General Cycling Discussion - Your brand new bicycle u-lock is not safe!

OS X is no more secure than XP. The difference is that 95%+ of computer users use Windows. Hackers are not ginna spend their time hacking OS X because they can do far more damage for the same amount of work targeting Windows machines.
Must resist... offtopic... must ... not ... give in....

Why do you think Apple has so many security updates? If their OS was so secure then why do they have a security updates almost every month? With the advent of hardware firewalls on the motherboards, never opening emails from people you don't know and some anti spyware software there is no need to worry to death about security threats.
OK, because my boss makes me. It's a work computer. You're barking up the wrong tree. I spend most of my day ssh'ed into a linux box. In addition, the computer example was an analogy, not to be forked. However: regardless of how *theoretically* secure you may think OS X is, if hackers don't hack them because the target audience is small and there are "even worse" candidates, well, in *practice*, that makes it more secure. Yeah, it's lame, and I'm no big defender of Apple, but I still consider OS X a security upgrade from Windows.

Now, to ease my off-topic guilt, put yourself in the dirty smelly shoes of a bike thief and consider a bike rack filled with bikes secured with various locks: there's a chain with a key lock on it, another bike has a cable lock, there's some no-name U-locks, and then there's that brand new KryptoLOK that you just learned about. You, as a skilled bike thief, could learn how to open every single one of those locks. *None* of them is really secure; however, there are so many Kryptonites out there, usually attached to the most expensive bikes, and there's information everwhere about how to pick them. You are going to steal the bike with the KryptoLOK - you *know* (since the brand name is so prominently displayed) that your BIC will quickly be successful. In short, stealing the Kryptonite-locked bike is guranteed to be easy and probably has the highest pay-off. So, when we say that Kryponite has now become in more than one way the Microsoft of the lock market, you may complain that other U-locks are just as insecure. And you'd be right. And you'd miss the point. Similarly, you might complain that OS X ain't so hot either, and again, you'd be right. And you missed the point.

But when a person can take a simple freakin' Bic pen and open a lock that has been tauted as the world's most unbreakable lock with little effort; then yes, there is conscern on my part.
Ah yes, back on topic.

Well, so I've got a Kryptonite lock for my bike and a Kensington lock for my laptop. The Kensington was always just a deterrent - the cable is so, so skinny, but I was expecting more effort from a bike thief trying to steal my bike. My old professor's laptop was just stolen - and then recovered. The police found it while busting a meth house. Inside there were all sorts of stolen items, including tons of bikes. Apparently, most bike thieves are not only serial thieves, but commit other crimes as well. So it's often quite a boon to local enforcement to catch a bike thief. With this in mind, and with slashdotters visiting this page who might know, what successes have you heard of regarding so-called Bait Bikes (http://www.pegtech.com/jailhouse.htm) designed to track down a bike thief's lair?

could be interesting to find a way to hide a tracker of some sort inside of a bait bike, and then use that to find a thief...a bit high-tech sounding, but if eclipse could do it with their radios and still have them affordable, then I think it's a possibility.

Right now though, your more likely to catch little jimmy stealing little chris's nicer bike than you are finding some huge serial thief.

Does anyone know if this model of Lock is easily hackable also???


Model: KryptoDisco - Y

This is the one I lock my bike up with, and I know of several people who use this model also...
I'll try it myself tonight after work, but I doubt I'd get it to work even if it was easy to pop.

Thanks

Dan

I have a kryptonite evolution 2000, with an nba# on the key,which I couldn't open with the bic pen, so I'm continuing to use it, until I get an onguard ulock from sunrise cyclery for $30 with an "unpickable flat key". They're advertising this fact now. I personally think all bikes can be defeated but no sense tempting fate. I'm a daily bike commuter in a college town, I'm sure their are plenty of bike thieves around.

Bottom line: if a thief really wants the bike, they'll be able to get around the lock either by picking it, destroying it or destroying the thing it's shackled to (including the bike... they can always sell the parts). A lock buys you a form of deterrent against the casual thief and it buys you a little bit of time thus plus making the act of stealing the bike a little more conspicuous. This is the most damning thing about the Bic vulnerability. It defeats all of these aspects of the lock by making it so easy to circumvent such that the lock may as well not even exist.

