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How to fix a u-lock that has been rusted shut around handle bars for several years?

2 months ago by Basic Glitch to c/notjustbikes

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cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/64521441

Things that have not worked (so far):

Youtube video recommended a specific bike lubricant but that didn't work.

I read hitting it with a hammer could help knock some of the rust loose but so far nada.

How it got stuck: I got doored pretty bad a few months before getting pregnant several years ago and basically stopped riding completely afterwards bc drivers are such assholes in the city where I live.

My stbx always chastised me for storing it in the house, and after we moved together the last time in 2021, he started making me keep it outside under a tarp.

Now he's gone and it's my only means of transportation, but the lock is stuck like a yoke around the neck.

I can feel something turning inside after a half revolution when I try to unlock it with the key, but I can't even remember if it's supposed to make a full revolution and is getting stuck halfway or if that's as far as it's supposed to turn (as in, is the rust is inside the barrel or the keyhole?).

Any other tips or ideas to get it open?

My dad said he thinks worst case scenario we can just cut it off, but it's a kryptonite lock and I thought they were supposed to be impossible to cut?

kork349d 11 points 2 months ago

Take the handlebars off the bike?

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deepfriedchril 7 points 2 months ago

Yup, looks like you could just undo the stem. Then if you really want to try and rescue the lock, it'll be easier to work on.

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leds 1 point 2 months ago

This is the answer just make sure when you put it back to tighten it with week and steer pointing in same direction

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blackbrook 9 points 2 months ago

If you unscrew that rusty hex bolt in the middle of the steerer tube you can pull the handlebars and stem out and just take the lock off without opening it.

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A_Union_of_Kobolds 8 points 2 months ago

Nothing is impossible to cut with an angle grinder

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TerraRoot 3 points 2 months ago

Deffo not impossible, whatever the lock is made of will take a little extra time to cut over something like mild steel

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Admetus 5 points 2 months ago

Like any lock, it only deters thieves by the time it takes to cut through it ha.

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Onomatopoeia 2 points 2 months ago

Take about 30 seconds with a cheap angle grinder from Harbor Freight.

Those things aren't all that hard.

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blackbrook 1 point 2 months ago

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Onomatopoeia 4 points 2 months ago

If you want to keep lock, use a penetrant like PB Blaster.

Typical lubricants don't do much for rust.

As someone else said, loosen the neck, remove the lock. Then you can let the lock sit with penetrant on it as long as you like.

Or just cut it off with an angle grinder - should take less than a minute.

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AcidiclyBasicGlitch 0 points 2 months ago

Ty, going to try PB blaster then will attempt to remove the handlebars if necessary. It's just a really old bike and kind of already wonky.

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BakedCatboy 4 points 2 months ago

I have a kryptonite and I'm pretty sure a half revolution of the key should free the shackle, so holding the key turned while knocking the shit out of it might be the best bet short of an angle grinder. But if that's not an accessible option to you, it might be easier to disassemble the handlebars around the lock, either by removing the stem from the steerer tube or by removing the handlebars from the stem.

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Zagorath 3 points 2 months ago

Not really sure this is the most appropriate community for this post, but eh, looks like you're getting some helpful friendly advice.

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AcidiclyBasicGlitch 1 point 2 months ago

Ty

I figured if anybody had an answer it would be NL 😉

I've only had the privilege of visiting once, but it was like a beautiful dream. Architecture and canals actually designed to keep cities from flooding, a culture of respect for bicyclists, and just the right level of laissez faire without risking public health and safety.

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Zagorath 3 points 2 months ago

The issue isn't NL in general, it's that this specific community is dedicated to one specific NL-based YouTube channel: Not Just Bikes. Chiefly, the channel is about why the thing that makes the Netherlands so great is...not just bikes.

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AwesomeLowlander 2 points 2 months ago

Bike locks, not just bikes 😁

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blackbrook 3 points 2 months ago

You might be able to ask the manufacturer if that is as far as the key should turn in that model.

Have you tried trying to whack it open (like whack the piece that moves in the direction it would move to pop open) while turning the key as far as you can? Also whacking it while trying to turn the key might let you turn it further, if it is supposed to turn further.

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AcidiclyBasicGlitch 0 points 2 months ago

the key is very flimsy so don't want to bend/break it, but I can hear/feel something turning inside

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