Slip the clip's short, bent side into the bottom of the lock. Turn the clip in the same direction that the lock turns. Insert the clip into the upper "rake" and depress the lock's pins. Jiggle the clip until the lock unlocks.
However, D locks do tend to be a consistently solid option if you're looking for a bike lock that is more difficult to cut. In addition, any bike locks that have been made out of steel are also a strong option (literally!) as they too are harder for thieves to cut through.
Portable grinders are by far the most effective way to defeat bike locks. They require no skill and can get through almost any bike lock in a matter of seconds. Grinders are much bulkier and harder to conceal than other tools, so it is not common for thieves to carry these.
Pretty much all bike locks can be picked with the right tools and the right skills. But if you're on this page it's very unlikely you've got either! That's not to say you can't buy the kit and learn the techniques of course.
You can order new bike lock keys from your local specialist retailer. Much like Kryptonite Keys, when you purchased your lock you should have received a security card which has a code on it that enables new keys to be cut.
By the way, the most common four-digit PINs according to the study are: 1234, 0000, 2580, 1111 and 5555 (scroll down for a longer list) – 2580 is there because it is a vertical column on a numeric keypad.
A 4 wheel combination padlock provides up to 10,000 numerical code combinations while a 5 wheel version offers up to 100,000 combinations. Its widely known that cheaper combination padlocks are relatively easy to crack by detecting the correct dial positions through touch and feel.
Probably the most frequent tool used by bike thieves are bolt cutters. They're common amongst thieves because they are usually pretty light and are therefore quite portable. They can also get through a lot of different materials including some metals.
Closed Shackle Padlocks
By further shielding the shackle on both sides, it is extremely difficult for someone to cut through with either a bolt cutter—not enough room to grip and exert force—or an angle grinder—not enough exposed parts.
For example, even the famous Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, undoubtedly the world's most secure portable bicycle lock up until now, featuring an unrivalled 18mm hardened steel shackle, can be defeated in 1 minute with a portable angle grinder.
For pin tumbler locks, including deadbolts and entry doors, make a pick set out of 2 bobby pins or paper clips. Stick them into the lock and wiggle them until the lock opens. Use an unbent paper clip or a hairpin for locks on privacy door knobs.
Using household items like paper clips or toothbrushes, you can easily defeat 70-80% of the padlocks out in the world.
In this situation, engage with a locksmith (MLA approved) to help remove the bike lock. Alternatively, check with your local independent bike shop, which might be able to help. Then, depending on where the bike is locked, you might need to tell the facility owner that you need to cut your lock.
Research suggests thieves can guess one in five PINs by trying just three combinations. How easy would it be for a thief to guess your four-digit PIN?
It's very simple. In 4 decimal digits there are 10,000 (0000 to 9999) possible values. The odds of any one of them coming up randomly is one in 10,000. Save this answer.
“Statistically, 8068 is the safest PIN,” says Tyler Moffitt, senior threat research analyst at Webroot. “Other good numbers are 7637, 6835, and 9629. But that's mainly because they follow no pattern, isn't a date, or repetition of numbers, or the column of the keypad (2580).”
A key bike lock is more secure than a combination bike lock. Most key locks at least need a specialised device to pick them. A combo lock requires no special skill. A determined thief will find a way to steal a bicycle, but the last thing they want to do is 'work' to get their hands on your machine.
Not all keys for bicycle locks are the same, and yet not every key is unique either. Manufacturers have a set of key-lock combinations that they randomly disperse as part of the production and distribution process.
Pull the bike lock tight so that there's an area you can saw through without damaging it or injuring yourself. Place the blade on the chain, or the plastic coated cable of the lock, then carefully saw back and forth. If the lock is a cheap one, you should be able to easily cut through the soft metal with a hacksaw.
Call the Police
Keep in mind that the police will want some form of proof of ownership, so try to keep something on you that proves that the bike is yours just in case this happens. Once they have confirmed it's yours, they can help you break the lock and help you if anything else needs to happen with the other person.