I need information about the locks used in things like vending
machines, arcade machines, certain kinds of safes, etc. You can see a
picture of the type of lock I mean, here:
http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture2/sdy/supplier1.jpg

Mainly I am interested in finding out (1) is it possible to pick these
locks, (2) if so, how hard is it to pick them, (3) does it require
special picking tools, or can household tools be used, and (4) is it
possible to get keys copied in legitimate establishments like Home
Depot? 

If you find links to information on picking these types of locks, I
would like those as well.

The reason I am asking these questions is I am purchasing a gun safe
(www.gunvault.com), and I want to find out more about this type of
lock before I trust my family's safety with it. I am trying to make
sure a curious kid is not
going to be able to get past this lock! Thanks.

tswinzig,

Thanks for the Question!  I used to own a route of coin-operated video
games, and I am very familiar with tubular (or barrell) locks.  But
first, let me answer your question about why the Commenters have not
answered your question in the "Answer" box.

Researchers have different permissions on the Google Servers.  None of
the Commenters below are Google Answers Researchers, therefore, when
they look at the web page, they don't have an "Answer" button to
click.

You can tell the difference between Commenters and GA Researchers by
noting that none of the Commenters below have their name hyperlinked. 
My name is clickable because I am a Google Answers Researcher.

Now, to your locks! 

The locks you have linked to are called "barrell" locks," or "tubular" locks.  

These locks are difficult to defeat --but not impossible.  There are
several manufacturers for these type of locks, and several levels of
security as with most types of locks.  Some require proprietary tools
to pick, others can be picked with household items.  You cannot get
copies made at someplace like Home Depot, although any locksmith could
make one for you.

You can get more information here:

How to pick tubular locks
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=2862&highlight=tubular

Barrell Locks
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?p=3871

Also, at that excellent site, go to the SEARCH link and enter
"tubular" to find a aton of information.

More links:

Beating Tubular Locks without Damage
http://www.totse.com/en/bad_ideas/locks_and_security/166980.html
Wait for the page to load to be able to read the text.  Note the
writer says that he could pick a tubular lock by te time he was in 7th
grade.

How Stuff Works - "How Lock Picking Works"
http://home.howstuffworks.com/lock-picking9.htm
..."Tubular locks offer superior protection to pin-tumbler locks and
wafer-tumbler locks, but they are also more expensive. Instead of one
row of pins, tubular locks have pins positioned all the way around the
circumference of the cylinder plug. This makes them much harder to
pick. Conventional lock-picking techniques usually don't work on this
type of lock..."   [more at the link]

Here's a couple books you can buy that is very specific to your question:

How to Pick Tubular Locks 
http://www.aloa.org/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMI&Product_Code=HT-PTL1&Category_Code=BEM

KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING TUBULAR LOCKS 
http://www.butokukai.com/product45.html

Poke around at the sites I linked for you, and if I can clarify
anything for you, please don't hesitate to ask before rating my
Answer.

~~Cynthia
Google Answers Researcher

Thank you Cynthia!

I'm no expert but I understand that a real expert with the right tools
can pick any lock. But most folk wouldn't have a clue.

As for cutting duplicate keys, here in the UK 'security keys' can only
be cut by specialists. However, if you go to the right place, then you
can certainly get copies made.

Here is a company that makes special locks that should do the job:

http://www.illinoislock.com/high_security.htm

"A practically pickproof mechanism employing fourteen tumblers;
consisting of five pairs of primary tumblers and four secondary
tumblers"

"Non-duplicate able keys for controlled replacements. DUO keys are
triple bitted with the two opposing bittings controlling the primary
tumblers and the side serratures controlling the four secondary
tumblers. Keys are not duplicatable on standard machines. Key blanks
are not controlled and are sold only to authorized accounts. Special
restricted codes are provided upon request, will be sold only to
original owner and to authorized agents. "

I appreciate the comments so far!

I figure it is probably hard to pick these locks, but I was hoping
someone could find some information on HOW hard it is, or why it is so
much harder than picking a regular lock (if it is). There is plenty of
lock-picking info on regular door locks, but I couldn't find anything
on this lock type.

pctyszka, I appreciate the link you provided, those locks do look very
secure, but unfortunately I do not think it is possible for me to
replace the lock on the gunvault I am buying. So I am more interested
in assessing how secure it really is! Thanks again folks!

I am going off of rough memory, so bear with me.

The lock pictured is not impossible, but difficult to pick once. It
must be picked several times to unlock it though. You notice the lock
rotates 90 or 270 degrees from a locked to unlocked position. Some
rotate a full 360 degrees. there are 7 pits around the edge of these
keys. Sometimes more, but vending machines tend to have 7. Each pit
has 3 possible states: uncut, half cut and full cut. This makes for a
possible 343 key combinations. For a full 360 degrees of rotation, the
lock would have to be picked 7 consecutive times. If one stops part of
the way through, the lock has to be picked back or drilled out.

The locks pictured have 3 pits. They also have ONLY one depth state.
This makes them VERY easy for someone with rudimentry pick skills. If
all three pins are pressed down to the maximium, the lock can be
rotated open.

This is child's play compared to a regular house lock. If you have
teenagers who want to get at a gun, they might. They should know
better. As for young children, a huge amount of child ingenuity might
unlock that lock. You are more likely to be struck by lightening, but
the possibility exists, given the locks are so simple. If I was
picking it, I would use two small flathead screwdrivers and maybe a
paperclip. Once tensioning the lock with a screwdriver, I could puch
the pins down one by one until the tumbler spun open. It would take me
10 minutes at the most.

Home Depot never does a very good job copying keys. Any decent
locksmith, especially a commercial one could probably copy those keys,
which appear universal to the lock, e.g. that key type will open all
the locks of the same type.

I am not a lock smith, just a person who, as a teenager, had way too
much time on my hands. I got into a lot of trouble. My advice: go with
a regular straight key lock. Avoid these circular keys, especially if
they only have 3 grooves and one depth state. If they have it, get a
cabinet with eyelets on the doors and use a MasterLock. Those are hard
to pick, both the key andd combo versions.

It makes me very happy to see this. Your kids are lucky to have such a
responsable parent. Good luck!

I was unclear. Sorry.

First paragraph:

USUALLY, the TYPE OF lock pictured is not impossible, but difficult to pick once.

USUALLY, there are 7 pits around the edge. Locks have to be picked
multiple times, because each picking rotates the lock only one tumbler
position.

I need to proofread in the future, or get more sleep :) Hope I helped.

littlerubberfeet -- thank you!! If I could figure out how to give you
the $12 I would! Why is all this info in the comments section and not
the answers section?! ;-)

tswinzig,

Thanks for the 5 stars, and the tip. both are greatly appreciated!!

~~Cynthia

tswinzig,

Thanks for the 5 stars, and the tip, both are greatly appreciated!!

~~Cynthia