So I have done the double stupid thing where I have lost the spare key to my AXA Defender frame lock AND do not have the key number to order a spare key. Random locksmiths are offering to get it dealt with for something like £60, which puts me in mind of acquiring a cheap angle grinder for half that (but being neither a homeowner or a DIY enthusiast I am not confident this will not result in the destruction of the bicycle). Any other suggestions I am missing?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Lost key to frame lock - suggestions?
(22 posts)- Started 6 years ago by piosad
- Latest reply from le_soigneur
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Posted 6 years ago #
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IWRATS has on occasion been able to provide such a service, though I've not seen him around much recently.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Angle grinder from Argos for much cheapness. New frame lock. More hassle but costs less than locksmith equivalent.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Was there not some place like the bicycle cooperative who would remove it for free / really cheap if you could prove it was your bike? Or am I mis-remembering..?
Posted 6 years ago # -
The tool library will have angle grinders you can borrow for free (membership by donation), instead of buying one.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I have a corded angle grinder you can borrow. It's got CCE 'form', having previously been used to re-engineer Morningsider's pram...
Posted 6 years ago # -
...of course that assumes that the bike is locked at your house or within carrying distance of another power source!
Posted 6 years ago # -
We also have a Angle Grinder, happy to drop round and see what we can do.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Thanks @Greenroofer @chrisfl! Unfortunately it's now at work, but I am exploring some avenues. I might get back to you if they fail and I transport it closer to home.
Posted 6 years ago # -
This bike has now been cut free from its oppressive shackles. It required removing the rack from the bike and going in very carefully with a 1mm cutting disc. The safety guard also had to be removed from the grinder in order to gain access to the lock.
All good and the bike lives to commute another day and I still have all my fingers.... . #monthebikes #monthevandriversPosted 6 years ago # -
#monCCE! (you never really leave...)
Posted 6 years ago # -
Spent 25 minutes this morning trying to open the brand new lock on my commuter bike, using all three of the keys I have for it. No luck. Arrived very late at work on a different bike.
I will have another go tonight. Luckily I have an angle grinder, but this is a Sold Secure Gold lock that cost over £100, so getting it off won't be trivial. Then it's going back to the shop (in pieces if need be).
Grrr.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Heh heh yeah you can never truly leave CCE..... my inherent fear of appearing in the rubbish driving thread keeps my senses honed on a daily basis. I do keep up to date with Laidback.
Anyone doing the Bealach this year ..;-)Posted 6 years ago # -
I assume you mean the Mhor. I rode the Beag earlier in the year but can't make the longer event.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Spent 25 minutes with an angle grinder this morning removing the defective and un-openable Hiplok Homie from my commuter bicycle. I used most of a cutting disc in the process and have filled the bike shed with ferrous dust, which is clinging to everything.
It took a surprisingly long time to cut the chain, partly because it was slow going and partly because I was taking care to avoid cutting the bike at the same time. I imagine an angle grinder goes through aluminium bike tubes like a knife through butter...
The multinational online shop with an aggressive tax avoidance approach from whom I bought it have agreed that they are going to receive it back in pieces.
Posted 6 years ago # -
This turned up when you search for 'Cutting frame lock on bike'.
Customer has lost key for frame lock on cargo trike. I daresay Bicycle Works could lend me an angle grinder but just wondered how easy it is to remove and access the bit to cut. Assume as item is bolted to bike then it would be sound to cut at the left hand side and the steel loop will drop out.
Then unbolt lock from frame. Never done before - a first considering number of bikes with frame locks sold. This one didn't have a record of key number. UAs do on invoice.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I like frame locks because they are very hard to get at. The downside is that they don't prevent the thief carrying off the bike (although with a UA, Tern GSD/HSD or an Elephant Bike they won't get far).
The 'hard to get at' thing will make cutting it off difficult. Might large bolt croppers be less risky?
Posted 3 years ago # -
@greenroofer
Yes - wondered if bolt cutters might be able to get into.
I've asked Harts Cyclery too.
McLarens call out is £70 and can't do till next week. I took a frame lock in to show them - new type of lock for them. Can't drill out lock as has bits to catch drill.Posted 3 years ago # -
Is it an AXA lock - you can order new keys using the number on the lock:
https://keyservice.axasecurity.com/en-GB
No idea how long they take to arrive mind.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Yes - have done that before from NL supplier.
Mind you site says this... suppose if people could read a number on someone else's lock then it would be insecure.
I'm going to see if manufacturer has a recors of lock supplied.
You can only order keys based on the number that is stated on your bicycle key. Unfortunately, it is not possible to order a key with the number stated on the lock or for non-AXA keys.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Know any Dutch teenagers? A Dutch lecturer I met once told me that after losing his key, he'd been standing beside his bike pondering what to do. One of his students walked past, and offered to help. It was open in seconds, apparently.
"I don't think it was the first time he'd done that..."
Posted 3 years ago # -
"Wafer lock picking technique (there are other examples)" if you want to learn a new skill & tools needed for future use releasing bikes without endangering the frame. And have the dexterity & patience.
Posted 3 years ago #
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