Don't know if it's of any interest to you folks but here in UK we got a lock firm, Squire (www.squirelocks.co.uk) that make D locks with flat keys. They have been going for over 200 years so they probably know a bit about making locks.
As for me, I've got 2 Kryptonites, one for cycle/car (brackets welded on clutch & brake pedals, lock them together) and the other for the motorbike. They are older models than most of the ones you've been naming, but I'll try the pen trick.

The trick didn't work with my lock because the pen is too small and too thick to fit inside.
I use a CCM U-Lock which has multiple positions in which you can lock it. So practical and now, even more secure than a kryptonite! :p

Okay, Here is the ultimate in bicycle security, LOL :D

http://www.snipershide.com/photoshoot/rifles.html

I feel extremely fortunate to have Citybikes in DC doing lock exchanges on their own initiative. They swapped my older-than-2-years Evo Disc lock for free. And they gave me a 15 dollar credit on the Evo 2000 lock that was also older than 2 years. I spent $31 to replace my two locks. And by the way, they are On Guard locks and they look every bit the part. Bye Kryptonite! The fact that the locks are more than two years old says to them that they ought to be replaced! That is ridiculous. A good lock ought to last much longer than that! I'm glad that they are doing something...but I'd have just spent over $100 for two locks if it wasn't for Citybikes. Hello On Guard!

press update...

i just did interviews with WOR 710's morning show, a pretty huge talk radio station here in nyc, and a TV interview with tokyo broadcasting.

taking it international.

Masterlock just emailed this to me, saying their Force 5, 6, and cuffs are safe from pen assault - their lesser models are not. (Look at how much less clear it is in their weasel-y marketing speak below!) I guess I'll keep using my Force 5, but I'm still going to double-lock it with a padlock and cable when I leave it all day at the BART.

If anyone has picked a Force 5 or 6 with a pen, please let us know!

From Masterlock dated 9/17/04 (sent 9/20):
"We understand that instructions to fashion lock-picking tools to violate tubular cylinders have been posted in the media. While Master Lock utilizes tubular cylinders in select cable locks and U-bars, we are pleased to announce that these instructions do NOT affect Master Lock’s high security U-bars, Force 5 and 6. In addition, Master Lock’s patented Cuff lock offers maximum security with an advanced push-button cylinder. Master Lock products containing other tubular cylinders continue to offer a highly-effective deterrent to theft, which is the most important function of any locking device. No one takes security more seriously than Master Lock, and we stand behind our products in two significant ways. First, all products have a Lifetime Guarantee against manufacturing defects. Second, the majority of our U-bars include an Anti-Theft Guarantee, which provides for the reimbursement of a bicycle’s purchase price if the lock is violated and the bicycle is stolen. Reflecting our industry leadership and commitment to product excellence, Master Lock is always innovating to further enhance the security provided by our products. In fact, we have already developed design enhancements for our tubular cylinder products to stay ahead of the latest lock-picking techniques."

Can someone quote my post and reply as to whether a mid-90s generic u-lock is susceptible to this problem (aside from the fact that it's generally not the best security--not a problem where I'm using it)? The lock's keyhole (the circle) is quite a bit larger than the Bic pen, though if I cracked the Bic's barrel, I could probably get it to fit in there.

I also have a 6' x 5/8" Kryptonite cable with a standard round key lock, which is also larger than a bic pen. I got it at Lowe's: http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=73470-76864-820703

Are all round/tubular locks vulnerable, or just those more recent locks like the evo 2000 with a smaller key/hole????

Krytponite to replace defective units bought within the past 2 years....

Kryptonite.com now has details on this. You have to register your key number (you can do this on their site). The full details of the program will be available Wednesday, but it sounds like its going to be a walk-in type recall, where your local bike shop will just replace it.

Don't know if it's of any interest to you folks but here in UK we got a lock firm, Squire (www.squirelocks.co.uk) that make D locks with flat keys. They have been going for over 200 years so they probably know a bit about making locks.
I have two older Squire U Locks which I have started using for my everyday bikes, and I already mentioned the Squire brand earlier in this thread. The trouble with Squire is that I haven't been able to locate a US distributor or a US-based online retail outlet. As best I can tell, Squire doesn't sell direct retail but there are some on-line UK retailers.

Abus and OnGuard locks are easier to get online in the US, but who knows how retailer's inventories stand right now. I ordered new locks last week and am expecting my first delivery of Abus locks from Kwiklocks.com this Wednesday. OnGuard locks are available from BicycleBuys.com or REI.

