I hate to bring this up amidst all the recent bike thefts. . .

but I actually need to know if someone can get a u-lock off a frame for me. I bought this little Centurion Caveletto at an estate sale in Willow Springs, and it came with ancient u-lock around the frame. I looked through every box in the house for the key, but it wasn't there. Someone in my building tried to get it off with a 24" bolt-cutter, but it barely left a mark. I have no idea how a thief can cut through a u-lock with a bolt-cutter. Can anyone help me get this thing off so I can ride this bike without doing more damage to what is otherwise a well-preserved paint job? I live in McKinley Park.

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Permalink Reply by heather s on May 30, 2010 at 1:48pm

AFAIK bike thieves use bolt cutters on cable locks, angle grinders on U-locks. If you've got a regular bike shop you go to, where they know you're not a thief, maybe they will cut it for you.

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on May 30, 2010 at 1:53pm

If you can find a way to stabilize the "U" piece on something you should be able to knock the shackle off of that type of lock with a few good blows of a hammer.

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on May 30, 2010 at 1:54pm

Also, a sawzall with a metal cutting blade would make short work of that lock; a hacksaw too if you're looking for a little more exercise.

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Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 30, 2010 at 3:26pm

A reciprocating saw was tried on this--my friend in the building works with steel and brought the saw and the bolt-cutter from work. Neither made a scratch. I tried a hacksaw and that never even penetrated into the steel. This is like some cheap Ace U-lock and it seems impenetrable to me. Restored my faith in U-locks, for whatever that is worth. At least I know I can't break them off.

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Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on May 30, 2010 at 5:26pm

You could probably rent an angle grinder from home depot.

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Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on May 30, 2010 at 5:29pm

Mike,

Bring it with your busted wheel to Build night next monday (not tomorrow!) and I will cut it off for you and fix your wheel to boot!

Cheers - Lee

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Permalink Reply by steve rulz on May 30, 2010 at 6:45pm

I cut a U-lock with bolt cutters once. The trick is to put the handle on the ground and a knee on the other handle then bounce with all your weight on it.

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Permalink Reply by Seri97 on May 30, 2010 at 8:51pm

HI Moc Artsy,

If you email me at seri97@comcast.net I may be able to help.

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Permalink Reply by Vitas on May 31, 2010 at 7:06am

you may want to play around with a pen tube in the lock to get it out. those older u-locks used to unlock pretty easily with that gimmick...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LahDQ2ZQ3e0&feature=fvw