What Is a Barrel Lock?

A Barrel lock is a locking mechanism used to secure hardware, cabinets, and meters.

It has a unique operating mechanism to secure industrial equipment, an HVAC system, and a vending POS.

Barrels are also known as cores or cylinders.

The inner part of the lock houses the tumblers and receives the keys.

Some locks have removable barrels that you can replace with a new barrel using a different key.

Tubular locks do not function like barrel locks.

Yes, the barrel is tube and cylinder-shaped, but the barrel locks work differently than the standard tumbler lock.

Usage

Barrel locks or meter guards secure utility gas, water, electricity transformers, enclosures, and meters for multiple buildings and single apartments.

These locks are challenging for would-be criminals to pick and have access to the metering hardware of the facilities and companies.

The lock has a ring-shaped hasp that encircles the meter.

Other meter guards are smaller adjustable meters that work like the steering wheel lock.

This bar used is for multiple meters with shared utility bills.

These adjustable minute guards act as replacements when the ring cannot be applied.

How Do They Work?

Here are some variations of barrel locks on the market, but they all work on the same principle.

There are a variety of barrel locks available in the market, but they all work with the same principle.

The barrel lock works differently from other standard pin tumbler locks.

It works with screw-type keys and plunger-type keys.

Once the key is inside the keyway, it clasps the barrel, releases the grip on the barrel, and removes the key for the lock to open.

The locking mechanism is somewhat different, making it challenging to pick.

But, just like any other lock, the keys can break.

How to Pick Them?

Even with its unique mechanism, you can still pick them using a screw.

The picking process may be difficult for some locksmiths because of its unique mechanism.

You cannot do the job by using the standard lock-picking set.

The problem is not the lock picking but the distribution of keys.

Many individuals have a copy of the key, so the danger is it could get into the wrong hands.

Use a screwdriver to pick the lock, but it should fit the keyway and work like a bump key.

Turn the screwdriver so that the serrations of the screw catch the locking mechanism.

Remember that the depth and width of the screw may vary depending on the model number.

But, there are special tools for skeleton key access to barrel locks.

Possible Upgrades

The manufacturers are shifting from the standard plunger-style to the disk-style barrel locks.

The upgraded locking system has rotating disks to generate unique combinations to open the lock.

As the lock evolved to a new level of locking mechanism, manufacturers are reaching out to companies to tow the same line.

Companies should endeavor to use the barrel lock to upgrade their security system because of the variety of its use.

The Bottom Line

I hope this post will clear up any confusion about these types of barrel locks.

Because of these barrel locks’ very nature and usage, I must remind you not to tamper, with locks you do not own.

Be safe when using metal tools for anyone with legal access to electrical meters and use this post as an additional resource.

I cannot stress enough that whatever you do, it must be within the confines of the law and take safety precautions.