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    Lost the key to my cheap decathlon Ulock! Stressed, how can I get it open? In Berlin

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    32 Comments

    2. karzzeh on

      Hacksaw, boltcutters or angle grinder will all work. The last will go through it like butter, the others depend on the quality of the lock, but most likely won’t take much effort either.

    3. KornyJokes on

      Angle grinder or hacksaw would be the most up-front approach if you need it quick.

      You might be able to send off for a new key to be cut, but that depends on brand and locale.

    5. wiggywiggywiggy on

      Your going to need to cut it twice because the u lock has no flex. Essentially create slot large enough to fit frame through. Unless you have large pry bar and something to pry against

    7. MyKidsFoundMyOldUser on

      Angle grinder with a metal cutting disc. Ignore anyone saying hacksaw – it’ll take you about an hour. Angle grinder will take you about a minute. Wear earplugs and eye protection.

    10. Willing-Bowl-675 on

      Depending on how much time you have before you need access to the bike: Lockpicking cheap locks can easily be learned in just a few minutes and a halfway useable kit costs 10€.

      The learning curve gets a lot steeper with mediocre and or even good locks, but for that cheap thing watching a video and try a bit should be enough.

    11. nickobec on

      Car jack, though positioning it break lock while getting leverage without damaging the bikes will be the challenge, easier to borrow or hire an angle grinder

    13. Single_Restaurant_10 on

      Does it have a number on the lock barrel? If so go to Decathlon & buy that series key with that #

    15. Redsubdave on

      Hack saw. Cut the top tube in half. Then you can still use the lock when you find your key

    18. JoeDimwit on

      I was going to suggest 5 pounds of tanerite and a freedom seed dispenser. Then I saw that you’re in Germany, so I started to convert the 5 pounds to kilograms, but I don’t think y’all have easy access to freedom seed dispensers, so it’s a moot point.

    21. Single_Restaurant_10 on

      Nope. Most barrel locks have the number stamped on them so u can get spare keys! Its based on a honor system

    22. EndangeredPedals on

      Seems you learned the secret lesson of bike locks; when you’re down to one key, get a new lock.

      Angle grinder with a cutting disc in 30 sec
      Hacksaw with a bimetal blade in 10 min
      Scissor jack, if it fits, in 5 min

    24. Wolfy35 on

      Best bet is an angle grinder. If you can get enough leverage many U locks can be opened by brute force alone but you risk damaging your frame if you slip.

    25. 1kWattt on

      YOU DONT NEED AN ANGLE GRINDER! Unless you own one and want to blow through a cutting wheel, go for it. Otherwise any cheap hacksaw, with a decent/new blade on it. Put a drop of oil on the blade and gently, smoothly saw it through. Go to town for about 60 seconds, pause let the blade cool, (or dip it in water), repeat, Should take less than 5 minutes. Hacksaws are designed to efficiently cut hard metal.

    26. ensoniq2k on

      You can force it open with tools or watch some lockpicking videos and try it yourself

    27. gearlegs4ever on

      Battery powered angle grinder. I’d say 30 seconds tops. Had to cut my bike off of someone’s cheap lock years ago because they locked their frame TO MY FRAME…

    28. nickN42 on

      They give you three keys to “your” lock. For this exact reason. You should have spares for “your” lock.

    29. Groundbreaking_Code3 on

      Hammer. The mechanism that holds the pieces together is quite weak.

    30. ballsagna2time on

      Thanks for reminding me to register my lock so they will send me a second set of keys.

    31. tomcatx2 on

      Get a long pipe and put it over the end of the lock and leverage it open. It will be surprisingly easy.

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