Advocacy & Safety - Most effective way to use a U-lock as a defensive weapon?

Ok, first off, I already know plenty of people are going to say, "if you are ever in a bad situation, just ride away" blah blah blah. I agree, but sometimes that's not an option. A good example would be last night when I was walking a bike and two drunk guys twice my size who were only a few feet away from me started getting aggressive and following me and my friend calling me queer. If I had tried getting on my bike and riding off, they would have been able to get to me before I could have gotten on my bike and the already kicked down one passerby on his bike who told them to leave me alone. So yeah, there are times when you can't just ride off. So anyway, I did hit both of them with the u lock when they came at me. I was holding the curved part of the U and hit them with the end of the bar (where it sticks out). First off, I didn't swing that hard, but it didn't seem to do much damage. Luckily, we were close to my friends house and I soon had half a dozen friends backing me up before the cops showed and arrested one of the guys, taking him to the drunk tank. But like I said, it didn't seem to do much damage, and although I didn't try and swing hard, I still was surprised by how little it seemed to do. I was just wondering what people suggest as the most effective way of using a u lock to defend oneself, both in terms of how to hold it, what part to hit with, and where to hit. I think the fact that I hit the guys in the side of the neck might have been part of why it didn't do that much damage, at least visibly. Please realize I'm not some person planning on going out and fighting--last night was probably the first time I had been in any kind of confrontation that came to blows in years, but I am a small guy and not very strong, and I need to be able to defend myself when drunk idiots try and start crap with me for no reason at all (other than they seem to think I'm gay, and seem to think there's a problem with that).

I don't see how a U lock can be very effective. You can't get enough velocity in a swing. Same premise with a crowbar. It will do damage, but it too slow and easy to evade. Elementary martial arts teach to get inside the circle and attack the arm holding something like these weapons. I train with an escrima stick and keep one on the bike frame for deployment. It is very light and can generate quick velocity to hard targets, hands, shins, head of an assailant.

Purely conjecture here,
but if it was me I'd try to hold the lock by one side of the shackle with the cylindrical locking bar above my fist. I figure, this would help keep most of the weight near my hand where its easy to control, and you can use it somewhat like a hammer.

Also consider using just the U portion without the shackle, holding it by the curved section you could probably swing the 'legs' around like a nightstick.

Really though, in that same situation with the big drunk, you probably would have been better off just using your hands and feet. That would both be easier for you to control, and less likely to seriously hurt him...

First of all it is not about how serious you hurt an attacker but how fast you can deploy an assertive level of pain allowing your safe escape. Get a mini u-lock and chain combo for use as an effective self defense and bike security device. Remember any weapon at your disposal can be their weapon just as fast as you can reach it.

This subject came up a few years back here. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=98575)

hold the U-shaped end and strike with the shackle piece, I'd probably go with the small ends of the shackle rather than the flat sides of the shackle but that choice may depend on the exact situation

First off, if you decide to use anything as a weapon (only as a last resort), you had better swing it like you mean it.

Don't be *****footing around - your goal is to incapacitate him. Period!

Remember, you must be in dire straits, really fearing for your life!

^^^
I disagree.... Hold by the shackle (straight bar) and swing away....

A guy that I know was a messenger here in London and had to use his lock one day. the cager first off wiped him out and THEN came after him. Buddy warned him to back off, but....... two quick swings to the hips (wack, wack) and the arguing was over!!

Hold it by the U area and swing for the soft spots, or a quick punch to the chest to knock the wind out of him, leaving you time to ride off. Or of course a more purpose built "u-lock" by Glock....

this is a good thread. I agree that holding it by the straight part is probably the best way to use it on a person that means to do you harm. OTOH, if you are smashing car mirrors because some cager annoyed you, hold it by the u shaped part. Although, I recommend a lightweight camping axe for the latter activity.

It might be more effective to put your keys on a strap. I always thought getting hit by a key chain with as many keys as I have would be a real bad experience.

On a more serious note, I figure if I'm ever in this situation and I can't talk my way out of it, I'm going down. Thank goodness that has never happened in the last 50 years or so.

id say, if its locked, use the flat mechanism, if unlocked, use the end that juts out, and throw the flat thing at someones balls or head (or stomach)

Have the chain on the small ring and lift the bike over your head to put the big ring into his face.

