zaskargo

Hi,

I have a set of wheels locked up with Pinhead locking skewers. I need to order a replacement key, and for the past few weeks, I've been trying to get in touch with the company to no avasl. Emails sent to them get bounced back, and the phone is never answered nor my messages returned. I tried posting to their Facebook wall but the post never appeared.

Anyone know what's up with the company? I'd really rather not have to grind off these skewers. Thanks!

amgarcia

I sure hope not. I purchased mine recently (few months ago) and really like them.

Rick@OCRR

Not sure how many people work at PinHead but I was working a dealer show in New Jersey last weekend and Linda, plus a guy from PinHead (don't remember his name) were there with full display, talking to dealers, etc.

So from that, I would say that (given that they're a small company), they could have just been on the show circuit. I know Linda told me they were going to the Taipei (Taiwan) show, which is this coming weekend. She said it's a 19 hr. flight for them (yikes!).

I would say keep trying to contact them, but for sure they are still in business.

I just got back to Los Angeles after working a 3-day dealer show in England, then stopping in NJ to wrok the above noted dealer show before flying back to LA.

Rick / OCRR

zaskargo

Thanks for the update. I guess I'll try sending them a postal letter. It's been a few weeks, probably five phonecalls, several contact form submissions, Facebook wall posting, etc. No response whatsoever, except some email bounces saying that don@pinheadlocks.com isn't a valid address.

zaskargo

It looks like it's very easy to open a PinHead locking skewer using a universal socket such as Gator Grip makes, so I'll give that a try instead.

AdamDZ

I see lots of pinheads on my commute and it doesn't seem like they're going out of style, quite the opposite

zaskargo

Wow, the Gator Grips universal socket ($11 at Home Depot) opened my very tightly fastened Pinhead lock with no problem in 30 seconds.

Solis91

So pinheads are a no go...?

zaskargo

I don't think it'd hurt to use them (unless you lose the key). My experience was that it was impossible to get a replacement key in a timely (month) fashion, and it was trivial to defeat them with the universal socket. But they will certainly stop someone from casually pulling off your wheels.

unterhausen

I'm impressed you can still get a gatorgrip, I figured that was something with the lifetime of a year or two at the most

Solis91

I'm pretty good with keeping track of my keys, so hopefully that's not a problem.
I am just tired of using a cable to lock up my front wheels and seat. Figured pinheads would be a good investment as long as they don't have bad reviews.

I've heard the forte lockdown skewers are decent as well...?

treebound 

Zascargo,

Did the GatorGrip pins settle down into the PinHead pockets to facilitate removal? I'm wondering if the gatorgrip is the equivalent of the Bic pen to barrel lock Kryptonites. Will sure reduce the sense of security of this system if it is.

Nothing is theft-proof, just adds one more level or option to the choices.