Biker Bob

Hello All,

I have searched through as many threads as is humanly possible looking for an answer to my question, so please forgive me if this was answered in the discussion of the Kryptonite "scandal." Are ALL cylindrical locks as easily compromised as the ones that Kryptonite was using? I have a Stocks Lock u-lock and it is a very nice (and expensive) piece of hardware that I would rather not replace (see https://www.stocksmfg.on.ca ). The cylindrical tumbler is not the same size as a Bic pen, or any other pen or plastic tube that I own, but, if somebody did have the right diameter tube, could it be opened as easily as the Kryptonite locks? The tumbler is made by American Lock, or at least that is what the key says.

Thanks.

CitiZen

...And may I piggy-back onto Biker Bob's question: I use a Citadel U-lock, purchased in 1984, also with a cylindrical lock face. Still works like a charm, but might it be as pick-prone as a Kryptonite?

bsyptak

I think what seems to be the problem with the "Bictonite" locks is the minimal depths of the cuts, so that the flexible plastic of the bic could fill up the tiny indentations and push down the tumbler pins. Most barrel keys have significantly deeper cuts. My early 90s Generic u-lock has cuts up to 1/8" deep, which would be virtually impossible to force a bic pen down into. I tried it by splitting the end of a bic in a few places to fit into my lock. Wouldn't budge. I'm satisfied my $10 lock is going to deny entry by a bic pen. A sledge hammer, on the other hand, could probably break it.

To be sure, you could always carry a small cable with padlock. It would take 2 tools to compromise both.

Biker Bob

Yes, good advice, I already carry two locks. It's funny that the more expensive and lighter my bikes get, the heavier the load of locks I feel compelled to carry. I realize that ultimately the trick is to make my bike a less likely target of theft, if someone really wants it, it's gone. This is off topic (and I started the thread!), but yesterday I saw the city had installed a nice heavy bike stand on a couple of loose paving stones. No lock in the world can protect my bike when the thieves can just pick up the sidewalk and go!

AndrewP

I tried a couple of BIC pens on Kryptonite and imitation locks, and couldnt do anything because the diameter didnt match. Is a special model BIC pen required or do you have to use the slightly larger cap of the pen?

hubs

You need the white round barrel bic, I think.

mr.ridiculous

Any cylindrical locking mechanism can be defeated by using the plastic tube trick. There is virtually no way to secure against it. Some are harder to beat than others, but all can be compromised in a similar fashion.
A disc based locking mech is the best route to go and now Kryptonite locks are all being designed around this mech.

alanbikehouston

Several years ago, Richard Ballantine warned against "round key" locks because locksmith suppliers were providing "customers" with low cost picks. The "BIC" technique could be used on any round key lock by finding a plastic tube of the correct diameter and the right amount of "give".

In real life, lazy and stupid thieves steal bikes locked with cables or two dollar chains, or the bikes with the lock attached to the front wheel (which has a quick release). Pro crooks have tools that are faster than a "BIC". So, there has yet to be a single documented case of a "BIC pen being used to steal a properly locked bike. College police agencies report that the number of bikes stolen in the past few months is at normal levels, and as always, involve bikes locked with cable locks, flimsy chains, or locked improperly.

K-Mart and Wal-Mart still have plenty of "round key" locks on their shelves. Kryptonite seems to be the only company that is taking significant action to reassure their customers.

Yoshi

I would like to point out that most tubular locks are manufactured by the same company (the name escapes me at the moment). Kryptonite purchases the locks from this company and manufactures the shackle. So most, if not all tubular locks are suseptible to this technique (which is called impressioning). Obviously the bic pen doesn't work on all tubular locks, however I have a video of Barry "the key" opening a kensington laptop lock with a roll of toilet paper. I have also met people who own special tools made for opening these locks.

I would also like to point out that EVERYTHING SINGLE LOCK CAN BE PICKED. Some certainly take longer than others and require more skill, but even Medico locks can eventually be opened.

My final point is this: I forget the exact statistics, but far less than 5% of all break-ins were committed by picking a lock. It simply requires too much effort and there is usually an easier/faster entry method or a better target. I'm sure the same goes for bikes.

2manybikes

I have already corresponded by email with Kryptonite, but I have no time frame. Does anyone know about the replacment lock, timing. I think that since I have seen one of these locks picked on the evening news, it may get around very quickly and be more of a problem than other lock picking problems. Just a feeling, no hard facts to back it up.
There are many, many, college kids with u locks around here, locking bikes up outside all night long.

Raiyn

Register and wait like the rest of us had to. They send you a UPS ground label and ship the new lock the same day they get the old one (also ground)

darkmother

Hey guys,

Both of my kryptonites are easily compromised by a variety of plastic pens. Quite amusing how easy it is to open them-the pen truly is mightier than the sword I suppose. I registered a month or so ago on the web page, but I haven't heard anything from them. Has anyone actually got a replacement from them? I haven't seen any of the new ones on the street either.

Cheers,

Jeremy

hubs

I registered in October and got my label yesterday ... sent the box off this morning. On the other thread ... the main one about this, https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/67493-your-brand-new-bicycle-u-lock-not-safe.html, tells of people who already got labels, did their returns & got replacement locks.

Konakazi

I actually just replaced my Kryptonite lock with a MulTLock for my chain. I'd been very edgey about locking it up with the "Biconite" as someone so aptly put and the replacement still seems ages away.

I would steer away from any cylindrical lock at this point.

dpe19

In theory all cylinder locks are compromised. Depending on the lock a Bic pen may not work, but you could get some hollow plastic tubing from a hardware store that would most likely work. The Kryptoloks are just really easy to open. I can open mine in less than 30 seconds. It was really too easy. I got one of those onguard locks, with the laser cut keys, no more pen problems. As far as registration, I am still wating after 3 weeks not a word?

ChavoCheque

Not true (at least not right now). My old U-lock arrived in Illinois over two weeks ago, and I have neitehr received a lock nor a tracking number for the new lock's shipment. It only took my old lock a little over a week to get there.

When I called they said it was possible my lock wasn't even *made* yet!

So far, over two months have elapsed from the time I filled out there online form.

Raiyn

That's not what I was told. According to three different reps I spoke to recently they don't send the label until they have a replacement lock to ship. I find your situation to be rather odd.

ChavoCheque

Well, that *is* what I was told- but the good news is my lock arrived yesterday- the very day I posted!

So in may case anyway, it was a little over 2 months from registering on the Krypto website to receiving a new lock, fyi.