:)

...found...while busting a meth house. Inside there were all sorts of stolen items, including tons of bikes.
Not only are they stealing to support their habit, but if the drug of choice is meth, they never sleep, either... ;)

BTW, identity theft is usually also big in the meth head and tweaker crime community.... :eek:

I just got off the phone with Kryptonite in reference to the offer to replace the EV Disc lock on our NY chains with the inferior "Molly Lock" they claim that the "Molly Lock" is rated the same as the EV Disc and that it's an equal caliber lock. HA! When I purchased my NY Chain the "Molly Lock" was sold next to it for less money and had a lower rating! While you may not be able to get through it with a bic pen a pair of bolt cutters look like they'll slice right through the sucker. A supervisor is supposed to call me back.

hey,

just thought i should mention kryptonites aren't the only susceptible locks -- i have a generic u lock that i can open with a bic. also, i think it's unwise to assume locks not susceptible to a bic pen are safe -- there are *lots* of other sized pens, markers, plastic tubes, etc. that someone can use to jam into any tubular locking mechanism.

up here in canada mountain equipment coop has pulled ALL their bike locks off the shelves and some of their locking mechanisms are bigger than the one on my u lock (i.e., bigger than a bic)... they are playing it safe and treating all tubular locking mechanisms as unsafe, i think most of us would be wise to do the same. i've already gone out and picked up an onguard u lock with a flat key and will never use a tubular mechanism bike lock again regardless of who makes it.

anyway, that's just my 2 cents...

I just got word back from OnGuard in reference to getting a replacement for my EV Disc lock that came with the NY chain.


RE: Brute Padlock (58mm x 56mm)
Date:9/20/2004 2:44:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:"chris" <support@todson.com>
To:<address@deleted.bub>


Mr. _________,
The Brute padlock has an 16mm shackle. The Boxer #5048 has a 13mm shackle.
Thanks for the inquiry.

-----Original Message-----
From: address@deleted.bub
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2004 1:09 AM
To: support@onguardlocks.com
Subject: Brute Padlock (58mm x 56mm)

I'm the (unfortunate) owner of a Kryptonite NY Chain w. EV disc lock.
Unfortunatly the EV Disc lock is one of the locks compromised in what I call
the "Great BiC pen debacle"
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=66128 Due to the fact that the
problem is not with the chain I would like information on your Brute padlock
as the proposed Kryponite replacement offer is unsatisfactory to my needs.

My current EV Disc has a 13 mm shackle to fit the links of the NY chain. I'd
like to use your lock with this chain as there's no sense in purchasing a
new one. My question is: What size shacle does the Brute Padlock use?

I've also looked at the Beast Padlock
http://www.onguardlock.com/getprod.asp?sku=45004502# but my concern with
that lock lays in the method shown for attching it to it's chain.
http://www.onguardlock.com/getprod.asp?sku=45004717
My NY chain won't allow one link to pass inside the other as shown. Will
this lock allow two links to be inserted side by side?

Sincerly Mr._________
St. Petersburg FL

So it would seem that the Boxer Lock (Only place I've found it (http://www.beachscooter.com/accesories_lock.html)) would be a good swap for the EV Disc.

I hate to inform you good people, the locks in question, can also be opened, with freon. It has been outlawed, but if you look you can find it. It was explained to me, by my Motorcycle mechanic cousin. As Bikers tend to use the same locks, on motorcycles front break disk. The thiefs have done this for years. Spray freon into the lock, where the key goes, till the lock is frozen. Immedeatly, hit the frozen part of the lock with a very large hammer. The lock will shatter on the inside, unlocking the lock.
Hope this helps...
Rustie Rock
Lady Biker

Cool info 'rock, but hard to find freon vs easy to find bic pens. hummm....?

Cool info 'rock, but hard to find freon vs easy to find bic pens. hummm....?
Bingo

EV Disc Lock advantages:
Weatherproof
Thicker shackle made of superior metal
7 pin locking mechanisim rather than 6 pin

The molly lock nychain combo is also less expensive than the evdisc nychain combo

only comparable lock they sell is NY Fahgettaboudit Lock

The warranty states:
kryptonite warrants this kryptonite lock against defects in material and workmanship resulting from normal, ordinary, and reasonable use for the lifetime of the lock.

