POCO lock ring tool

[electrofelon]

I'm going to finally get one of those plunger/barrel type tools for removing POCO meter lock rings and cabinet locks. Does anyone know, are there different styles and types? How do I size it up? I'm thinking something like this:

Amazon.com

 

[infinity]

Yes there are different sizes depending on what each POCO uses. The tool is specific to the type of lock they use. From your link "TARGETED DESIGN: Specifically designed for use on Highfield 93180128 and 93180124 #6 barrel fasteners ONLY ". That price is cheap if it actually works.

 

[electrofelon]

Yes there are different sizes depending on what each POCO uses. The tool is specific to the type of lock they use. From your link "TARGETED DESIGN: Specifically designed for use on Highfield 93180128 and 93180124 #6 barrel fasteners ONLY ". That price is cheap if it actually works.

Ok shoot. I've got one here, I'll see if I can get some numbers off it

 

[electrofelon]

I guess I don't quite understand the mechanism of these. Why can't you just stick an appropriately sized thing in the hole, like maybe an Allen wrench. what am I missing?

 

[hbiss]

Why can't you just stick an appropriately sized thing in the hole, like maybe an Allen wrench. what am I missing?

Have you tried it?

-Hal

 

[curt swartz]

I guess I don't quite understand the mechanism of these. Why can't you just stick an appropriately sized thing in the hole, like maybe an Allen wrench. what am I missing?

When you pull the lever the end expands similar to a wedge anchor.

 

[infinity]

I guess I don't quite understand the mechanism of these. Why can't you just stick an appropriately sized thing in the hole, like maybe an Allen wrench. what am I missing?

You're in luck. A few years ago I deconstructed one of these locks to try and make my own key. Ultimately that was a failed endeavour. I did save the parts so you can see how these things work. In photo #1 you can see the deconstrucuted lock. There is normally a spring but I couldn't find it. Photo #2 is a close up of the end of the plunger. Contrary to popular belief not all of these locks are made of hardened material. I cut this apart with a hacksaw.

This is how it works:
The tip of the plunger piece under spring tension forces the ball bearings outward so that the lock cannot be removed.
The tool is inserted and grabs on the end of the plunger (notice the point on the plunger and the hole in the end of the tool).
When you insert the tool it expands and grips on the inner edge of the plunger.
Then the tool is folded the plunger is pulled back, that allow the thin tip of the plunger to release the ball bearings but still keeps them in place.

 

[electrofelon]

When you pull the lever the end expands similar to a wedge anchor.

Yeah u got it. I cut one open. The tip of the tool expands grabbing that inner sleeve (bottom right) and pulls it against the spring to clear the balls, then the balls can drop in and it comes out.

 

[electrofelon]

Oh awesome thanks Infinity, posted while you posted....

 

[electrofelon]

Rob,. Have you tried any of the tools available online? seems like a fairly universal thing...

 

[electrofelon]

There are numbers on the sleeve of the barrel, maybe that will direct me to the right tool to buy. I just can't read them right now, I need to get a magnifying glass.

 

[infinity]

Here's a comparison of locked (Photo #1) and unlocked position of the plunger (Photo #2). The spring is normally at the right end of the plunger.