The Chainlink

Broke my key. need to cut my U-lock.

While unlocking my bike the other night the key broke off in the lock. The bike is in a fairly public place and I need to cut the lock off. I have the tools to cut the lock which isn't really an issue. I am just worried about cutting a lock on a bike on a busy street. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Am I best off calling the police prior to cutting the lock to avoid being accused of trying to steal a bike?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on May 31, 2011 at 11:33am
Call the police first. Get a name of the officer you spoke to. I doubt they will want to accompany you, but having a record with the district that you, the rightful owner, will be cutting the lock off of a bicycle will go a long way to quickly clear up any confusion which may occur. Wouldn't hurt to take some other evidence of ownership with you that you can keep in your pocket while you do the deed.
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on May 31, 2011 at 11:55am
It is always better to be safe rather than sorry, just in the off chance someone actually does call the police and report you cutting a bike lock.  So some type of proof of ownership of the bike and a call to the local police station would probably be a good idea.   Sadly, it seems that people just ignore the angle grinding that goes on in public these days or just don't want to get involved, and I doubt that anyone will even notice. If they do, or you are questioned, it is better to have some type of proof that you are the rightful owner. Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on May 31, 2011 at 12:09pm

make sure you have proof of ownership, if you do, and the fire dept cant cut these anyway.

What kind of U-Lock is it, On-Guard? maybe you can emial them and get some ideas.

Permalink Reply by steve rulz on May 31, 2011 at 12:24pm
The lock is a Kryptonite NY U-Lock. I was in a similar situation a few years back and cut a lock with bolt cutters. I think it was a cheaper lock so I am not sure if this will work. The closest thing I have to proof of ownership are photos on my phone in different locations and the other half of the broken key. I will call the police and let them know what I am up to prior and will be sure to have a friend with me.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on May 31, 2011 at 4:04pm

Register the bike with one of many bike-registration outfits.  I like bikeregistry.com because it is free for life not the greater expense of the most of the other registration websites. 

 

I doubt anyone will do anything or call the cops or that they would even come if someone did.  

Permalink Reply by steve rulz on May 31, 2011 at 4:23pm

I ran into a guy once who was cutting a bike lock with a grinder. I wasn't exactly kind to him so I would hope to avoid the same type of treatment while trying to reclaim my own bike. Amazingly I was able to find the receipt from purchasing the bike. I also have the  broken key and photos so I'm not worried about proving ownership. I imagine it will probably be about like the video below.

 

http://youtu.be/J7zb8YXrmIA

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on May 31, 2011 at 4:23pm
Not to mention the vigorously promoted (on this site at least) Chicago Stolen Bike Registry registration option through Bike Revol.... Also free for life. 

James Baum said:

Register the bike with one of many bike-registration outfits.  I like bikeregistry.com because it is free for life not the greater expense of the most of the other registration websites. 

 

I doubt anyone will do anything or call the cops or that they would even come if someone did.  

Permalink Reply by magomawe on May 31, 2011 at 8:15pm
Contact Kryptonite and explain the situation.  They have great customer service, they might offer something.  My wife's Kryptonite u-lock got jammed and they sent someone out to cut it and then they sent her a new lock for free.  Maybe they won't be quite as accommodating, but I bet they'll offer something.
Permalink Reply by steve rulz on May 31, 2011 at 8:39pm
Doh... I will get a hold of Kryptonite the next time I have a problem. As it is now my lock is in pieces in a trash can in wicker and my bike is safe and sound at home. It took just a few minutes with a grinder to cut it free.

magomawe said:
Contact Kryptonite and explain the situation.  They have great customer service, they might offer something.  My wife's Kryptonite u-lock got jammed and they sent someone out to cut it and then they sent her a new lock for free.  Maybe they won't be quite as accommodating, but I bet they'll offer something.
Permalink Reply by magomawe on May 31, 2011 at 8:42pm
At least your bike is safe.  So did anyone notice someone slicing through a u-lock with a grinder?
Permalink Reply by Lia on May 31, 2011 at 9:18pm
Yay!  Your bike is free!  Congrats!
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on May 31, 2011 at 11:34pm

Charlie Driggs: What are you doing? 
Audrey 'Lulu' Hankel: I'm setting you free. 
Charlie Driggs: Maybe I don't want to be free. 
Audrey 'Lulu' Hankel: Maybe you're not.

 

"Something Wild" (1986)

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