I think that what we see here is definately a defect in material, so it should be covered no matter how old your lock is. This information was available long before 2 years ago, and they (probably unknowingly) produced locks after the issue was brought to light that were still vulnerable to the BiC pick.


I too am waiting on a supervisor to call me back. Supposedly by the end of the day, but you can bet I'll be sitting on their lines holding at 4:50 just to make sure.



Rob

I second what FLYTHEBIKE said; I traded in my two Kryptonite Evolution 2000 locks (one purchased at a now-defunct Washington bike shop, the other in Chicago) at City Bikes. I now have one Brute Mini and one regular-sized Ultimate lock. Objectively, there are some things about the OnGuard locks that I don't like -- they're heavier and bigger, the Brute mini doesn't really fit in my back pocket as easily as the Evolution mini did, they keys are way bigger on my key ring, and (frankly) they're a bit uglier. That being said, the seem *way* more secure than the Kryptonite locks did and, obviously, they can't be picked with pen. I had wanted to accept Kryptonite's offer, but being as how I don't have receipts, one of the locks was at least five years old, and I don't remember when I bought the other one, it just seemed kind of lame and stop-gap to me. So, thanks to City Bikes, I switched to something obviously safer... My two cents.

ok here's the deal..

If you don't want the molly lock you can wait three weeks for the new EV Disc locks to come in. I opted to upgrade to the fahgettaboudit lock for $18 even (no shipping).

$18 is better than the $35 difference between the 3'3" NY Chain & EV Disc and the 3'3" NY Chain & Fahgettaboudit.

Since mine is 2 weeks old, I basically got to pay $90 (including shipping) for the NY Fahgettaboudit lock and chain, and I have an ev disc lock to boot. It can still work as a deterrant, as I am in a rural area and I seriously doubt that the crooks around here have access to this information. Good enough to lock up the scooter cover at least.


Rob

EV Disc Lock advantages:
Weatherproof
Thicker shackle made of superior metal
7 pin locking mechanisim rather than 6 pin

The molly lock nychain combo is also less expensive than the evdisc nychain combo

only comparable lock they sell is NY Fahgettaboudit Lock

The warranty states:
kryptonite warrants this kryptonite lock against defects in material and workmanship resulting from normal, ordinary, and reasonable use for the lifetime of the lock.

I think that what we see here is definately a defect in material, so it should be covered no matter how old your lock is. This information was available long before 2 years ago, and they (probably unknowingly) produced locks after the issue was brought to light that were still vulnerable to the BiC pick.


I too am waiting on a supervisor to call me back. Supposedly by the end of the day, but you can bet I'll be sitting on their lines holding at 4:50 just to make sure.



Rob
I just spoke to Neil (product guy at Kryptonite) Essentially what he told me was that the Molly Lock is a short term solution. It's what they can do right now They are in the process of a EV Disc redesign. He wasn't able to say if the company would trade the new design for the Molly Lock when the new design became availiable. I expressed my concern that people wouldn't understand the reasoning for this as the Molly Lock was a lower caliber of lock and that the word "upgrade" (be it as it may to a working lock) really doesn't apply. He said that it made the most sense from the company's perspective to do so as the rating is equal and availiablity is high for this lock as well as it being a better fiscal descison. Essentially what he said was that the Molly Lock is a right now solution to satisfy those who need a new lock RIGHT NOW. He did NOT preclude the possbility of a future trade in.

In my dealings with the lock companies I have found Kryptonite to be the most responsive, most forthcoming of the bunch. (See the MASTER LOCK RUN AROUND thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67066) for my Master Lock experience)

I'd be willing to purchase another lock from them (which I may do because my lock is out of the recall range and they'll be giving an undisclosed discount.) simply due to the way that the issue has been handled when I've dealt with their custome service. Customer Service means something to Kryptonite - if only it meant a damn to Master Lock

ok here's the deal..

If you don't want the molly lock you can wait three weeks for the new EV Disc locks to come in. I opted to upgrade to the fahgettaboudit lock for $18 even (no shipping).

$18 is better than the $35 difference between the 3'3" NY Chain & EV Disc and the 3'3" NY Chain & Fahgettaboudit.

Since mine is 2 weeks old, I basically got to pay $90 (including shipping) for the NY Fahgettaboudit lock and chain, and I have an ev disc lock to boot. It can still work as a deterrant, as I am in a rural area and I seriously doubt that the crooks around here have access to this information. Good enough to lock up the scooter cover at least.


