Commuting - Help my commuter is trapped; can't unlock U-lock

Hi-

I've just had the very frustrating experience of not being able to open my U-lock! I went out with some friends last night and took my commuter bike and U-lock. When I attempted to leave I was unable to get the U-lock to let go. Thinking that the internals of the U-lock were a little rusty I got a ride home from a friend and returned by cab with my handy dandy can of wd40. Despite a half a can of wd40 the lock refused to release. I examined the U-Lock key and realized that it was worn (the groves had become rounded). Thinking that I had a second key at home I proceeded to walk home (an hour and a half walk). I didnt' have the second key at home but when I rode into work today on the junk bike I discovered I had several extra keys. I rode back up to the trapped bike with the new key but the #(%&*%$#(&* lock still would not release. After about 20 minutes of trying to get the new key to work, it now looked as worn as the old one, with the sharp edges of the grooves rounded over. Arrgh. What else can I try to free my commuter? I really want to free my commuter bike before someone steals it.

These can be cut easily enough. Just get a small diamond blade for a cutoff tool or drill (prefereably corded, but get a couple batteries if you go cordless). You'll be through in a couple minutes. The blade will be destroyed, but the last time I needed to do this ('96) they cost about $10.

You might tell the owner of the rack what you're doing to avoid trouble. Depending on what type of rack it is, it might be easier to get permission to disassemble the rack, pull the bike off, and have the lock cut off for you.

You can try calling the customer support line for the U-Lock manufacturer. Otherwise, a locksmith might be able to help you.

try a Bic pen ;)

No personal experience breaking locks. ;)
I've read that a car jack can be used to bust a U-lock.

a clean bic pen. or an acetylene cutter and welding goggles. :)

Hi-

Bike is free!

The maitenence crew at the establishment where the bike was trapped helped be cut the lock off using a angle grinder. Didn't even need a diamond blade. Just the normal grinding wheel cut through the cheapo Ongard Ulock in about a 30 seconds.

Thanks for your advice.

SMall nookyoolerr device'll do the trick too. ;)

I was going to ask if it was an OnGuard. They have a habit of occationally jamming up when one of the anti-pick discs doesn't line up right. This happened to one of our guys on a group ride when he was locked up to 2 other bikes. Took 30min of fiddling to get it open.

I'm always careful to make sure all the discs are aligned when locking my OnGuards. I just give the key an extra twist(not hard) before pulling it out to make sure everything seats properly.