How can I break open a U-Lock?

Crippens1

Found my lock tampered with this morning; it looks like someone tried to force the lock with some omplement or other and now my key won't fit in. I've tried all and everything including brute force and ignorance but can't get the key to turn in the lock. Has anyone out there had to force open a steel U-lock before? All advice gratefully received?

Thanks.

Lumen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bphyY1pnjg8

Crippens1

That's the job!

I'm off to woodies then.

Thanks.

meercat

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7112582/Trail/searchtext%3EANGLE+GRINDER.htm

John_Rambo

Use a car jack, top of the jack towards the crossbar, crank away till it pops. Make sure not to let any of the jack put pressure on your bike frame.

Crippens1

Thanks guys; I might try the car jack first as the lock is around the seat stays so it should be possible to line it up without putting the frame in danger. Failing that I'll get a grinder.

Thanks again.

John_Rambo

Did it work?

Crippens1

Haven't had a go yet; I'm afraid work is getting in the way. I'll report when completed; might make a video also.

Crippens1

For anyone with the same problem; the angle grinder is best. It took about 30 seconds to cut the lock. Make sure to do the job outside and to cover your bike well as it generates a strong stream of sparks.

The car jack approach may well work but having started with that I stopped before anything snapped as I got the impression that whilst it would work, it was likely to do so suddenly and possibly violently.

Anyway, if you're ever in this pickle then the angle grinder is very quick and easy.

PurpleBee

If you want to get your lock cut off why not go to the gardai? I did it when my key broke in my lock and they sent a fire engine full of fire men one of whom hopped out and did the job for me in two seconds.

vektarman

PurpleBee wrote: »

If you want to get your lock cut off why not go to the gardai? I did it when my key broke in my lock and they sent a fire engine full of fire men one of whom hopped out and did the job for me in two seconds.

I don't think I could afford the charges, here's an example:
http://www.mayococo.ie/en/Services/FireService/FireServiceCharges/
AFAIK most fire services will charge for a call out.
but fair play to you if you got it done for free.

Lumen

PurpleBee wrote: »

my key broke in my lock and they sent a fire engine full of fire men

When was this exactly?



:pac:

Beasty

The OP has sorted his problem out, so let's leave it there ....

Thanks

Beasty