7-Pin vs. 8-Pin vs. 10-Pin Tubular Picks: Which One Do You Need?

Tubular locks are a routine part of a locksmith's workload. Vending machines, bike locks, elevator panels, alarm boxes, file cabinets, and coin-op equipment all rely on this compact, circular pin design. When a client is locked out, or a business needs service on this type of hardware, opening it without a key means using a tubular manipulation pick built specifically for that lock's pin count. Stocking the wrong size is a common and avoidable mistake that can cost a locksmith time on a service call.

If you're a locksmith deciding which tool to add to your kit and keep running into the same question: 7-pin, 8-pin, or 10-pin, which one do I actually need? This guide breaks it down for professional use.

What Is a Tubular Lock Pick and Why Pin Count Matters for Locksmiths

A tubular lock uses pins arranged in a circular pattern around a central cylinder, rather than in a single row like a standard pin tumbler lock. To service one, a locksmith needs a tool that can reach and set every pin in that circle at once, which is exactly what a tubular manipulation pick is designed to do.

The catch is that tubular locks aren't all built the same. Manufacturers vary the number of pins in the circle, most commonly 6, 7, 8, or 10, and a pick sized for one configuration won't align properly with another. Using the wrong pick usually means the tool won't seat against the pins correctly, so rather than guessing on-site, most locksmiths either identify the lock's pin count before the call or carry a small range of picks to cover the configurations they encounter most in their service area.

This is where SouthOrd's Adjustable Tubular Manipulation Pick line fits into a professional toolkit. The lineup covers the three configurations locksmiths run into most: 7-pin, 8-pin, and 10-pin.

SouthOrd Adjustable 7-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick (TPXA-7)

The SouthOrd Adjustable 7-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick is built specifically for 7-pin center tubular locks, one of the most widely used tubular configurations locksmiths service on vending machines, cabinets and similar commercial equipment. It's constructed from stainless steel and fitted with a slip-resistant rubber handle for a secure grip during longer service jobs.

What sets this pick apart from older, fixed pressure designs is its adjustable picking needle pressure. Locks vary in spring tension, and being able to fine-tune the pressure on the job makes the TPXA-7 effective on tighter, higher-tension locks that a non-adjustable pick might struggle with. It also includes a solid, removable and replaceable guide pin, which helps a locksmith align the tool with the lock core for faster, more accurate engagement on-site. For locks without a notched core, the guide pin can simply be removed.

Best for: Locksmiths servicing 7-pin center tubular locks commonly found on vending, arcade and cabinet locks.

SouthOrd Adjustable 8-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick (TPXA-8)

The SouthOrd Adjustable 8-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick follows the same improved design as the 7-pin model: stainless steel construction, adjustable needle pressure and a removable guide pin, but it's sized for 8-pin tubular locks. It also works on 7-pin offset configurations, which is a detail worth knowing when a locksmith isn't sure whether the lock in front of them is center pin or offset-pin.

This makes the 8-pin pick a versatile option for locksmiths who service a mix of lock styles across different clients and job sites, since it effectively bridges two pin arrangements rather than requiring a separate tool for each.

Best for: Locksmiths working on 8-pin tubular locks and 7-pin offset tubular locks.

SouthOrd Adjustable 10-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick (TPXA-10)

For larger, higher security tubular locks, the SouthOrd Adjustable 10-Pin Tubular Manipulation Pick is engineered for precision on 10-pin tubular locks. These locks tend to appear on more secure commercial applications, larger vending units, security cabinets, and coin-op equipment that use a bigger pin circle for added resistance to manipulation.

Like the rest of the TPXA line, the 10-pin pick features adjustable picking needle pressure to handle varied spring tensions, along with the same solid, removable guide pin for accurate alignment. The stainless steel build and rubber handle carry over as well, so the feel and control stay consistent for a locksmith moving between the 7-pin, 8-pin and 10-pin versions across different jobs.

Best for: Locksmiths handling 10-pin tubular locks, typically found on larger or higher security commercial equipment.

7-Pin vs. 8-Pin vs. 10-Pin: Quick Comparison for Locksmiths

Not Sure Which Pin Count You're Dealing With?

When a locksmith is working on unfamiliar tubular hardware, a Tubular Key Decoder can help confirm the configuration before committing to a pick, or the pin count can often be identified by examining the lock face around the circular cylinder. For locksmiths who regularly service both 7-pin and 8-pin locks in their coverage area, it often makes more sense to carry both sizes rather than risk showing up to a job with the wrong tool.

That's exactly what the Southord 7 and 8-Pin Advanced Tubular Lock Picks combo set is built for. Bundling the two most commonly needed sizes together means a locksmith is covered for a wider range of service calls without purchasing the tools separately, a practical way to round out a professional tubular lock picking kit in one order.

Tips for Locksmiths Choosing the Right Tubular Pick

A few practical points to keep in mind when building out a professional kit:

• Match the pin count exactly. A 7-pin pick won't properly manipulate an 8-pin or 10-pin lock, even if it looks similar at a glance, and the wrong tool wastes time on a service call.

• Consider offset vs. center configurations. If a lock's configuration isn't immediately clear, the 8-pin pick's dual compatibility can save a locksmith from carrying an extra tool.

• Look for adjustable pressure. Tubular locks vary in spring tension across manufacturers and installations, and a pick that lets a locksmith fine-tune needle pressure will perform more consistently across different jobs than a fixed-pressure tool.

• Don't overlook accessories. Replacement guide pins, collar assembly parts, and picking needles are all available separately, so a damaged component doesn't mean replacing the whole tool mid-route.

• Practice before you're on the clock. Transparent tubular practice locks let locksmiths build feel and technique in the shop before using a pick on a live client job.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a 7-pin, 8-pin, or 10-pin tubular pick comes down to what a locksmith actually encounters in the field. For those who deal mostly with vending or cabinet locks, the TPXA-7 covers the basics. For locksmiths whose work spans both center and offset 7-pin locks, the TPXA-8 offers added flexibility. And for larger, higher-security tubular locks, the TPXA-10 is purpose-built for the job.

For most working locksmiths, carrying more than one size or picking up the 7 and 8-pin combo set is the more practical route, since tubular locks aren't always predictable from one service call to the next. Whichever size fits your route and client base, choosing the right SouthOrd Adjustable Tubular Manipulation Pick means fewer failed attempts, better feedback, and faster, more reliable results on the job.