RobBacks up what I was told

Got myself an Abloy Protec PL340 padlock today (cost £67, if I was overcharged I don't want to know...) Will use it with my Kryptonite Fahgeddaboudit chain in place of my old Krypto-4 U lock for locking up outside all day at work. The Fahgeddaboutit lock can now be used with the 1/2" Kryptoflex cable I have (MUCH lighter combination for quick trips to the shops etc), plus I can thread it through both wheels for double security at work.

The Fahgeddaboutit lock (flat key) continues to serve me well, only word of caution is to keep it well greased inside (easy to do) , or it can jam in bad weather if you allow any rust to form on the prongs. I've noticed a few other people saying this too, in bike & motorbike forums. I've always managed to open it eventually, but now maintain it well. The keyslot itself is well protected, it's where the shackle goes into the main lock body that it can stiffen up. Hopefully I now have an ideal lock system, it's certainly cost me enough...

"However, referring to the fact that the Bic-pick of tubular cylinder locks was first publicised in New Cyclist magazine in 1992, Gardner said "none of this would have come up if they took care of the issue 12 years ago." "

The above is a quote from today's bikebiz article - does anyone have a copy of the 1992 article they could email or fax to me?

thanks

It can still work as a deterrant, as I am in a rural area and I seriously doubt that the crooks around here have access to this information.

Hmmmm, but you live in that same rural area and have access to the info, right?

Hmmmm, but you live in that same rural area and have access to the info, right?
Busted :D

Hmmmm, but you live in that same rural area and have access to the info, right?

True, but this is north carolina.. the land of livermush and grits.. where the state motto is "the closer the kin the better the skin".. :D Not too many of the crack addicts around here even have computers (they traded them long long ago :p ), and they're my main concern.

bsides, I'll use the new lock on the chain and the old ev disc lock on a cover, so I feel I'll still be pretty secure. I'm locking up at a handicapped sign that's in the main traffic path at a college campus for 2-3 hours max. And I've got an alarm system as well.. so I'm not worried.

I too would purchase from kryptonite again, this experience has not been pleasant, but they were very helpful and have seemed to be 'on the ball' since news of this came out..

These kind of things happen and are unforseeable.. I'm in the IT field, so having a security issue come up isn't a real big deal as long as the issue can be reasonably resolved.


Rob

CITYBIKES in DC made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I will be spending more money there, they are a great company.

Saw video yesterday at work and tried it on my brothers lock and really did work. I thought pen would slide right in, but it didn't. You have to put the pen over the lock and tape it lightly with a hammer. Within a few seconds it opened. I also twisted to hard that a piece of the pin is jammed in the lock. My bro doesn't know, but who cares since I would recommend not to use this lock period. P.S. This is not a HOAX. THis is for real. Does anybody know what the company might do to satisfy customers? Thanks!

This is not a HOAX. THis is for real. Does anybody know what the company might do to satisfy customers? Thanks!
Did you even read ANY of this thread before putting your own post up? We already know what you found out, and the thread is already full of the kind of information you're asking about. :rolleyes:

wow this thread is famous, all the way to the new york times, but that new screen when you get on bikeforums is annoying.

Saw video yesterday at work and tried it on my brothers lock and really did work. I thought pen would slide right in, but it didn't. You have to put the pen over the lock and tape it lightly with a hammer. Within a few seconds it opened. I also twisted to hard that a piece of the pin is jammed in the lock. My bro doesn't know, but who cares since I would recommend not to use this lock period. P.S. This is not a HOAX. THis is for real. Does anybody know what the company might do to satisfy customers? Thanks!

Can someone please remove all of these posts from first time users who don't bother to read any of the thread? I cant blame them though, the thread is unreadable because of all the people who post without reading any of the thread.

Granted, the story is now widespread and, granted, those of you who've done this already need no confirmation, but allow a news reporter to confirm this anyway.

I work for a Bay Area (California) radio station. I took a brand new BiC out of a box of pens in the newsroom and headed to a nearby bike shop. The owner and his service tech had heard the stories, but were unable to replicate it. I took my pen (I had the advantage of having seen the videos posted here) and, after about two minutes of stretching and minor pounding to get the barrel fully inside the lock, I had it open (my first try, BTW) in less than 30 seconds. They've now opened several locks the same way. Needless to say, we, too, are doing the story today.

