Problem With Kryptonite lock in Cold
01-15-08, 07:25 PM
#1
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Problem With Kryptonite lock in Cold
I've been commuting through this cold snap here in the Rocky Mountains, and today experienced my first setback--I went to unlock my bike after work today, and it wouldn't open. Tried all three keys many times, but to no avail.
I suppose it could be connected to the cold weather, but that seems fishy.
The lock is a brand new (this is the sixth time I've used it) Kryptonite Evolution--series four, I believe.
Any help? I'll try calling the company tomorrow, but meanwhile, I'm trying not to think about what the cold might do to my bike.
Any thoughts? comfort?
Should I be worried about damage to the bike by the cold (we're right around zero (F) tonight)? It was painful to leave it there and walk toward the bus stop.
Thanks--
I suppose it could be connected to the cold weather, but that seems fishy.
The lock is a brand new (this is the sixth time I've used it) Kryptonite Evolution--series four, I believe.
Any help? I'll try calling the company tomorrow, but meanwhile, I'm trying not to think about what the cold might do to my bike.
Any thoughts? comfort?
Should I be worried about damage to the bike by the cold (we're right around zero (F) tonight)? It was painful to leave it there and walk toward the bus stop.
Thanks--
01-15-08, 07:35 PM
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I have never had a problem with my Kryptonites in the cold. Maybe it got some water in it? I'd try a little de-icer in the lock. It certainly won't hurt anything..
Good luck!
Good luck!
01-15-08, 07:49 PM
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I had problems with my kryptonite in the winter when I was back in Connecticut. Some dry graphite spritzed in there fixed it right up. I think it had gotten a little dirty and the cold weather made stuff stick in there *shrug* Hopefully the company has better news for you but that worked for me on my lock and later on the outdoor bike locker I got.
01-15-08, 08:07 PM
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Both of mine (a Fahgettaboudit and a KryptoLock) stiffen up under 15°F or so. I suppose dry graphite, or lock de-icer would be a good choice, but not having any, I use chain lube instead. Three drops in the Fahgettaboudit or two in the KryptoLock and I'm good for another month or two.
01-15-08, 08:12 PM
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Anyways, lubing the lock will probably get it unstuck. From the Kryptonite website:
We know you are either riding your bicycle around town, cruising down the highway on your steel steed or bombing around down some trails where your lock could pick up all kinds of grime. Lubing on a monthly basis should keep dust and grime in check and out of your cylinder. Lube ingredients need to include one of the following: Silicone, Graphite, Teflon or Paraffin. These are commonly found in bike or powersports shops. Spray or drip a few drops of lube into the cylinder, insert the key and make a few turns to work it in. You should be good to go so you can get back to your adventure.
Last edited by Jurgen; 01-15-08 at 08:22 PM.
01-15-08, 08:42 PM
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Thanks for the replies--I'm feeling a little more relaxed now. My bike is a good old fashioned steel ride, so I think I'm good there--should I worry about any of the bearings suffering from this wintery evening?
01-15-08, 09:24 PM
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seeing as how I'll be riding home when the snow should be peaking and the temps bottoming out, I'd guess your going to have some stiff grease and maybe a freewheel pawl that won't...Depends on when and what type of grease you used on the rear hub. Other than that, prolly just feel stiff but it'll wake up, wheel wise, for you in the AM. Just get it somewhere warm if possible.
As to the lock, I have an OnGaurd Brute 5001. It took awhile for it to 'break in' (6 months) with alot of graphite and Beolube. Finally works fine...I'll take a guess that this might be your problem also...
Good luck!
As to the lock, I have an OnGaurd Brute 5001. It took awhile for it to 'break in' (6 months) with alot of graphite and Beolube. Finally works fine...I'll take a guess that this might be your problem also...
Good luck!
01-16-08, 08:45 AM
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Oh yeah, I live in Parker...it's plenty cold.
01-16-08, 08:57 AM
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Graphite for prevention and chain lube if it happens when you are stuck. One of mine is quite old and dirty at this point and requires significant preventive maint. as the weather turns cold. I should just replace it.
This is much better than the trunk lock on my car, it freezes every time there is solid cold for awhile and nothing seems to work at unsticking or preventing it. Luckily, I don't need it that often
This is much better than the trunk lock on my car, it freezes every time there is solid cold for awhile and nothing seems to work at unsticking or preventing it. Luckily, I don't need it that often
01-16-08, 11:23 AM
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Thanks for all the replies--a few drops of chain lube got things moving this morning.
Happy to be back on the road, although it was very cold this morning--single digits during my pre-dawn ride. Ouch.
Happy to be back on the road, although it was very cold this morning--single digits during my pre-dawn ride. Ouch.
01-17-08, 10:30 AM
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I try to avoid places where the temperature goes below freezing, but I vaguely remember that when I lived in the "Great White North", locksmiths sold a special winter lube for locks that had frozen up. If you ride a lot in below freezing temperatures, you might ask your neighborhood locksmith for advice.
01-17-08, 07:48 PM
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I live in Denver and last night it was around 3 degrees. My cable lock worked just fine when I locked my bike to a light pole around 8:00 PM. A couple hours later I unlocked it and the plastic housing around the cable had frozen and would not coil back up. I had to stuff it into my bag and thaw it out when I got back home.
01-17-08, 08:17 PM
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I always use rubing alcohol for frozen locks, works great on just about any lock including car doors and trunks. 
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You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
01-17-08, 09:05 PM
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This happened twice to my Kryptonite U-lock - a combination of cold temperatures and some moisture getting inside the lock. Lube of any kind helps - oil, WD-40, whatever, just get something in there.
