Lost U-Lock Key :(

Hi All,

I just moved out of my apartment and managed to lose my U Lock Key! I never registered it so I can't get a replacement sent from them. It is currently locked in my old apartment building's bike room. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get it off or know of anyone that can?

Thanks!

-Liz

elizabeth.j.mills@gmail.com

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Permalink Reply by Tung Luong on April 19, 2011 at 8:04pm

I didn't mean to start a whole thing about picking U-locks. But yeah they are pretty bad to have if they are the old style. Seriously not worth getting your bike stolen. I could literally pick a old U-lock about as fast as I could unlock it with a key when messing around at the shop. I remember one night one of my buddies got drunk and locked a u-lock around my head then ate the key. I then picked the lock and he pooped a key out haha.... So really anybody should dump old locks like that.

The hammer thing is a little bit nuts, you risk damaging the frame. An angle grinder would be best if its not an old u-lock.

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Permalink Reply by James BlackHeron on April 19, 2011 at 8:09pm

If it is Kryptocrap round-key they no longer honor the replacement program now that it is no longer on every news show in the country. It's just an ugly paperweight.

If you need to borrow an angle grinder I've got one if you are near Logan Square I can come out and help cut your lock for you. I've got 30 spare seconds -plus it's fun!

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Permalink Reply by Kelvin Mulcky on April 19, 2011 at 9:07pm

Impractical? Really? What are you expect liz to do with a hammer?

H3N3 said:

Renting an angle grinder would be a little impractical as you could walk into any hardware store and buy a (basic) corded one for about $20 (which would include starter discs). A few of us have cordless angle grinders too.

Depending on the type of lock, a few whacks with a hammer might be the easiest way to go.

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on April 19, 2011 at 9:45pm

Hi Kevin! Happy to clarify.

Renting an angle grinder would cost at least $20, require the purchase of the cut-off wheel, and involve a trip to Home Depot and back. The wording of "a little impractical" referred to the idea of going through the above steps rather than just buying one (or getting help from the many folks on here who will be willing to lend theirs if desired.)

The idea behind the hammer would be that you would stabilize the lock in a way that would protect the frame, and give the barrel a few whacks. With some of the cheaper U-locks that's all it takes.

Does that help?

Kelvin Mulcky said:

Impractical? Really? What are you expect liz to do with a hammer?

H3N3 said:
Renting an angle grinder would be a little impractical as you could walk into any hardware store and buy a (basic) corded one for about $20 (which would include starter discs). A few of us have cordless angle grinders too.

Depending on the type of lock, a few whacks with a hammer might be the easiest way to go.

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Permalink Reply by Liz Mills on May 9, 2011 at 3:18pm

Hi again everyone,

Thank you soooo much for all your suggestions! So after a mad hunt for the key, still no luck. Now time is ticking and I am moving on Saturday morning out of state so really need to get it out. A couple of you offered to help, is anyone free on Thursday morning or afternoon or even possibly wed night? I'd be more than happy to give ya $20 bucks or a case of beer or something. :-) The bike is near Clark and Diversey.

Let me know,

Liz

elizabeth.j.mills@gmail.com