27 Sep
1999
27 Sep
'99
1:24 p.m.
Picking a standard lock isn't that difficult,
especially with the right
tools.
I've never tried an ACE or "round" type lock, but I was always under the
impression that those were virtually impossible to pick, even for a
pro?!?
"Virtually impossible" without the right tools.
For what it's worth - when I worked in the Cooler
department here
at Coca-Cola we used a automotive dent puller (which is a kind of
slide hammer) to pull locks in vending machines. We had the hardest
type to break into because we used Abloy locks. I was always amazed
by how easy it was to break the lock. Just pick a stout machine
screw that is a little bigger than the key insert hole in the lock -
insert screw as far as possible - attach screw to dent puller and
work the slide with great vigor. It didn't take more than one try on
most locks! Might work - might not. Sure is easy to try.
A slide hammer tends to damage the lock.
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.
The correct tool consists of a cylinder (much like the key),
with pins that can be slid in and out to get the correct depth.
In addition to picking it, the same tool then has an "impression"
and can be used for making a new key.
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.
They're hard to pick, but NOT THAT HARD to pick.
I hope this is never necessary for a classic computer!
For the DEC
and DG machines that I'm familiar with and which used a real lock
cylinder, all you have to do is remove the front panel, loosen a nut,
and pull the cylinder. It does pay to look carefully before doing this,
as when you put in the new cylinder you want the cam in the correct
position to activate the microswitches.
If it is properly designed and installed, it will NOT be removable
until after the lock is unlocked. Why have a lock that can simply be
removed instead of using the key?
But, then again, wasn't this about an IBM product?