Looking for technical advice on a tubular lock / collar key issue

[Deleted Member]

I’ve got a metal collar that uses a tubular (barrel) lock with ball-bearing detents.
The mechanism works like this:

When locked, the pin is pushed in

You insert the tubular key and twist

The key aligns the internal pins/balls

The pin pops out and the collar opens


Unfortunately, the original tubular key has been lost and hasn’t turned up after weeks. The seller has since removed their store, so I can’t get a replacement key or lock from them.

From what I can tell, this is a standard tubular lock, but I understand these are often keyed uniquely, even if they look identical externally.

What I’m trying to figure out (before I give up and buy a whole new collar):

Is there any way to have a tubular key remade for this type of lock?

Are there standard key profiles for these collar locks, or are they almost always unique?

Would a locksmith realistically be able to help, assuming the lock can be removed?

Or is replacement the only sensible option?


I’m not looking to bypass or damage the lock — just trying to understand whether recovery is possible or if it’s a dead end.

Any insight from locksmiths, engineers, or people familiar with tubular locks would be appreciated.

Thanks.
🦊💙

[ak****]

They make a pick tool for tubular locks and it's pretty easy to use. When finished it would give you the numbers for each pin and then you could theoretically order a new key but the tool isn't exactly cheap and a new collar would probably be more cost effective.

[mo****]

If there are any locksmiths in you're area I would suggest you have a locksmith unlock it then you should be able to remove the lock and get a new one and just replace the lock. If you take it to the locksmith then they can't charge you for travel time.

[Ji****]

I’ d be happy replace with a much better unit. The Boxer Brand has great collar!

[Deleted Member]

I didnt know how to add the pictures to here if you can or not, so the collar is on my profile in photos, anyway thanks for the suggestions and stuff I just dont know which to go, ive looked at other collars and they are all either thin, too thick, has a locking mechanism on the side of the collar that sticks out like hell, and some that uses screws or padlocks, but none like mine or very close it it, I got it from Etsy and the seller removed their store and I cant really find any others like it

[Deleted Member]

Get that figured out? If not, you just need a soda can.

[Da****]

I resell lots of collars and cuffs with this type of lock. Regardless of who I purchase then from the same key works on all of them. I tried sending you a message but I wasn't able to. I'm happy to send you a key.