Use a Locksmith Locksmiths have great knowledge or locking systems and will be able to help you unlock your bike lock without it's keys. You may also decide to use a locksmith because you don't want to damage your bike lock or be accused of stealing! Both are perfectly good reasons.
The Cost Of Removing A Bike Lock
Locksmiths can help remove a bike lock, make you a new key, or rekey the lock. The charge for this service is about $70 - $160.
So the first job is to loosen them with some WD-40! Hold the lock so the key hole is facing the floor and squirt WD-40 into the hole. This should dislodge any street gunk and allow it to drain out of the locking mechanism. Then turn the bike lock around so the hole is facing the upwards and insert the key.
There are bike locks on the market that do claim to be uncuttable. However, the vast majority can still be cut through, but will take some serious effort as well as time. A lot will also need special heavy duty tool to successfully cut. But that's not actually bad news.
Shackleless Padlocks
Contrary to the name, these actually do have a shackle, but the steel body completely encases it. No part of it is exposed, making it impossible to tamper with or cut the shackle. Shackleless padlocks are generally combined with a specific security “hasp,” or latch.
Without a doubt, the Altor SAF is the toughest bike lock on the market. Its shackle is 2.36″ (6cm) thick at its narrowest point, making it impossible to cut with bolt cutters and it took over 1 hour 40 minutes to defeat the SAF Lock with an angle grinder. Is There a Bike Lock That Can't Be Cut?
Locking your bike's frame only – thieves can remove both wheels. Locking your bike's top tube – thieves can lift and twist the entire bike, using the frame to try and break the lock. Using a cable lock only – thieves can easily cut through most cable locks with bolt cutters or ankle grinders.
Most 10mm chains will go away in 15 seconds with medium sized bolt cutters which are easily stored in a backpack. If you are going to lock a bicycle for a long time two Kryptonite U locks or a U lock and 12mm+ chain would be enough to detter most bike thiefs. This is only worth it if the bike is more expensive.
If you are going to lubricate your lock, we advise you not to use WD40. This agent is greasy and causes the pins in the cylinder to stick together. Use a moisture and dirt-repellent lock spray, for example the AXA lock spray.
Not all keys for bicycle locks are the same, and yet not every key is unique either. Manufacturers have a set of key-lock combinations that they randomly disperse as part of the production and distribution process.
KNOWN AS ATPO
Created by Kryptonite in 1978, the Anti-Theft Protection Offer is a program that reimburses registered customers for a specific monetary amount in the event their bicycle/motorcycle is stolen due to the opening or breaking of the lock by force.
Locked Out of Your House
A locksmith should be able to open your door in minutes by picking your lock. You should be wary of a locksmith attempting to use a drill immediately for this task. The average rate for this service is $150, and you can expect to pay more during peak times and after working hours.
It can take anywhere from 7 seconds to 45 minutes for a locksmith to pick open a lock. Generally a locksmith should be able to unlock most doors in about 10 minutes. Of course this is effected by the type of lock.
Avoid leaving your bike locked up in the same place for days at a time; parts will start disappearing.
Cutting: Thieves use tin snips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, and angle grinders to cut their way through locks and chains.
Many shackle locks have brittle lock housings or lock mechanisms. Brace the bottom of the U against whatever the bike is locked to, and hit the cross-bar good and hard with at the lock with a hammer and they'll pop open.
For example, even the famous Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, undoubtedly the world's most secure portable bicycle lock up until now, featuring an unrivalled 18mm hardened steel shackle, can be defeated in 1 minute with a portable angle grinder.
A key bike lock is more secure than a combination bike lock. Most key locks at least need a specialised device to pick them. A combo lock requires no special skill. A determined thief will find a way to steal a bicycle, but the last thing they want to do is 'work' to get their hands on your machine.
Always use 2 locks
Bicycle thieves often have one specialism and therefore often leave a bicycle with two locks. Moreover, it takes a lot more time to break open two locks than one. Always use an approved lock, these are always approved by independent institutes.