Bike Is Stuck D Lock Jam What to Do?

So the D lock locking the bike is jammed. Sticking the key in it won't turn. We've tried wriggling the key in for ages and using WD40 in the key hole, it won't seem to budge. Not sure what I can do now.

I'm thinking the only thing to do is cut the lock and just buy a new lock, but my problem is I don't even know where to get a bolt cutter strong enough to break the D lock. Sigh.

Ozbargain, help me :)

PS: If someone has something that cut a D lock, in Melbourne, and would lent to me that would be super.

Comments

  • +13

    How do we know this is your bike? ;)

    • lol, thx for the support :)

  • +2

    angle grinder

    • +3

      hacksaw?

      • Hacksaw won't be fun if it is a hardened decent lock.

        Edit: saw link to Reid lock below, doesn't mentioned hardened so grab a hacksaw, or better still a cordless reciprocating saw with a metal blade.

  • Locksmith?

  • Have you tried wiggling the D part around a bit and then trying the key. Sometimes with mine if the D part is in tension, i.e pulling away from the bar it locks into, the key won't turn/unlock the lock.

  • +1

    never tried it but apparently using a ball point pen can open them. - see this vid (one of many on YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-LWGJzglho

    • I have the actual key, so I'm not trying to break into the lock, its just jammed. the key wont turn

      • +5

        get a car jack and jack it open

        • +1

          Dunno why that deserved a neg, it's a simple, safe way to open it in this scenario.

        • I would, but I'm 100% sure it wont fit in, coz between the bike, the rack and the helmet, it wont fit a car jack in. Thx for the idea though.

        • +1

          @StewBalls:

          it does risk deforming either the bike frame or rack though, but given the situation I would try it if possible.

        • @cloudy: Absolutely agree, you wouldn't do it if you couldn't get in there cleanly…definitely depends on how it's situated on the bike & the anchor point.

          If it's a squeeze, my next go to would be the angle grinder…unless you know a chef/doctor/scientist who can easily get you some liquid nitrogen…freezing works a treat too.

          When I was a security guard, we would often find hardened locks smashed (shattered) off with spent cans of freon nearby…I can vouch for the efficacy.

        • Haha this is the second result on Google… https://youtu.be/0-eOnzrI43Y

  • +1

    Sorry if this sounds uber Stupid but… Contact the manufacturer, and get solution.

  • Which brand of the lock are you using?

      • Stupid question, but have you tried calling a Reid cycles store to ask them for suggestions?

        I would also check the key to ensure you haven't damaged/bent it whilst trying to force the lock open.

        Good advice on lock maintenance:

        http://thebestbikelock.com/best-bike-lock/how-to-stop-your-b…

      • Looks like a cheapo. Sometimes cheap ones can be opened by cutting the plastic away from the body of the lock to expose a pin. That pin holds the whole lock unit from turning inside the body (tube) of the dlock. Push/smash the pin through with a hammer and pin set, then turn the whole lock (cylinder and lock body) around inside the dlock cylinder body and the lock will be open.
        Hope this makes sense.

      • I hope you've got it cut by now. I think those ones are hollow? Once you've cut it make sure you get a decent lock - can recommend the Kryptonite Evolution Mini 5/7 with a separate cable. I've had one for 7 years and is still working fine.

        Also lock it up using the Sheldon Brown method: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

  • +1

    When using the WD40 make sure that the lock is facing up if you can, it helps if the oil can permeate down the barrel through gravity. Also apply it to the key, try wiggling it in and out a few times, that sometimes does the trick!

  • +1

    as it is a lock you should really use graphite powder. oil or stuff like wd40 makes the inside "sticky" or "damp" which allows crap to collect within the lock.

    • It's graphite powder or WD-40.

      The WD-40 and graphite mix poorly.

  • +1

    Does your local bike shop have large bolt cutters? mine did and actually did break a lock for me.

  • hacksaw it - that lock is big enough to be able to hold and saw it.

  • Is there anything else stuck in the keyhole? You really want to try everything you can to get it to accept the key before resorting to cutting the lock.

    A week ago I had a problem where the key would not fit the lock and I found a small piece of gravel inside which had been blown by the wind. Fortunately the rock was still visible but it was a pain to get at since it required a thin blade precision screwdriver and rotating the lock upside down.

  • If all else fails, call the fire department?

    • Can't believe no one as yet has suggested calling the 'Bikies' for such a related conundrum.

      • Well, in this case it's highly relevant…bikies have no trouble getting through motorcycle locks.

  • This is a low security lock and bolt croppers will go straight through it.

  • Tapping the lock sharply with a hammer (rubber or metal) can sometimes jar a jammed key/lock mechanism loose. Jiggle the key as fast as you can while you tap the lock. I've done this with car keys, using a metal screwdriver to tap the lock; window locks using a meat mallet and a wooden peg (so it wouldn't damage the metal) and a cable bike lock I had years ago, where I tapped the lock with my wheel spanner while wiggling the key.

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