U-lock blues
 

While I was traveling she who cleans accidently threw out the key to my old Specialized u-lock. My commuter is now anchored to a wood post on the patio and the old Bic pen trick isn't working. I need to find a way to remove the lock without damaging the post or my frame. The lock is made from hardened steel so a hacksaw won't work. Any suggestions before I call a locksmith? Send me a PM if you aren't comfortable posting a solution on the forum. Thanks.

I think the city solution is a die grinder with abrasive wheels (wear eye protection and put something protective in front of your bike in case you slip!)

For the price of a locksmith you could have your bike back in addition to a very cool tool.

I read an article a long time ago where they had a career bike thief anonymously rate various locks. He rated them by the time it took to break the lock. I think with U-Locks he claimed that with enough time and a big hammer and chisel he cold whale on it until broke free. I had a garage once use a torch to cut through mine, but that was locked wheel to frame.

You might be able to rent the grinder mentioned above at a Home Depot.

take the accordian style car jack that's sitting in your car and spread out the two ends of the U until it bends and one end slips out.

unless you've got a NY kryptonite, this should do the trick.

I got one of these off with big ass giant bolt cutters. Cut like butter.

+1

The article mentioned by "desteady" was in Bicycling Magazine (IIRC) and a jack was the main tool to defeat U-Locks.

Although the liquid nitrogen and a big hammer method sounds kinda fun....

Thanks. I'll try the jack tomorrow.

Grinder works wonders.

Oh yeah! Liquid nitrogen. I forgot. That does sound like fun.

Go with the jack,
but stand back. :D

if all else fails, I think this would work. http://www.jawsoflife.com/Main/Content.aspx

I made ice cream once with liquid nitrogen. Now that was fun. And tasty.

let me amend that.
i think the jack goes in the middle, not towards the ends where they'll pull on the cylinder block. in the center, they'll bend outwards and the tips will bend in enought to clear the notches.
haven't done it, but try what works for you.


and yeah, i'd stand back if possible.

Now that's a great way to change your frame geometry.

I'm intrigued . . .
 

. . . by this "she who cleans" thing . . . Where can I find such a person? :)

. . . and does she know you call her "she who cleans?" :D

BBD