?
I’m sure there are others, but Sparrows has a couple styles. Look for the Sparrows GOAT tool
Here we go again. once you have slightly turned the plug, you will need a round tool with holes drilled in it and something that slides into the milled slot on the plug for turning. the holes correspond with the key pins. on the outside of the round piece each hole is drilled with a set screw to hold individual picks in place once you have set them to each pin. now you have a working key. I hope you understand this.
You are right, you have to pick the lock every 45 degrees. That 8 times for one full turn. I made my own pick that would pick it and turn it. I had the advantage of having a machine shop very close. That was a long time ago too. HPC I think makes a really good pick for round key locks. I used about eight or so rubber bands to keep my individual picks in place and keep tension on them. A lot of trial and error go into making one keeping the pick from moving is the hardest part.
How do I pick it if the centur part doesn't rotate ?
See videos 355 and 364. 👍
Hey!! Do you know where I could get a tensioner like the one you used?
Sparrows... www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/man.htm
4 locks picked and gutted in 5 min video... nice!
I think the copper pin is copper because it not magnetically manipulated. So you could not use a magnet to move it. Same with springs as well
Thanks for helping me with this. Alot of storage units have these, easy pickin just in time for Christmas.
You and me both eh
Butane and bumping probably when they first used butane on kryptonite bicycle locks copper won't deform under heat or cold as easily
Just a thought
Where can I get one of those tension tools?
Probably Ebay..idk..
pro lok tubular impressioning tool, do you know how to use it? I can't find any info on it.
+JB Sorry -- I can't help you on that one. I'd never heard of it until now... had to look it up!
+LockPickingLawyer
these new tubular locks with different Springs that defeat our tools. is it possible to use the tool to single pin pick by sliding each pick down the side of the tool. try it yet? I have 4 tools but no new locks.
+JB I'm not sure I understand your question... but I don't think varying spring tension affects single pin picking tubular locks. It does affect use of impressioning tools and things like the business card and bic pen attacks.
+LockPickingLawyer you know the 7 picks on the side of the tubular tools, am thinking press each pick down with you fingers on each pin 1 by 1
+LockPickingLawyer probably leave 1 or 2 rubber bands on the tool and slide each pick down 1 by 1 and the tool maybe still useful. give it a try
Bought the HUK. Couldn't pick a single lock with it. Spent 3 hours practicing. HUK didn't work. I'm certain I'm doing it wrong, however I've followed the directions. Didn't work. Help?
I got one iv been trying to open (no key) but im thinking it broken or damaged in some way the key way is smaller by about half an only one pin is tensioning has anyone experienced anything like this before?
I'd love to know where to get that tensioner the one I got from sparrow it to big
What’s the name of the pick you’re using right now?
Could the copper pin be to mitigate a sophisticated attack using magnets?
no, copper is non ferrous.
Nice tension wrench
where can I get the tools you used and will this work for gumball machines I bought 2 and they did have the keys
No idea if they will work for your particular lock, but the tool I use in this video is from USALockPicks.com. Good luck.
Nice. I wonder if it really is that easy?
Dammit, ive got those tubular lock picks and have been trying to open my safe for 2 days with them. Lost my key and the batteries are dead... I don't remember the code either 😑
good info, thank you. Where can I find the tension tool that you're using?
Usalockpicks.com
i just ordered my set there. cheap, only 20 bucks
did you receive it?
no i didn't ... its been two weeks since i ordered it too. i am thinking of a paypal claim.
did u order one too and not receive it?
LPL, I’ve been following you and bill for a long time now and I know you both avoid making recommendations per say. I am however in need of upgrading some barrel locks in my household, either by upgrading past an 8 pin option or to another style all together. What kind of barrel locks do you find the most challenging? That’s a fair question and one where you won’t have to recommend anything. Help is much appreciated.
How do you use a regular tensioner in these
when I open the lock is it easy to close it again or did I need a new lock?
Edo Medo you need a new one