Removing a Cable Lock without the Key
05-30-11, 10:05 AM
#1
Idealistic Troublemaker
Thread Starter
Removing a Cable Lock without the Key
No, I am not keen to steal a bike, just get the cable lock off a bike that's hanging in my garage... the lock is a thick Schwinn cable lock, no ID #. It takes a key and the key was long ago lost by my kids (or me... if I knew it wouldn't be lost!).
I can ride the bike with the cable still coiled-onto the top tube, but it would be nice to dump that pointless extra weight.
Lock looks like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Cable-.../dp/B0018CPG3U yeah the keys looked just like those
I can ride the bike with the cable still coiled-onto the top tube, but it would be nice to dump that pointless extra weight.
Lock looks like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Cable-.../dp/B0018CPG3U yeah the keys looked just like those
05-30-11, 11:26 AM
#3
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cut the top tube, remove the lock, and reweld. nice thing about that method is that you can justify a new paint job or powder coat in the color of your choice.
05-30-11, 02:46 PM
#4
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Bolt cutters.
I idiotically locked my and my wife's bikes up together with a cable lock outside a country store, and only later realized that the keys were 7 miles away on my kitchen counter. Farmer Mike's bolt cutters saved the day. They cut through the cable like butter. I learned two important lessons that day:
1. Never buy a lock that you can lock without the key in hand.
2. Never rely on a cable lock to secure your bike from someone who wants to steal it. At best, they prevent opportunistic theft.
BTW his 30-inch bolt cutters worked like a charm, but my 24-inch cutters back home also slice through a cable easily. If the bolt cutters are too dull, they might not work, in which case a hacksaw is called for.
I idiotically locked my and my wife's bikes up together with a cable lock outside a country store, and only later realized that the keys were 7 miles away on my kitchen counter. Farmer Mike's bolt cutters saved the day. They cut through the cable like butter. I learned two important lessons that day:
1. Never buy a lock that you can lock without the key in hand.
2. Never rely on a cable lock to secure your bike from someone who wants to steal it. At best, they prevent opportunistic theft.
BTW his 30-inch bolt cutters worked like a charm, but my 24-inch cutters back home also slice through a cable easily. If the bolt cutters are too dull, they might not work, in which case a hacksaw is called for.
05-30-11, 03:55 PM
#5
Banned
A locksmith can open it..
I have a friend, he was helpful when I lost the keys to my Apartment ,
keys went from in pocket, onto the street, somewhere..
I have a friend, he was helpful when I lost the keys to my Apartment ,
keys went from in pocket, onto the street, somewhere..
06-01-11, 12:18 AM
#7
Idealistic Troublemaker
Thread Starter
Thanks! I'm surprised that a bolt cutter would manage this but willing to take a shot. Cutting the tube: nah, this is a beater bike.
06-02-11, 09:35 AM
#9
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Craftsman Rotary Tool with a cutting wheel, safety goggles, and be very careful because it'll slice clean through whatever it touches.
