[header] How to pick a tubular lock [title] Buy a practice lock to perfect your lockpicking technique. [step] If you're learning to pick tubular locks as part of a hobby and are mainly concerned about technique, purchasing a practice lock may come in handy before buying the real thing. Practice locks show the inside of the lock so you know exactly what you're doing as you pick it. 
[substeps] If you're trying to open a specific item and don't particularly care about technique, you don't need to purchase a practice lock. [title] Examine the lock to determine how many pins it has.