Hold U section, aim for crotch. :lol:

Best use of u-lock as a weapon - swing it as hard, as often, and as accurately as you can, and don't stop until the threat is neutralized sufficiently to get out of there as quickly as possible. Specific details of how to hold it or what to aim for depends purely on the circumstances at the time.

It's always better to avoid a physical confrontation in the first place. But if it is going to happen, particularly with a stronger, aggressive assailant, give it everything you've got.

Best used as a bow with arrows.

Pepper spray. I keep a can of it on my bikes TT where it is easily and quickly reached. Blind 'em then disable them with a whack or two to a knee cap or shin bone. Swing like you mean it, you don't know what these guys are capable of or what weapons they have. Then put as much distance between you and the threat as possible. Call the PoPo and report an attempted robbery/assault.

Or grab their wallets and haul ass...

For the OP, I would have thought the best use of the U-Lock would be to swing it by the U, so that the heavy clasp end has maximum force.

If you are concerned about your bike route though, the best weapon of choice could be a sharpened screwdriver. Easy to fasten to your bike, easy to access, easy to explain its presence.

Camping axes and sharpened screwdrivers, I don't think I would want to use or explain why I had these items to the Five-O. :innocent: Check you local laws and get a carry permit for a pistol or carry a fixed blade knife, using an Axe in self defense would be a nightmare to defend in court (and it would be had to carry or wield effectively). Pepper spray might work as long as the attacker is not hopped up on PCP. I can just see the headlines "Axe wielding cyclist murders pedestrian" or "Body found with bicycle multi-tool stuck in his eye." Ride a purpose built bike, carry a purpose built defense weapon.

First off, if you decide to use anything as a weapon (only as a last resort), you had better swing it like you mean it.

Don't be *****footing around - your goal is to incapacitate him. Period!

Remember, you must be in dire straits, really fearing for your life!

Sounds like Bellatrix Lestrange when she told Harry she wasn't hurt much by his cruciatus curse.......ya need to mean it Potter!!!!

There are the four rules of close engagement which are taught to Marines:

(1) You must immediately seize the initiative....
(2) you must be as aggressive as possible....
(3) you must be totally ruthless..... and
(4) you must be all of the above until your opponent is firmly undr your control.


Woof, eh? I think i'll stick to granny gearing..... :)

roughstuff

Hold U end and aim the Shackle tip for the temple. Swing coming from the side of his head as hard as you can.

If he blocks the lock, then you have a clear shot to kick him in the place that counts. Cyclist legs are very strong.

Camping axes and sharpened screwdrivers, I don't think I would want to use or explain why I had these items to the Five-O. :innocent: Check you local laws and get a carry permit for a pistol or carry a fixed blade knife, using an Axe in self defense would be a nightmare to defend in court (and it would be had to carry or wield effectively). Pepper spray might work as long as the attacker is not hopped up on PCP. I can just see the headlines "Axe wielding cyclist murders pedestrian" or "Body found with bicycle multi-tool stuck in his eye." Ride a purpose built bike, carry a purpose built defense weapon.OT, but the camping axe is for when you recover from a right hook. Just start hacking away at the sheet metal. The inspiration was when this old geezer was passing me going down a mountain at barely more than my speed, and then came over on me when he realized there was oncoming traffic. I had a very, very long time to take the axe to his antique show car, but no axe. The real problem is keeping it sharpend, those cars in the '50s were built like tanks.

A drunk could probably handle a blow to most areas except the head and groin (i.e. bike lock may not be immediately effective unless you are trained to use hand weapons). IMO, get a taser and pedal out of there in the confusion after you zap someone. Call the cops if warranted and pedal back to press charges.

A friend of mine had his cheekbone smashed in by a crackhead wielding a D lock, who then proceeded to take his wallet. He's never been quite the same since.

Although a U-lock is nice, and can sufficiently bludgeon someone senseless, anybody who's aware of what they're doing can probably grab it and twist it out of your grip fairly easily.

