Kryptonite Key Replacement Predicament
 

Greetings,

Last week I lost my keys including the key to my Evolution Mini U-Lock. My spare keys are in a safe location such that even I cannot find them. So I called Kryptonite to request my two complimentary replacement keys, which I recieved today. Sadly, neither work on my lock. I haven't talked to Kryptonite yet because it is past their business hours.

Has anyone had a similar situation? I would like to know what I might be in for when I talk to them tomorrow.

1 - Assuming they can't or won't send me the correct keys, is it possible for me to send in my lock and have a new key made for it?

2 - If I end up buying a new lock, is it possible to get the old one re-keyed to match the new or vice versa?

Thank you in advance.

The replacement keys only work if you have provided Kryptonite with the correct key code number. If you registered the keys with the wrong key number, the replacement keys will not work. You could send your lock back to Kryptonite to have it re-keyed, but the cost would probably be close to that of a new lock.

Kryptonite does have a program that would enable you to use one key for multiple locks. The only flaw with that is that if a crook somehow gets one of your keys, he can take all of your bikes. Still, for folks who use four or five locks, a single key is tempting.

I just remembered that I had an older, regular sized, Evolution lock that I sold to a friend of mine about a year ago. Yes, it was a flat key. Both of these locks were registered under my name. I think what may of happened is that Krypto sent me keys for that lock. The guy I talked to was a little clumsy in his customer service skills and I had completely forgotten about that other lock.

I sent an email to my friend to see if my new keys match his lock.

Hi JJVW
I found your post, and though its a few years old now, i'm hoping you still use this forum and check your messages.... I am in the same position as you were when you posted this-except that my bike has been sitting, locked, frozen and sad.
I just received my 2 replacement keys for my U Lock in the mail on Friday, and I tried getting my bike out to head to work today, and found that they fit...but dont unlock the lock. I know I'll come up against the 'our system is perfect, you must have sent the wrong serial number' argument, but I'm certain it was the right number, and I think the odds of having made an error in the digit which would have created an alternate combination for a different lock, are in my favor.
Anyway, i'm hoping you can tell me the rest of your story, and give me some tips if you have any

OP hasn't posted in a couple of years.

Cutting the lock off is an option.

But my thread subscription still works!

WOW! That was five years and a different life ago.

If memory serves me, the incorrect replacement keys worked on my friend's lock, which I had previously sold to him. Years later, I moved and found the lost keys that started this saga. That's about how the story ends.

My suggestion is to buy a fine tooth hacksaw blade and a good hacksaw. You'll be through in less than ten minutes.

Two words: "Angle grinder".

Only if you have one and if there is power where the lock is. A good hacksaw is cheaper and only requires a sandwich to run.

There are battery powered angle grinders. Hacksaw is indeed cheaper.

Welcome back.

Admittedly I've never tried to hacksaw a Kryptonite but I wouldn't bet on it working.

Been there. Done that. Persistence is key.

Ah, but how many people use the same password for all of their Internet accounts?

I'm in the same predicament except that it's not my bike, it's an abandoned one that's been sitting outside for at least 3 years. Locked to a pole with a kryptonite keeper. The chain, cassette, rims and hubs are completely corroded but the frame is pristine. I've already gotten the go-ahead from the cops telling me if I can get the lock off the bike is mine, now I just need to find a way to do it on a student's budget. I've seen plenty of posts about angle-grinders (too expensive for me) and hacksaws (already broke a friend's. I was wondering if I could superheat the tumblers and then cool them rapidly, aided by a hammer/chisel of course to disengage the lock. I have magnesium ribbon and air duster cans are pretty cheap.
Thoughts?
P.S. I'm NOT a bike thief, just a guy looking to give an abandoned and mistreated bike a new home.

Uhhh huh... <suspicious look> =)