Bust bike lock

[katieforbes]

I locked my bike with an Abus Ultimate 420 D Lock (security level 10) one evening after work and the next morning when I went to unlock it, the lock wouldn't open.

The key turns fine, there is no obvious damage to the lock, its not rusty, and its only 3 months old. As its a D-lock, when I turn the key, one side of the lock partly releases but the other does not.

I have coated it in WD40, hammered it, tried the spare key and even whispered lovingly to it! All to no avail. Quotes for getting it cut are £69 which seems ridiculously. Any ideas??!

My other thought is just to buy a grinder - any suggestions?

 

[numbnuts]

Seeing that it is only 3 months old I would contact Abus and tell/ask them to sort it out
http://abuspadlocksonline.co.uk/

 

[Cyclopathic]

I locked my bike with an Abus Ultimate 420 D Lock (security level 10) one evening after work and the next morning when I went to unlock it, the lock wouldn't open.

The key turns fine, there is no obvious damage to the lock, its not rusty, and its only 3 months old. As its a D-lock, when I turn the key, one side of the lock partly releases but the other does not.

I have coated it in WD40, hammered it, tried the spare key and even whispered lovingly to it! All to no avail. Quotes for getting it cut are £69 which seems ridiculously. Any ideas??!

My other thought is just to buy a grinder - any suggestions?

You can buy an angle grinder for about £30 so I'd do that. Then you still have an angle grinder which you could keep or re-sell to recoup some of the expense.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Seeing that it is only 3 months old I would contact Abus and tell/ask them to sort it out
http://abuspadlocksonline.co.uk/

Or this...This is probably a better place to start.

 

[vickster]

+1 and ask them to replace for free with a Granit X as 3 months is poor

 

[simon the viking]

As you said locked up after work I assume the bike is nice and warm/safe at your house and not abandoned somewhere.... I would go down the contacting Abus route....

Another tip.... we get very upset on here when a bike is being held against its will.... So we need to be told when its free so we can get closure...... oh and Hello and

 

[I like Skol]

It's not an unknown of technique of bike thieves to sabotage locks so that when owners of bikes arrive at their usual parking spot they find the lock unusable. This then forces the bike owner to leave the bike unlocked or use a less secure 'café' lock if they have no choice but to leave the bike. The thieves then come along and collect an unlocked or easily freed bike.

Are you sure your lock hasn't been tampered with? superglue or hammering match stalks into the key slot are common techniques for crippling the lock.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd go down the ring Abus route they may even know how to fix this problem.
One thing to try is to relock it quite forcibly with the key, just click it to unlock then flick it smartly to lock this may throw the mech into full engagement from where it may open normally.

 

[Dragonwight]

This might work.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ambersil-Gr...84859&sr=8-2&keywords=graphite+lock+lubricant

 

[Sturmey_Hub]

If you lived near Derby I'd say "put the kettle on and I'll pop round with my angle grinder". Surely there must be someone living in London who cycles and owns one?

 

[sidevalve]

I had a similar prob after I dropped my lock [ok I used it on a m/cycle but that's not relevant here]. Just dropped it - no big deal I thought then nothing. Key fits but will it open - NO ! Mine was eighteen months old. Try Abus I will be interested to see the result

 

[katieforbes]

Thanks all!! A friend is coming all the way down from Scotland this weekend kitted out with...an angle grinder! So we'll get some sparks flying and lock cutting on the go. I'm not sure it will be as enjoyable as a Derby cup of tea but it will have to do!

THANKS for all your top tips. I'm now going to contact Abus to see what they say. Good idea.

I'll be sure to post their reply for future reference.

 

[Globalti]

The sabotage suggestion seems the most likely.

 

[Gixxerman]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I had to post this tale.
At le Tour on Sunday, my mate locked our bikes together at the summit of Midhopestones. A few minutes later he turns to me a says "I think I've left the key at home.". I laugh because I assume that he is joking, only to find that he is serious. Much hunting in bags and pockets fails to find the missing key. He phones his wife at home and is told that the keys have been found in his jeans. Hmm problem. Roads closed. His wife has licence but doesn't really like driving as she is new to the area (just moved there). One option discussed was to get a taxi to bring them at meet them at the A616. But still the problem with the closed roads. We ask a policeman what to do. He has a think and comes up with a plan. There is a mountain rescue place just up the road and they are bound to have some bolt croppers, and they are on duty today to cover first aid for TdF. Luckily they did have some and we cut the lock off with a police escort so to speak, much to the amusment and cheers of onlookers. What was surprising is just how easily it was to cut what is a very good abus padlock off. Cost us a £30 padlock, but had to see the funny side of it.

 

[raleighnut]

You know all that gubbins that comes out on every ride with you (spare tube, puncture kit, multitool, pump etc) add the locks spare key to that list.