I cant find a pen that has the correct diameter hole so that it will go over the center piece of the lock. What type of pen are you all using?

I use a Parker T-ball jotter with a Fisher space pen refill upgrade blue medium.

I have been all over the net today warning about a defect with a very popular u shaped bicycle lock. Appariently this suspect lock can be opened using a common writting implamentation such as a pen. If anyone knows about the brand "hope to god its not the slaymaker" Please let everyone know. Ive already lost a couple of NEXT bikes to some punks. I wont allow this to happen again!

ahhh.. the new spam. :)

The story made national headlines on the CBC in Canada today, like the 3rd story, the caca has hit the fan for Kryptonite up north, now what do I do with my boke in the meantime? I commute and odnt want to risk it.

Lube 'em up!
I own three kryptonite locks and picked them all. The evolution 2000 was the hardest, and a cheapo "Krytptolock" took me all of 5 seconds. In the process of doing this, it occurred to me: Friction with the inner cylinder is what makes it turn. The solution: Eliminate the friction. I shot the lock mechanism of the Kryptolock full of Park Tool Synthetic Grease (for bottom brackets, headsets, etc) and tried to pick the lock again...no luck! the pen just spun around in there and the plastic deformed until it was useless.

Sure this is no permanent fix, but it will surely frustrate a potential thief who's looking to make a quick getaway.

Both of these locks have been opened by others on this list:
MASTER brand street cuff and
Master U lock.

The list of bad locks hasn't changed from my last post. Consider ALL U-locks unreliable.

AVENIR a company by Raleigh hired out Kryptonite to make some of their locks... I have an AVENIR lock similar to the chained NYC Lock with the padlock that is a small u-lock.. sure enough, a BIC pen opened it up.. add AVENIR to the list! i went straight out and bought the biggest Master Lock i could find..

I have been all over the net today warning about a defect with a very popular u shaped bicycle lock. Appariently this suspect lock can be opened using a common writting implamentation such as a pen. If anyone knows about the brand "hope to god its not the slaymaker" Please let everyone know. Ive already lost a couple of NEXT bikes to some punks. I wont allow this to happen again!
This belongs in the 'Troll Competion' thread. :p

I jus' know one of y'all registered as a newbie and posted this... ;)

:crash:

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:







:beer:

It seems this pen trick has been known and discussed on the net since at least 1992 / 93, they should have fixed this looooong ago !!!!

= do a google search for


krypto pen

AVENIR a company by Raleigh hired out Kryptonite to make some of their locks... I have an AVENIR lock similar to the chained NYC Lock with the padlock that is a small u-lock.. sure enough, a BIC pen opened it up.. add AVENIR to the list! i went straight out and bought the biggest Master Lock i could find..

Sheeeet. It's gettin' hard to tell the newbs from the trolls anymore, but you look honest, see this thread on Master Locks ;) :
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=629438#post629438

I have no stake in any of these companies, but I do agree that Krypto is working on a solution - we'll see if they really follow through - in the meantime, if you need a lock in the next couple of days, Abus, OnGuard and Squire are the brands I'd recommend, there might be more but I haven't seen too many other names mentioned.

Sheeeet. It's gettin' hard to tell the newbs from the trolls anymore, but you look honest, see this thread on Master Locks :
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthrea...9438#post629438

I have no stake in any of these companies, but I do agree that Krypto is working on a solution - we'll see if they really follow through - in the meantime, if you need a lock in the next couple of days, Abus, OnGuard and Squire are the brands I'd recommend, there might be more but I haven't seen too many other names mentioned.

i'm a noob to the forum, and i suppose locks as well.. but the masterlock i bought to replace the avenir/krypto lock isnt the barrel type as is the Avenir/Kryptonite. it's a flat-key style type lock. I read the thread you mentioned on masterlocks, but it seems that they have the same prob as krypto with the barrel-type locks, not the flat-key style..

anything wrong with the flat-key locks?

no trolling here. just nooB goodness... and adding Avenir to the list of poorly designed barrel locks

I shot the lock mechanism of the Kryptolock full of Park Tool Synthetic Grease (for bottom brackets, headsets, etc) and tried to pick the lock again...no luck! the pen just spun around in there and the plastic deformed until it was useless.


Did you try a new, unstretched pen barrel (the other end of the same one might be sufficient) after using the grease? I'm curious...