Help removing a D Lock

[Yellow Saddle]

The key shouldn't snap!

Of course a key should snap! It is a pretty weak little tool that easily succumbs to abuse. Most of us have broken a key off at some stage and we'll all attest that it was due to forcing it or, it being forced previously and being on its last legs. It is only a thin metal (often just brass) strip with weakening serrations already built in. Admittedly locks sometimes are troublesome, but with a bit of mechanical sympathy, most of us don't break keys because we are careful. User error.

 

[fatblokish]

I think the S4 is a double lock shackle, if so be prepared to make 2 cuts. If the stand is bolted in it would be quicker to unbolt than to cut with a hacksaw.

An angle grinder is your best bet really. How long has the bike been there?

About ten days...and counting

 

[DaveReading]

If the stand is bolted in it would be quicker to unbolt than to cut with a hacksaw.

Though there's no guarantee that you will then be able to extricate the stand from the lock without having to cut off the flange that carries the bolts. Which means you're destroying council property ...

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

See if the local fire brigade want some practice with their toys.

 

[classic33]

Though there's no guarantee that you will then be able to extricate the stand from the lock without having to cut off the flange that carries the bolts. Which means you're destroying council property ...

Removing the stand may allow the bike to be removed, then the cutting of the lock can be done elsewhere.

If removing the stand, wear Hi-Vis, Hard hat and act as though you have every right to be doing what you are doing. No-one will question you.

 

[classic33]

About ten days...and counting

Is it still there, intact?

 

[slowmotion]

Removing the stand may allow the bike to be removed, then the cutting of the lock can be done elsewhere.

If removing the stand, wear Hi-Vis, Hard hat and act as though you have every right to be doing what you are doing. No-one will question you.

Don't forget to make sure that your site jacket is suitably smeared with manky stuff. Also, use a site barrier for added authenticity. Put a bogus company logo on all equipment visible to the public.

You can usually tunnel your way into a nearby bank vault if you work with those two.

 

[ufkacbln]

There was a ploy at one point where thieves would cut the stand and then hide the cut

Unsuspecting cyclist locks bike and when eaves, they slip the lock off away with the bike

 

[marshmella]

Don't forget to make sure that your site jacket is suitably smeared with manky stuff. Also, use a site barrier for added authenticity. Put a bogus company logo on all equipment visible to the public.
View attachment 353683
You can usually tunnel your way into a nearby bank vault if you work with those two.

And do the job in a team of three- one doing the work and two watching

 

[DRM]

A four inch battery-powered angle grinder will do it. Use a 1mm thick metal cutting blade. The thinner it is, the faster the cut. I went through a couple of gold rated padlocks in thirty seconds with these.......
http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-m...10/3619g#product_additional_details_container

BTW......please do use the guard on the grinder if you value an un-ruptured carotid artery.

+1 this, think very hot knife through butter, as slowmotion says use the guard & eye protection as sparks will fly, keep nosey bystanders away too, and be aware the sparks will also burn skin/clothing.

 

[davidphilips]

Any updates on bike? Is it home and safe or still locked, Hopeing for a good outcome.

 

[numbnuts]

A few months back I bought a cordless angle grinder, I do a lot of metal work so I could justify the cost, but I did think how handy it would be for removing D-locks if I ever lost or broken keys.

 

[slowmotion]

And do the job in a team of three- one doing the work and two watching

......one of them earnestly studying a clipboard with a bogus job sheet.....

 

[jefmcg]

Please don't risk damaging several hundred pounds of council cycling infrastructure to save yourself £14.

Edit: Of course, if you are happy with destroying council property, and the stand isn't too thick, you could try a third way

 

[biggs682]

i snapped a lock key last week less than 2 minutes with a big pair of bolt cutters and the bike was free