27 Sep
1999
27 Sep
'99
2:32 a.m.
Tubular locks depend on depressing each of the pins to
exactly the right
depth, and the tolerances are very tight. My best guess is that it would
take -hours- of continuous effort, assuming that a tool even exists for it,
because all the pins have to be held in precisely the right position
simultaneously.
Such a tool does exist - it's a "gun" type object, you set the levers on
the handle to the depths you want, insert, and turn. Real locksmiths
(with tables for the key codes) take about ten seconds to do this.
If you think tubulars are tricky, take a look at the
Medeco high-security
cylinders. Not only do you have vertical pins, you've also got a series of
cams along the side that are angle-sensitive. That's why you'll see the
keys cut with angled notches.
I once heard a rumor that Medeco had a standing reward of $10,000 for
anyone who could successfully pick one of their high-sec cylinders. If such
a reward does exist, I've yet to hear of it being claimed.
I don't know about picking, but at Caltech several of the undergraduates
had very efficient means for copying Medeco keys.
--
Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com
Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/
7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917
Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927