I carry this when I ride, every time.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/Mo_Phat/FARK/22-08447_Gerber_Paraframe_II_Stainl.jpg

A - it's lightweight
B - it's a substantial deterrent weapon. People know it's a damn knife and not somebody flipping a U-lock around. Nobody's going to try to grab me if I'm holding a knife. If they pull a gun or something, I'm chucking the knife at their face and moonwalking like a mofo.
C - completely legal for self-defense or in case of mountain lion or coyote attacks (both distinct possibilities in areas I ride)
D - 101 other uses besides disemboweling some drunk guy. I've used it loads of times for purely utilitarian reasons, and never once for self defense...but it's nice to know it's there.

Warning: armchair speculation.

Just fooling around I found an interesting technique is to grasp the bend of the U, with the shackle laid across the back of your wrist. Then the U is giving some protection against blows, including even edged weapons. A hooking swing that includes whipping the lock over should have more force behind it, somewhat like how a martial artist's punch will twist at the end.

Needless to say, this is a pretty crap weapon unless you have lots of training with it.

99% of these U-Lock Ninja Warriors will either run or dump in their lycra during a real life confrontation.
"The best thing about posting on BF is you never have to back it up."
(still waiting for his new bike) Patentcad

Although a U-lock is nice, and can sufficiently bludgeon someone senseless, anybody who's aware of what they're doing can probably grab it and twist it out of your grip fairly easily.

I carry this when I ride, every time.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r104/Mo_Phat/FARK/22-08447_Gerber_Paraframe_II_Stainl.jpg

A - it's lightweight
B - it's a substantial deterrent weapon. People know it's a damn knife and not somebody flipping a U-lock around. Nobody's going to try to grab me if I'm holding a knife. If they pull a gun or something, I'm chucking the knife at their face and moonwalking like a mofo.
C - completely legal for self-defense or in case of mountain lion or coyote attacks (both distinct possibilities in areas I ride)
D - 101 other uses besides disemboweling some drunk guy. I've used it loads of times for purely utilitarian reasons, and never once for self defense...but it's nice to know it's there.

The Paraframe is nice, but the lock under your finger can unlock under stress/twisting (I've carried one for years). CRT makes a knife with a second lock on the back strap making it nearly impossible to fold over on yourself. However, many knife fighting experts caution about using a folder because of the intricate movements and time needed to open them and suggest a fixed blade. And your point D is well taken, mine have only disemboweled various types of fruit.

Hasn't happened yet, but I figure if I get it lodged in some fella's ribcage and it unlocks, I'll just let it go, man.

Hasn't happened yet, but I figure if I get it lodged in some fella's ribcage and it unlocks, I'll just let it go, man.
And now, if that happens, a googling on the part of the investigator will demonstrate premeditation....

:roflmao2: (P.S. I think you were looking for the Freudian penis-substitute picture post megathread)

Lighten up, zeytoun. I already know my penis is tiny.

Throw the U-lock at the assailant. Display a revolver. Assess the situation again. Cock the hammer. Assess the situation again. De-cock or discharge.

Hit the nose, temple, or eyes. Then leave, fast.

as a short child my father always told me to kick bullies/assailants in the shins and run away. A quick duck and whack to the knees/shins with the lock would probably do too. I'd personally hate whacking someone in the head, but then again, if you're being violently attacked, especially by someone with a gun, a whack to the head would probably be best.

Large agressive drunk guys aren't even going to feel a u-lock blow till the next day unless you swing with lethal force, and any time you swing a piece of steel at someone's head you are risking a lethal blow, which you shouldn't do unless you really feel your life is in danger, much more effective is to take out the knee, no matter how big/drunk you are having your knee taken out ends the fight.

... much more effective is to take out the knee, no matter how big/drunk you are having your knee taken out ends the fight.

You obviously have not seen this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eMkth8FWno).

I don't see how a U lock can be very effective. You can't get enough velocity in a swing. Same premise with a crowbar. It will do damage, but it too slow and easy to evade. Elementary martial arts teach to get inside the circle and attack the arm holding something like these weapons. I train with an escrima stick and keep one on the bike frame for deployment. It is very light and can generate quick velocity to hard targets, hands, shins, head of an assailant.

