Although it rarely happens, there are times when you simply lose your bike keys or forget about the combination of your bike lock. In these times you wonder how you can break the lock to free the bike. In this article, we’ll share with you the most common steps on how you can break a bike lock. Hopefully, this article will be used for good purposes and not for the worse since this method of breaking the bike lock is tried and tested by many riders who experienced the same problem.
Considerations when breaking a bike lock
Before we get right to the steps, it is important to know about the considerations to avoid mistakes as well as injuries and accidents when breaking a bike lock.
The first consideration that you have to make is to make certain that you own the bike. In case people would pry and ask about what you are doing, you should be able to immediately provide them with proof that you own the bike. A few pictures from your phone or a few identification marks or stickers on the bike that would prove that you’re the owner would be more than enough. Without proof, people will certainly get suspicious about what you’re doing and they may even call the police on you.
Next is that these techniques and method of breaking a bike lock depends on the kind of lock itself. There are many kinds of bike locks and it is important to note that one method may not apply to specific lock models or variations. Only use these methods on the right lock classification.
How to break a bike lock
As mentioned earlier, you need to identify what kind of lock the bike lock is. Is it the traditional type of lock or the more modern type of lock such as digital or number combination lock?
Picking the bike lock
Now, this method works efficiently with a traditional bike lock or a normal lock that uses a key. The first thing you can use to unlock it is through apart from a pen. Pens have a plastic BIC component that can be used to pick the tubular locking mechanism of the bike lock. The plastic should be able to fit snugly in the keyhole.
Simply drive in the plastic in the keyhole until its end and wiggle as well as apply random pressure to remove the lock.
You can also use other items to pick the lock such as a hairpin, sturdy wire, match stick, and many others. just make sure that the object does not break easily else you’ll be left with it stuck in the keyhole. One thing that you’ll need in this regard is patience since it requires the right amount of pressure and turns to get the right combination in the lock.
Sometimes it also helps to lubricate the lock to ease the tension in its mechanism. Locks sometimes lock on their own due to debris and dirt stuck inside their mechanism which causes failure. Cleaning the lock and lubricating its insides can also make the unlocking easier.
Cutting the lock
As a last option, you can always cut the lock with a bolt cutter or any equipment that can cut the lock. If this advanced cutting equipment is unavailable, you can simply cut the lock with a handsaw. And if you’re left with just your bike tools, you can use two monkey wrenches to force open the lock. Simply place the open end of both wrenches on each shaft of the lock. After placing both wrenches in place, it should create the form of a scissor or pliers. Simply pull both wrenches together in the same way as using a bolt cutter or plier. This would pull the lock shaft apart and would break the lock.
Finding lock combinations
If you’re dealing with a lock that requires combinations, all you have to do is go through all the combinations one by one. Start from 0 and move on until you finish all combinations.
A good thing to consider here is that a combination usually causes a bit of resistance. Once a correct combination is found, notice how it has a bit of resistance than the rest. The resistance would be your guide to finding the other lock combinations in the set.
Calling a locksmith
Another option that you can try to unlock your bike lock is to ask for help from a locksmith. Locksmiths have the tools, skills, as well as knowledge on how to unlock a bike lock. However, without the proper tools, the locksmith would still find challenges in unlocking the bike lock.