How Do Bike Locks Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Securing your bike when leaving it unattended is a must-do if you expect it to be there when you return. If you commute by bike, it’s likely that you already own a bike lock.

How safe are bike locks?


U-locks are regarded as the most secure, but chain locks can be just as secure—if the chain and lock shackle are both made from hardened steel

. Using an old gym locker combo lock with a chain from the hardware store is a losing proposition, liable to be defeated by a pair of bolt cutters.

How do bike thieves break U-locks?


A pair of hand held cable cutters will snip through most cable locks in seconds

. Cheap, inconspicuous and easy to carry around in a coat pocket, this is the tool that’s most commonly used by bike thieves. And it’s worth repeating again: they will cut through nearly all cable locks in seconds.

Is there a bike lock that Cannot be cut?

Is There a Bike Lock That Can’t Be Cut?

The Altor SAF and the Skunklock are the two most uncuttable bike locks on the market

. Both of these locks employ anti-cut features that make them capable of defeating power tools. These two locks are the strongest and most unbreakable bike locks on the market.

What do bike thieves do with stolen bikes?

However, McCloskey said bikes stolen in the city often are recovered at flea markets around the Bay Area. He believes thieves

ship them out of the city to decrease the chance of being caught

. The National Bike Registry reports bikes are often moved to other cities or even other states for sale.

Can wire cutters cut bike locks?

Can bolt cutters cut a bike lock?


Bolt cutters will easily cut through cable locks

, but it’s worth using a cable extension to deter chancers! So if you want your bike lock to put up a fight against bolt cutters, get one made with hardened steel, and get the thickest possible option. This should render the cutters useless and keep your bike safe!

What is the hardest bike lock to break?

  1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit: Strongest U Lock. …
  2. Abus Granit X-Plus 54 Mini: Strong and Light. …
  3. Kryptonite New York Standard: Strong and Big. …
  4. OnGuard Brute Mini: Strong and Cheap. …
  5. Pragmasis Protector: Strongest Stationary Chain Lock. …
  6. Kryptonite New York Noose: Strongest Portable Chain Lock.

How much should I spend on a bike lock?

How Much Should You Spend on a Bike Lock? We heard a lot about the 10 percent rule throughout our testing process. That is, plan on spending

about 10 percent of your bicycle’s worth

on a suitable bike lock.

Are U locks easy to break?

U-locks are

very difficult to open by hammering or using force

, but they are weakened and become brittle when cooled by air spray, meaning that they can be smashed open.

Can bolt cutters cut a Kryptonite lock?

Can you cut through a Kryptonite lock?

Are Kryptonite locks worth it?

The Kryptonite New-U New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lock is a workhorse. You won’t find any special features or frills, just a lot of lock—

4.55 pounds’ worth

. It uses a through-hardened dual-locking shackle and extra metal in the crossbar for even more security.

How often are bikes stolen?

I wouldn’t consider myself especially lucky in that respect but according to crime data over 376,000 bicycles are stolen each year, which is roughly

one every 90 seconds

.

Why do people steal bikes?

Acquisitive: These thieves steal bicycles

for financial gain

and usually trade them for cash or goods. The bikes may also be sold in pieces for drugs or money.

How do I make sure my bike doesn’t get stolen?

  1. Double up your security by using two high-quality locks. …
  2. Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too. …
  3. Swap quick-release seat and wheel skewers for ones that require keys. …
  4. Make your bike unique. …
  5. Try out a smart lock. …
  6. Always bring your bike inside at night.

How do you beat the bike thieves?

Lock your bike tightly, keeping everything off the ground and leaving no space for power tools, bolt cutters, pry bars or lock pickers. Use your second lock to secure the front wheel to the frame. Leave your bike within eyeshot, among other bikes, somewhere bright and busy where there’s CCTV.

Where are most stolen bikes sold?

Watch It. As the Davis case showed,

pawn shops

are common places for thieves to sell stolen bikes. If your bike gets pinched, contact local pawn shop owners and ask if they’ve seen it. If not, give them specific info about your bike so they can report it as stolen if the thief does bring it in.

How do you break a bike lock cable?

How do you break a bike lock without a tool?

  1. Step 1: Get the Pen and Remove Ink Tube. …
  2. Step 2: Push and Wiggle the Hollow Ballpen Tube. …
  3. Step 3: Keep the Pen Wiggling Until the Lock Comes Off. …
  4. Step 1: Wear Protective Gloves. …
  5. Step 2: Take an Empty Fizzy Drink Can. …
  6. Step 3: Insert the shim into the lock. …
  7. Step 4: Depress the Bike Lock. …
  8. Pro Tips:

How do you break a bike chain lock?


A pair of wire cutters or a pair of bolt croppers/cutters

should do the trick. This is one of the safest and easiest ways to remove a bike lock without keys. Using an angle grinder, you’ll be able to cut through any bike lock. If you have an angle grinder or other similar power tools, you may decide to use these.

What tool can cut a bike lock?


Hacksaws like LENOX Tools High-Tension Hacksaw

can cut most bike lock cables that are made of thin and soft materials. Their small size will fit in your bag.

How thick can bolt cutters cut?

An 18-inch bolt cutter can cut metal up to 9/32 of an inch in diameter while a 24-inch bolt cutter can cut thicknesses up to 5/16 of an inch, depending on the material’s hardness.

What chain Cannot be cut with bolt cutters?


Hexagonal links (or square or trapezoidal)

make it impossible for bolt cutters to get a grip. Chain sold by the foot at the local hardware store performs lifting and towing well, but not theft resistance.

Is there a cable that can’t be cut?

Is there a chain that can’t be cut with bolt cutters? The short answer is

yes, you can get cut-resistant chain

. It’s hardened throughout its thickness, and its flat face distributes the force of the bolt cutter’s jaw over a wide area, thereby diffusing it.

Are all Kryptonite keys the same?

When you received the kryptonite lock it will have come with numbered keys. Older kryptonite locks came with a key fob which had the key number on it.

Newer Kryptonite locks have the key code directly on the key

, which you hopefully made note of. Have a good look around and see if you can find the code.

How do you break a 4 digit bike lock?

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.