Key Broken in Bike Lock

part time punk · 21-09-2010 10:49pm #1

So I went to get my bike after work and the key broke off in the lock, which was a pain. Half the key is still on my key-ring and the other half is stuck in the lock. Not sure what type of lock it is, it's quite old and nothing too serious. A bit like the first one pictured here http://hubpages.com/hub/Buy-a-Bicycle-Lock-Online-Kryptonite-U-locks (it's not a Kryptonite)

So any bright ideas as to what to do: befriend a bike thief, buy some bolt cutters, ask the guards etc.. The bike should be ok where it is for a few days (off-street car/bike park in town) and I can always put another lock on it, a U one I have at home.

Cheers

Hail 2 Da Thief · 21-09-2010 10:59pm

It's a cable lock yeah? I'd just cut it off. Them locks are cheap & offer crap protection anyway so no loss really!

vektarman · 22-09-2010 10:10am

Do you have a spare key?, if you do and simply want to remove the broken piece in the lock then put a tiny amount of superglue on the edge of the half key in your possession and put it in the lock where it should meet up with the piece of key in the lock, give it a few seconds to bond and the complete key should pull out together, it worked for me when my key was broken in the car ignition.

MarkR · 22-09-2010 11:42am

Borrow a bolt cutter if it's a cable lock. Shocking easy.

monument · 22-09-2010 4:37pm

The first picture in the link has a load of U-locks on the bicycle.

Anyway, just like U-locks, the strength of cable locks differs. Not all can be easily broken with a bolt cutters. Although admittedly most can.

happytramp · 22-09-2010 7:05pm

Bear in mind it's hard not to look suspicious when hanging around a bike rack with a bolt cutters.;)

Old Perry · 22-09-2010 7:30pm

not sure how similar lock is but a magnet migt be some help, have seen it work on the seat lock on motorbikes, the glue would be a good idea also.

conradk · 22-09-2010 7:31pm

The fire brigade will cut the lock off your bike for you.
(I had them cut off a Kryptonite lock for me a month or two ago..)

You'll have to arrange for a Garda to be there though

First call the local fire station and tell them you have a Garda standing by (in my case they wouldn't leave the station until I assured them the Gard was there), then call the local Garda station and tell them the fire brigade are there (i.e. lie to them both), hopefully they'll both arrive at the same time and the lock will be off your bike in seconds....

Thomas_S_Hunterson · 22-09-2010 7:36pm

Fire Brigade will probably charge you for this...

conradk · 22-09-2010 7:50pm

there was no charge when they did it for me.... nice guys too..

part time punk · 23-09-2010 1:34pm

Thanks for the replies but wasn't able to check boards yesterday. No joy with getting a pair bolt-cutters, and locksmiths were going to charge €40 to cut it! Anyway I borrowed a hacksaw and cut through it. Tough going though, even for a chain lock. Took about 20 mins and very sweaty work! But I have my bike back and on the look out for a new lock. Cheers

Key Broken in Bike Lock

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