This morning, my lock was frozen and the key broke off... The bit of the key won't get out of the lock and I think there is no other way then to cut the chain.
It's an Abus steel o chain lock (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/abus-steel-o-chain-810-110cm-chain-bike-lock) and it's attached to a bicycle rack which can't be moved.
Any advice?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
How to cut off bicycle lock?
(16 posts)- Started 13 years ago by Saskia
- Latest reply from recombodna
- This topic is
resolved
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Posted 13 years ago #
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Hang around and wait for a bike thief to open it then brain him with your spare and ride off! Win Win.
An angle grinder will get through them in a few minutes if you've access to power, a bottle jack is the other favourite tool of the bike thief i understand.
Posted 13 years ago # -
The lock is generally the weakest part of the design and (I've got an Abus lock so did some research) I've read that they are generally not too complicated to pick if you know what you're doing. Perhaps you could sweet talk a nearby locksmith into having a look at it? He might be able to extract the broken bit of key and get it to open.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Wee angle grinder would do it in seconds. If you're central and like steveo say's have access to power I could help you out with that. I have a 25 meter power cable and a grinder. pm me.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Could you drill out the barrel with a cordless drill and a collection of very strong metal bits. Would solve the power problem.
Posted 13 years ago # -
don't forget to invite chdot or anth with their every trusty cameras in hand to capture this CCE-facilitated rescue mission for posterity
Posted 13 years ago # -
Angle grinder is it.
Battery ones are available.
(Not entirely helpful - hope you're near a plug or know someone with a generator.)
Posted 13 years ago # -
A friend of mine was laboriously working away with a hacksaw and a tungsten blade at his broken lock when he was approached my two plainclothes officers.
They used something like a stone saw, with a petrol engine.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Would it be a good idea to alert the police before-hand? This will be a very conspicuous procedure!
Remember to wear appropriate protective equipment (I've always worn appropriate gloves, a face-shield and a leather apron for my grinding antics). If you can, use the smaller 4.5" grinder. The 9" ones are unweildly things. Search for "angle grinder accidents" on Google Pictures if you're in need of motivation to consider safety.
Re: drilling out the barrel - will that cause the lock to spring open or will it only solve part of the problem?
Posted 13 years ago # -
"Would it be a good idea to alert the police before-hand? This will be a very conspicuous procedure!"
Perhaps
I've done it in Edinburgh 3 times.
Only once did anyone take the slightest interest - a foreign student who asked if it was my bike.
I said "no" - it wasn't.
He took my photo...
Posted 13 years ago # -
If you get very stuck PM me, I can bring a small genny and an angle grinder (and cutting disc, big gloves, goggles etc) to the party.
Better if you can get someone local mind you as I'm a little out of the way just now....!I can confirm incidentally, and angle grinder will go through most u locks in seconds :-( so much for security!
Posted 13 years ago # -
Thanks to recombodna, who freed my bike!
And thanks to everyone for advice. I did call a locksmith and he would open it for £45, but couldn't guarantee that the lock would still be intact. After the thaw I tried fiddling it open with tweezers, but it didn't work. So the grinder was the only solution.http://www.flickr.com/photos/saskiavandenieuwenhof/5251635600
Posted 13 years ago # -
I knew CCE would be useful one day!
Good to have nice/helpful members.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Thanks for the lovely homebaked bread and wine!! I could get into this skill share malarcky.
AND thanks to my trusty welding mask my secret identity remains intact........mwaa ha ha ha!!
Posted 13 years ago # -
Well not really, unless there are two people riding a bike around Edinburgh while wearing a welding mask.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Oh i don't ride with it......... you big silly!
Posted 13 years ago #
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