Please help! Bike lock problem!

[naomi]

Hello,

I wondered if anyone had any advice about a bike lock.

Basically I've managed to surprise even myself with an impressive feat of incompetence and broken a lock so that my bike and my boyfriend's bike are locked together.

I used the wrong key to try and unlock his Albus D lock (32 I think), which he'd used to lock his bike to mine. In a rushy, over-zealous panic I tried a bit too hard and the wrong key I was stupidly using snapped so there's half of the wrong key stuck inside the lock. Which means neither of us can use our bikes that we need for work. I phoned Evans who said they couldn't help due to security issues (i.e. they might not be our bikes), which makes sense. So I wondered if anyone had any experience or ideas this sort of thing? I'd love to avoid calling an expense locksmith...

Many thanks in advance,

Naomi

 

[Aperitif]

hello naomi, can you try and gently tap the body of the lock with aa spanner / hammer etc etc to try and get the offending broken bit to drop out? A strong magnet at the entrance point of the lock - and tap tap tap?
If the 'tumbler bit of the lock is holding the broken bit in place then you may have to fiddle with a thin piece of metal (a needle perhaps?) possibly held in pliers, to 'wiggle' a clear path for the broken bit to 'drop out'.
It all sounds simple but I'm sure it's not - particularly with an Abus. The right key with a big magnet stuck to it may help - don't know really - I don't break locks very often or have the techniques...just rambling.
Angle grind it off and get a new lock is the last resort. Paint a key and lock to identify them next time.

 

[derrick]

Angle grinder
http://www.screwfix.com/p/direct-power-pga115-900w-4-angle-grinder-230v/63218

 

[naomi]

hello naomi, can you try and gently tap the body of the lock with aa spanner / hammer etc etc to try and get the offending broken bit to drop out? A strong magnet at the entrance point of the lock - and tap tap tap?
If the 'tumbler bit of the lock is holding the broken bit in place then you may have to fiddle with a thin piece of metal (a needle perhaps?) possibly held in pliers, to 'wiggle' a clear path for the broken bit to 'drop out'.
It all sounds simple but I'm sure it's not - particularly with an Abus. The right key with a big magnet stuck to it may help - don't know really - I don't break locks very often or have the techniques...just rambling.
Angle grind it off and get a new lock is the last resort. Paint a key and lock to identify them next time.

Brilliant, thank you so much! I'll have a go at all that in the daylight. I did think of the big magnet idea so glad you did too. Angle grind? Does that involve a special sort of saw? I'll have a look online now. Many thanks for your help and time! Naomi

 

[naomi]

Angle grinder
http://www.screwfix....nder-230v/63218

Just got this - thank you again! Naomi

 

[mickle]

Appeal to the staff at the nearest fire station who have hydraulic equipment capable of munching your lock off in seconds. They might be persuaded to use the occasion as a training exercise.

It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

Before you knock on their door I suggest you gather as much evidence of the bikes' provenance you as you can muster.

 

[Aperitif]

Appeal to the staff at the nearest fire station who have hydraulic equipment capable of munching your lock off in seconds. They might be persuaded to use the occasion as a training exercise.

It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

Before you knock on their door I suggest you gather as much evidence of the bikes' provenance you as you can muster.

A good idea from someone with experience, Naomi - don't go and buy an angle grinder!

 

[rich p]

Bolt croppers?

or if it's not your bike, "Bolt, coppers!"

 

[naomi]

Appeal to the staff at the nearest fire station who have hydraulic equipment capable of munching your lock off in seconds. They might be persuaded to use the occasion as a training exercise.

It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

Before you knock on their door I suggest you gather as much evidence of the bikes' provenance you as you can muster.

Hi - that's genius idea, of course! I'll try it as there's a fire station nearby. That would be brilliant. Would never have thought of it, thank you! Naomi

 

[mickle]

Even decent bolt croppers are unlikely to make a mark on a half decent U-lock.

 

[naomi]

Bolt croppers?

or if it's not your bike, "Bolt, coppers!"

Ha! Yes. Thanks for that. Am going to try the firemen first.

 

[mickle]

Hi - that's genius idea, of course! I'll try it as there's a fire station nearby. That would be brilliant. Would never have thought of it, thank you! Naomi

Hold on, if it's the 'Fire Station' near Evans in Waterloo don't bother. It was turned into a wine bar long ago!

 

[Aperitif]

Hold on, if it's the 'Fire Station' near Evans in Waterloo don't bother. It was turned into a wine bar long ago!

...and has been wrecked at least twice in recent history by French rugbymen that I have been 'looking after'. (Actually, they could possibly 'do' a D-lock in 'agitated status'!)

 

[naomi]

Great, this is good - I'll assess the situation in the morning.

If I don't get anywhere with various D.I.Y attempts I'll head to the nearest fire station. (And if the firemen can't help then I'll wait until the agitated French rugbymen are in town and head up to Waterloo... )

Brilliant! I had no idea my utter uselessness with locks could lead to such adventure!
And really thank you very much for all your help.
It's very much appreciated.
Naomi

 

[naomi]

Hi again, just to say I took them down to the local bike shop called Bon Velo in Herne Hill. It's a brilliant shop and they fixed it in no time!