//Hack your way into a Kryptonite lock…literally

No, this isn’t a post about using a Bic pen to pick a Kryptonite lock off of a bike. I ran into a problem in that I had an older Kryptonite lock stuck on my bike for the past 3 years. No key, bike shop was no help, Bic pen doesn’t work. My main issue is I paid extra for an aluminum-frame Trek in order to save on weight, and here was this 5 lb. lock stuck, banging around in the carrier, adding unnecessary weight to my ride.

First, do not try to use a standard hacksaw blade. Second, if you’re thinking about bolt cutters you’ll need a pair with 4′ handles and a 300 lb. guy to snap through the metal. I found a simple solution, assuming you have 20 minutes, 1 hand cramp, and about 200 calories to spare.

You can cut through the lock using a standard hacksaw, but you’ll need to change the blade out for a carbide grit rod saw. I used one from Stanley, 10″, Home Depot for $4.48 as seen below.

10\

20 minutes later your lock should look like this:

I know this may seem obvious, but you’ll probably want to cut the lock off from the “lock” side near the base as it is easier to grip while you hack away at the metal. As an alternative, a Dremel tool and a diamond cutting disc will also do the trick. My lack of a corded Dremel and the fact that it was $21 for one disc (and I had to hope one did the job) I went the manual route.