Is it legal to carry an escrima stick on you bike frame? I've wondered about that.

It's a STICK. In it's most refined form, a rattan dowel.

+1. I've passed cops both in cars and walking a beat. No one has given me a second glance with the stick. If they do, it's a stick. Broomstick, straight tree branch, bat, all legal.

+1. I've passed cops both in cars and walking a beat. No one has given me a second glance with the stick. If they do, it's a stick. Broomstick, straight tree branch, bat, all legal.

My father-in-law carries a full size baseball bat rigged up in his water bottle cage, much less discrete than his previous "tire thumper" he used to carry. We were going to go for a ride and he pulled his bike out of the garage and I had this look on my face :wtf:, I guess it made him feel safer riding down by the river in the MUP with the glue sniffers....

really ?


you hold the flat part and use it like a kubotan, and use the U as a forearm guard.

get in close and attack pressure points. no one gets seriously hurt, you avoid possible lawsuits,
but more importantly your attacker whimpers like a baby

I would spray them with pepper spray until their eyes melted out of their sockets.

I always carry a can with me, just in case.

Er, all you people with violent ambitions ... how exactly are you carrying your lock? Mine is locked on. So I'd have to fish for my keys, use both hands to open the lock, take the lock off, put the lock back together, relock ... obviously not very effective as a fast-grab weapon. Is there some sort of quick-draw u-lock holster out there?

Er, all you people with violent ambitions ... how exactly are you carrying your lock? Mine is locked on. So I'd have to fish for my keys, use both hands to open the lock, take the lock off, put the lock back together, relock ... obviously not very effective as a fast-grab weapon. Is there some sort of quick-draw u-lock holster out there?

Riding to work I don't carry a lock, no need when parking in the office area. On runs to the grocery/video store I stick it in my pants (or shorts), easy as pie to retrieve one handed. Although I do this out of laziness and the fact I broke the frame mount for my u-lock, not as and anti-thug measure.

In situations with multiple attackers you have to be brutally efficient and having been there will say that if you leave number one lying on the ground screaming and writhing in pain, number two may rethink their position on coming too close to you.

It sends a clear don't f with me message but you have to know what you are doing.

My worst case was having to take out two guys before the third had an epiphany and decided he was next on the about to be severely injured list.

If it was me I would use the scary looking but fairly ineffective u lock as a feint as when a person sees that coming for their head they won't be thinking about their knees until they hear that sickening crack as their knee gets blown out from under them.

And then the odds would swing from two on two to two on one... in your favour.

And this is where you run / ride your asses out of there as number two pauses to figure out a new game plan cause there is no guarantee that 2:1 are good odds.

really ?


you hold the flat part and use it like a kubotan, and use the U as a forearm guard.

get in close and attack pressure points. no one gets seriously hurt, you avoid possible lawsuits,
but more importantly your attacker whimpers like a baby

DING, DING, DING, we finally have a winner (concerning specifically how to use a u-lock). :beer:

Personally, if I felt I needed a weapon, I'd choose my frame pump for more options, but hey, you gotta use what you have at hand. ;)

Also, one additional important note: once your attacker(s) are sufficiently 'distracted', get out of dodge as quickly as possible. Don't stick around for a possible turn of fortune to the bad guys.

Er, all you people with violent ambitions ... how exactly are you carrying your lock? Mine is locked on. So I'd have to fish for my keys, use both hands to open the lock, take the lock off, put the lock back together, relock ... obviously not very effective as a fast-grab weapon. Is there some sort of quick-draw u-lock holster out there?

mine's strapped to the rear rack with a bungee, easily accessible from the saddle

Er, all you people with violent ambitions ... how exactly are you carrying your lock? Mine is locked on. So I'd have to fish for my keys, use both hands to open the lock, take the lock off, put the lock back together, relock ... obviously not very effective as a fast-grab weapon. Is there some sort of quick-draw u-lock holster out there?

Who has violent ambitions? The title of the thread is about defense. I'd say that we're trying to avoid and/or defend against people with violent ambitions toward us.