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Some lock advice from a locksmith

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Some lock advice from a locksmith

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Old 03-18-09, 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by tashi
Just as a point of reference, I've had keys cut for my Kryptonite locks before by local locksmiths.
kryptonite has many many types of locks over the years, many with simple keys. seems unlikely your local locksmith can duplicate the current kind.

One time (at band camp) I lost my key. I called a locksmith, he drilled (snipped) and the cylinder popped right out and the lock opened. I kept the cylinder, put it back in and secured it with a little screw (with the head cut off after insertion) through the newly drilled hole and took it in to get keys. $10 later and voila! a perfectly good lock, ready to go again!

This did, of course, require that the locksmith have access to the lock in his shop. And it was a fairly old lock, so who knows if it's possible with newer ones.
yeah but regular thieves are not locksmiths with power drills, thankfully.

Originally Posted by crawdaddio
Advice that I feel some people might find useful.
fair enough. i just think your advice is bad. to buy a really expensive padlock from a locksmith, then using it with a cable, that is pointless.

Your need to be 'correct' and 'win' this argument seems to be greater than mine, so enjoy.
yay!!

Last edited by lotek; 03-18-09 at 03:41 PM. Reason: directions for defeating kryptonite locks
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Old 03-18-09, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by old scratch
kryptonite has many many types of locks over the years, many with simple keys. seems unlikely your local locksmith can duplicate the current kind.

Please just stop being wrong.
Many, many lock shops can and do duplicate AND ORIGINATE disk tumbler keys (the current keys on kryptos).


yeah but regular thieves are not locksmiths with power drills, thankfully.


Again, NOT TRUE. Ok, they aren't locksmiths, but I have seen quite a few bike lock cylinders drilled out by thieves.



OK, I'm done.
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Old 03-18-09, 02:15 PM
  #103  
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again, i dont see why it matters that the kryptonite keys can be duplicated. criminals dont need two copies to steal your bike. plus, you are a locksmith and already said you dont have the proper machine to do it. it simply isnt relevant. (and also you could just order one from kryptonite by reading the number off the key). i know you like to say you could generate a kryptonite key out of thin air, but you couldnt, you need the original, in which case you already have the key!


Again, NOT TRUE. Ok, they aren't locksmiths, but I have seen quite a few bike lock cylinders drilled out by thieves.


again, thieves with power tools are always gonna win. also thieves without power tools will win if we follow your advice:

"The best way to lock your bike for MAXIMUM security is to use this cable"

incorrect.

Last edited by old scratch; 03-18-09 at 02:19 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 03:21 PM
  #104  
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Originally Posted by old scratch
again, i dont see why it matters that the kryptonite keys can be duplicated. criminals dont need two copies to steal your bike. plus, you are a locksmith and already said you dont have the proper machine to do it. it simply isnt relevant. (and also you could just order one from kryptonite by reading the number off the key). i know you like to say you could generate a kryptonite key out of thin air, but you couldnt, you need the original, in which case you already have the key!

Wrong again. One doesn't need the key to generate one. Why can't you understand this?
I will not tell you how this is done.

again, thieves with power tools are always gonna win. also thieves without power tools will win if we follow your advice:

"The best way to lock your bike for MAXIMUM security is to use this cable"

incorrect.
Please stop MIS or HALF quoting me.
Here is the entire quote from my OP. Note the advisement that this (cable and padlock) is ONLY FOR YOUR WHEELS. And that I advise using a U lock as well. This requires two tools, which is more secure.

Quote me:

"
The best way to lock your bike for MAXIMUM security is to use this cable with this lock (links below), looping one end of the cable through your front and back wheels, around the frame, and around whatever you are locking to. Lock both ends of the cable with the padlock. They will barely fit into the shackle, but they will fit. Even more easily if you cut away the plastic covering in one small section of the eyelets to help with this.
https://www.mul-t-lockusa.com/product...=1938&catid=25

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...lex+Cable.aspx

Then use one or more kryptonite U locks (the best you can afford) to lock the frame and/or wheels in addition to the above lock. This is deterrence. Even hearty bike thieves will move on to another 'easier' target when they see this. The more locks that they have to break or cut through, even with a fast grinder, the better. Opportunistic thieves won't even look twice before moving on
."

End quote.


Here is the difference between you and I.
ALL of your replies on this thread are based on your opinion, which you are certainly entitled to.

My replies and advice here are based on YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF LOCKING SYSTEMS, AND DEALING WITH ACTUAL THEFT.

Let's recap:
My insights = fact.
Your insights = speculation.

I don't want people who are reading this to think that what you are posting here is true. Because it isn't.
It is true that locking with a cable ALONE is not a good idea.
If you want to use a cable, buy the best padlock you can afford. I really don't care which one. The ones you can get at hardware stores can be snapped with bolt cutters. Contrary to popular belief, it is fairly difficult to cut a krypto cable with bolt cutters. They tend to squash. Go ahead, try it. I am not claiming that it is impossible though. Hardened steel or boron steel chains ARE better, but heavier. Please don't use this as your only lock if you are in a high risk area.

