My bike is locked to an indoor bike rack with a folding ABUS keyed bike lock. Today I couldn't turn the key to release the lock after work. No problem locking it in the morning. Tried wiggling, banging, twisting and pulling on "link". Any suggestions?
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Hit it with a bigger hammer.– Daniel R HicksCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 1:20
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Also bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/34612/… and the search box top right with "lock stuck" has other helpful answers.– MóżCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 8:54
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@Stevenroy While the suggested duplicate has some different details, the answer is the same for you.– andy256Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 10:09
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Another thread to look at: bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/34612/7309 - same make but different lock. The key point in getting it free was to smack it in the right place and direction while jiggling the key. Just noticed you've already got a link to my question, but the hit+jiggle means I haven't deleted my comment.– Chris HCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 11:14
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Could you find the lock online (if it's still on sale) and link to it? It might help us look for specifics– Chris HCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 11:19
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2 Answers
Lock have typically two kinds of problems. How far can you push the key in? Does it go in only partly, or does it go in fully but then you can't turn it? Often the disks inside have rotated so that you can't get the key in completely. Then it helps if you take a stiff wire or thin screwdriver and wiggle it up and down in the keyhole, and then try again with the key. But if the key goes in but doesn't turn, then it might be clogged up with dirt, in this case degreaser might help. Make sure you dry the lock carefully afterwards and don't use oil or grease to lubricate, they will just attract dirt and clog it up again. If you want to lubricate, use dry lubricant like graphite.
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Surprisingly I've seen manufacturers' advice on bike locks to use light oil, even wd40 (which has only short-term lubricating properties) it's as if they're more worried about rust than dirt.– Chris HCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 11:17
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Thanks! The key seems to go in all the way. I am heading back on the Metro with a hammer and lube and back up key! Commented Oct 10, 2015 at 11:51
You could try spraying some WD-40 in there. And then reach for a hammer.
Also check if your key isn't damaged.
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Please explain how a degreaser would help, what the hammer is for and so on. We much prefer complete answers over short hints.– MóżCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 2:19
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@Mσᶎ WD-40 also has some lubricating properties, no? There are probably better options though.– stijnCommented Oct 10, 2015 at 8:17
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WD-40 is horrible for locks as the light oil attracts dirt and grit. Use a graphite or PTFE-based lubricant specifically designed for locks. Commented Feb 5, 2017 at 3:46