Stranded bike, broken key. Any advice?

Hey everybody. I'm in a bind. Or a nightmare.

I locked my bike outside my local grocery store a while ago (actually, a LONG while ago) and when I tried to unlock it my key broke. I turned the key too forcefully and the end of it snapped off. Now it's stuck inside the lock.

So I'm turning you y'all. I've asked around a bit and I'm aware of a couple of my options, but I'm wondering what advice you have. What can I do? How screwed am I? Is it advisable to travel back in time and not buy a u-lock?

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on December 14, 2011 at 5:02pm

Good option. Alternatively, get a local lock shop to help. You'll probably need to be able to prove the bike is yours and pay them the (probably not too cheap) fee.

Sometimes you can get the half a key out with a forceps or by gluing a paper clip or q tip or something to it with super glue, then using your extra key to unlock it. Didn't seem to work for me last time. It cost me $30 to get the lock shop to do it.

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on December 14, 2011 at 5:19pm

Should've done that too.

Cameron Puetz said:

Last time I looked at hiring a lock shop to help with a U-Lock, their estimate was more than an angle grinder, so I went the way that resulted in owning more tools.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on December 14, 2011 at 5:32pm

Call a bike shop or lock smith.

Expect to have to provide some proof the bike is yours; we like to get a receipt or a picture of the bike in your home, something that shows it has been in your possession before where it is locked.

Expect to pay 50-75 dollars for a remote lock cut.

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Permalink Reply by Brandon on December 14, 2011 at 5:57pm

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Miraculously my problem has been solved. An anonymous good Samaritan descended from on high to liberate my bike.

I was thinking I'd need to buy a battery-operated circular saw.

Do those even exist?

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on December 14, 2011 at 6:03pm

no, no, of course not...

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Permalink Reply by Brandon on December 14, 2011 at 6:29pm

We used a circular saw with an extension cord.

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Permalink Reply by Pedal To The People on December 15, 2011 at 10:26am

Hello! We can pedal out to you and cut it off. We'll give you a 15% discount on any lock of your choice

Feel free to call. 773-355-0882. Let's get you rolling again!

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Permalink Reply by Pedal To The People on December 15, 2011 at 10:58am

sorry, disregard that last statement...I should have read all the way to the end of the thread! Glad your bike has been liberated. For any future mobile service, give us a call! On-site service is our specialty! We're there when you need us!

Pedal To The People said:

Hello! We can pedal out to you and cut it off. We'll give you a 15% discount on any lock of your choice

Feel free to call. 773-355-0882. Let's get you rolling again!

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Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on December 15, 2011 at 1:14pm

Sounds like something Morrissey might have scribbled in his notepad in high school, but I don't think even he would stoop that low when naming a song. Lincoln Park on the other hand...