Always use two different types of locks for maximum security, as I said in my original post.

Last edited by crawdaddio; 03-18-09 at 09:22 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 03:35 PM
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thats all nice but your maximum security with fancy cable and padlock is kinda dumb. a short chain with disc lock and a mini u are better. yunno, for "maximum" security.

also i think your fancy padlock is a waste of money and bad advice.
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Old 03-18-09, 03:42 PM
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Wrong again. One doesn't need the key to generate one. Why can't you understand this? I will not tell you how this is done.
i can do cold fusion. cant talk about it though
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Old 03-18-09, 03:43 PM
  #107  
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Quick note here.
I edited 3 or 4 posts with directions on how to defeat a kryptonite lock.
I prefer not to edit posts, but in this case felt it was best to not describe how to do
so (break lock).

Marty
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Old 03-18-09, 06:07 PM
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.
i am the best at locks!
.
no me!
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Old 03-18-09, 07:10 PM
  #109  
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No, a grinder will go right through it. The cable will 'squeeze' the blade as it is cutting, but if you just hold the cable back to prevent the squeeze, no problem.
A grinder will cut through every bike lock, given enough time.

Last edited by crawdaddio; 03-18-09 at 07:14 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by lotek
Quick note here.
I edited 3 or 4 posts with directions on how to defeat a kryptonite lock.
I prefer not to edit posts, but in this case felt it was best to not describe how to do
so (break lock).

Marty
i think most of us knew that a power tool can cut holes in things, but thanks anyways.
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Old 03-18-09, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by iamthenoise
WHAT?!
i'll take my chances.
reasons you're right:
1. a $100 dollar beater bike, locked up, and stolen no more than 6 times a year and your argument makes sense.

reasons you're wrong:
1. you make the assumption that a bike will only be stolen "once in a while" with a quicker locking method (the truth is that, given similar circumstances, it will be stolen more often than if you were to use the OP's method)

2. most of us talking about locks have decent to nice bikes. the amount of money you'd need to be making for your argument to make sense flies in the face of what most people who need to lock up their bikes, lets say, twice a day make (10 minutes of total lockup time in a day, at $15 an hour and a 5 day work work week, you'd need to work about a year to lose the amount time equivilant to a $650 bike....and thats assuming you'd need to replace your bike being only stolen once in a year. if you factor in multiple bikes being stolen from you in a year, the cost/benefit is blown out completely.)
Yeah, but I ride a $400 bike and I make more than $15/hour and I've not had it stolen in several years....so even if it gets stolen tomorrow is still makes more sense to disregard the suggestions of the OP and just stick with a traditional chain+padlock.
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Old 03-18-09, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by crawdaddio

Multi lock brand locks MUST be purchased through a locksmith.
No self-serving advice here!
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Old 03-18-09, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by lotek
Quick note here.
I edited 3 or 4 posts with directions on how to defeat a kryptonite lock.
I prefer not to edit posts, but in this case felt it was best to not describe how to do
so (break lock).

Marty
Yeah- woops, sorry 'bout that.
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Old 03-18-09, 08:42 PM
  #114  
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Originally Posted by Lot's Knife
No self-serving advice here!
I am not in it for the cash (this thread I mean).
I had four people PM me asking if I could sell them some locks. I told them to call a local locksmith.
Have I mentioned the name of my lockshop? Even once?

Last edited by crawdaddio; 03-18-09 at 08:46 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 09:21 PM
  #115  
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Originally Posted by crawdaddio
I am not in it for the cash (this thread I mean).
I had four people PM me asking if I could sell them some locks. I told them to call a local locksmith.
Have I mentioned the name of my lockshop? Even once?
No good deed goes unpunished.
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Old 03-18-09, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by shelato12771
No good deed goes unpunished.
a locksmith advising a $160 padlock to use with a cable for "maximum" security is not good deed. it is stupid and costly and not as effective as it could be.

if you want max security, pair a chain with a small u lock.
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Old 03-18-09, 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by old scratch
a locksmith advising a $160 padlock to use with a cable for "maximum" security is not good deed. it is stupid and costly and not as effective as it could be.

if you want max security, pair a chain with a small u lock.
Why don't you just let it go man? Sheesus.

These people can read.
They are adults and can make their own decisions.
It was one of the many suggestions I made.
ONE small U lock and chain?
Use an additional U lock on the frame and rear wheel and that is a very secure lock system.
I sincerely just want to see bike theft numbers go down. That's it.

