This article on how to cut bike lock cable is for people who have lost or damaged their keys, or found their lock either tampered with or faulty. You will also find it helpful if you have been pranked with a cheap cable lock. In this guide, we will discuss the different tools that you will need, the kind of cable that each tool can cut and other related information. This is because some types of premium bike locks will require professional assistance to cut them.
We have featured the step-by-step instructions on cutting bike lock cable using various tools if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation that would require it. We have also included safety advice that will protect you and your bike.
The following are the different tools you can use for cutting lock cable if you cannot open the bike lock. We have explained how to cut the cycle lock cable with these tools, and also indicated the type of materials they are capable of cutting.
Bolt cutters are available in a variety of sizes, including small ones like WORKPRO W017004A that are sizes 12 to 14 inches and can easily fit in your bag. If you’ve ever been wondering how to cut a bike U-lock, bolt cutters might be the answer. Those of medium size, 18 to 24 inches, can be used to rip bike chains and U-locks that are up to 11mm for medium-hard materials and 9.5mm for hard materials. Large-sized bolt cutters ranging from 30 to 48 inches can cut a higher end bike lock as well. They are equipped to cut hard materials such as alloy steel chain, steel rod and copper cable with diameter of up to 11mm.
The cutting capability of bolt cutters will depend on their quality and strength, especially the jaws. When choosing them, consider the strength and thickness of the material you intend to slash for preventing damaging the bolt cutters with dents and buckled jaws when slicing a bike lock cable. Check the packaging of the bolt cutters for specification by the manufacturer on the maximum hardness of a bicycle lock material it can rip.
When we talk about cutting bike lock cables with an angle grinder, we are referring to the portable ones that are powered by battery. They are generally quick and the most effective instruments for cutting any type of lock cable. You may need an extra battery to cut a thick and sturdy lock since it may take longer. The main inconveniences of using an angle grinder are that it is noisy and generates a lot of sparks during operation.
A cable cutter is among the cutting tools that bike thieves often use because it is inexpensive, easily available in most households, inconspicuous, and it can quickly cut most cable locks. The small size allows this handheld tool to fit in your pocket for emergency cases that necessitates ripping bike lock cables.
Wire cutters though small, can slice through thicker locks like in the following video:
If you’ve been wondering how to cut a bike cable lock without bolt cutters, a bottle jack might be the answer. Although not as common, a hydraulic bottle jack is effective at cutting bike lock cables made of thin and soft materials. However, you can still fit it inside a U-lock and apply enough force to open it. A smaller U-lock does not have enough space to accommodate a bottle jack, thus it is safer. A great locking system should ensure that there isn’t much space to fit a bottle jack in your U-lock.
You can cut a bike lock cable that are made of thin and soft materials with a hacksaw like LENOX Tools High-Tension Hacksaw. Their small size will fit in your bag.
Given enough time, the tools we have featured above can successfully cut most locks of bikes under 500 as well as some of the premium models. Consider a secure lock like Schwinn Anti Theft Bike Lock which a typical bike thief cannot break instantly. Also, make sure that the tool you choose is compatible with the material used to make the cable.
In an emergency situation, cutting a bike lock cable instead of breaking or fixing the lock may make more sense because it is generally quicker. Additionally, you can easily cut the cable with tools that are commonly available, and would probably be already at your disposal. It is akin to how you can remove stuck bike pedals with a blow-dryer which you likely have at home.
You may want to slice a bike lock cable in the following scenarios:
Losing your keys is the most common reason for cutting bike lock cables. It seems faster and easier than searching and retrieving the keys, especially if you can’t remember where you misplaced or lost them.
This is also known as bolt lock failure and is often associated with old locks. Natural elements such as rain and very hot weather may also cause the lock to jam. If the lock is faulty, the internal locking system malfunctions and the lock does not open even if you use the right keys or password. In such instances, cutting the bike lock cable would be reasonable as the lock cannot be salvaged
There are a number of ways your lock can be tampered with. It could be a child putting objects into the lock, or an aborted theft where the thief could not open the lock to steal your bike.
Mischievous people abound, especially in this era where pranks, trend online and have been embraced by several social media users. Someone might prank you by installing a cheap cable lock on your unattended bike. If you have read through this guide on slashing bike lock cables, then you are aware of the tools that can help you to quickly fix the situation.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to successfully rip a bike lock cable without the use of bolt cutters or another tool. If you don’t have access to such tools, your best bet could be to get in touch with a locksmith who does, since they will have the tools required to get the lock broken without harming your bike.
No, it’s not simple to break a Kryptonite lock. Kryptonite locks are made to be incredibly strong and challenging to pick or cut through. The locks include hardened steel shackles and unique drill-resistant cylinders that can only be opened with specialized equipment. Additionally, the majority of Kryptonite locks have patented technology including anti-theft security and key duplicating prevention. Although a Kryptonite lock can be cut, doing so may require a lot of time, effort, and the right tools.
No one looks forward to the day they might be forced to cut the cable because their bike lock has failed to open. But considering there are various ways that you could end up in such a situation, it’s good to know how to cut bike lock cables. First, you must consider the type of cable material. Next, choose a tool that will be capable of cutting the cable without harming yourself or damaging the tool with excessive force or inappropriate use. We have provided good options that can cut most or all types of bike lock cables. Some tools will require more time than others to open the lock.