Last edited by crawdaddio; 03-18-09 at 10:09 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 09:35 PM
  #118  
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Originally Posted by shelato12771
No good deed goes unpunished.
Hey, you're from urbana!
I lived in chambana for about 8 years. Great small (ish) town....
Awesome bike recycling program there.
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Old 03-18-09, 09:36 PM
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Because some people sit around on their computer, while their bikes gather dust and look for posts they can pick apart and feel better about themselves. Hell they even screw with the mods when they have a simple request. People like this will never stop cause it makes them feel big and important. It's like to friend who always has a better story right after you tell yours. Annoying as hell!!
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Old 03-18-09, 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by crawdaddio
Why don't you just let it go man? Sheesus.

These people can read.
They are adults and can make their own decisions.
It was one of the many suggestions I made.
ONE small U lock and chain?
Use an additional U lock on the frame and rear wheel and that is a very secure lock system.
I sincerely just want to see bike theft numbers go down. That's it.
short chain for front wheel and frame. u lock for back wheel and frame. much better than your fancy padlock/cable system.

Originally Posted by hanjin
Because some people sit around on their computer, while their bikes gather dust and look for posts they can pick apart and feel better about themselves. Hell they even screw with the mods when they have a simple request. People like this will never stop cause it makes them feel big and important. It's like to friend who always has a better story right after you tell yours. Annoying as hell!!
you folks act like you never saw anyone disagree before. relax homies. the topic is locks, not me. disagreement never hurt anyone.
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Old 03-18-09, 10:50 PM
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Originally Posted by old scratch
short chain for front wheel and frame. u lock for back wheel and frame. much better than your fancy padlock/cable system.


you folks act like you never saw anyone disagree before. relax homies. the topic is locks, not me. disagreement never hurt anyone.

Better yet, forget the chain. Use a U lock through the front wheel and downtube locked to a bike rack/post, and the same on the back wheel/seat stay.
No chain to carry. Forget the padlock/cable/chain system if it makes you feel better. Either way, a would be thief would only have to carry one type of tool to defeat the locks, but what do you care, you're obviously always right.
Until you get burned.....


I'm relaxed.
Feelin' pretty good actually, thanks. I have nothing against you personally....
It's just that I have seen quality go so far down the toilet in america these past few years, that it is a touchy subject.

In your posts here, you come off as the type of guy who comes into my shop, browsing, asking about some better locks for his condo.
Me:
"Well I would recommend the toughest deadbolts with reinforced strike cups and latchguards that you can afford. How much are your belongings/peace of mind worth? How much can you spend on this right now? Let's figure out what will work for YOU."
Customer:
"I have some expensive electronics, valuable bikes, sentimental things, etc...."
Me:
"Here is what I would recommend....."
Customer:
"Holy crap! I can buy a lockset at home depot for $30! You are trying to rip me a new one."
Me:
"This is what we offer. We know they work. Here, I will show you how.....Demonstrate a DESTROYED cheap $30 lock, and a more expensive deadbolt that withstood an attack from a would be thief without allowing entry."
Customer:
"I just don't see the value in spending this much cash on a lock right now, I will go to home depot."
Me:
"Okay, have a nice day then."

Two months later....
Same customer (who doesn't expect me to recognize him):
"I just got broken into! They took almost everything. What can I do to prevent this?"
(This has happened in my shop)

People just don't seem to see the value in investing in quality anymore.....
I recently bought a surly LHT from a local bike shop. I could have gotten a cheaper bike, but I want it to last, like my dad's old '76 schwinn, that he still rides 30 miles a day on.
I could have gotten the same bike cheaper (with all the racks and panniers, etc...) online. Sure, I paid a hundred more by buying locally, but I got top notch service and a lasting warranty. I decided to give the local guys my business and got exactly what I wanted. A quality machine that will last me my entire life with some good maintenance. The dude even GAVE me a free cycloputer (a nice one) for throwing my business his way......

Last edited by crawdaddio; 06-23-10 at 12:05 PM.
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Old 03-18-09, 10:56 PM
  #122  
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Originally Posted by crawdaddio
Better yet, forget the chain.
why? i prefer the chain to the cable. you are not making sense.

Forget the padlock/cable/chain system if it makes you feel better
huh? i just said a chain is good.

Either way, a would be thief would only have to carry one type of tool
eh? i said a chain and a U. what are you talking about? try to make sense, friend.
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Old 03-18-09, 11:06 PM
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Alright.
I'm done.
You are an idiot.
I never thought I'd say this to anyone, but I sincerely hope someone steals your bike.
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Old 03-18-09, 11:15 PM
  #124  
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Crawdadio: Thanks for a great post! Great explanation on what to use, when to use it, where to use it and how to use them.
I use a u lock and a cable like u mentioned in your first post, never had a problem.
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Old 03-18-09, 11:30 PM
  #125  
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Originally Posted by crawdaddio
Alright.
I'm done.
You are an idiot.
I never thought I'd say this to anyone, but I sincerely hope someone steals your bike.
well that isnt very nice! cant a couple adult dorks talk about lock strategy? you take it easy, amigo.
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