Seized bicycle lock?

Question

OK, so a year ago, I got really busy with school and stopped riding my bike regularly. I'm doing some major updating to my old beast and lo and behold, one of the locks that was securing it is totally seized. I tried both of my keys and the whole lock tumbler appears seized tight. It's a pretty cheap D lock with a 'bic pickable' cylinder style keyhole. Problem isn't the keys though, it's the lock. And as I was trying both keys (one well-used and one backup still brand new), the metal internals of the lock got damaged. Yay!

But thanks to Giant's high quality standards, While the delicate lock mechanism quickly turned to twisted wreckage under the punishment of a cheap metal key, the body of the lock rejects my drill, my hacksaw and...

It's an older frame, but a fairly new wheel that cost me almost 200 bucks... I'm thinking my option is to pull the tire and release the spokes to slide the wheel out and say goodbye to my frame.

Any ideas for taking care of this?

Answer 1

Use a car jack. It will do the trick...

Answer 2

Duuuude....don't you dare trash your frame just to get the lock off!   lol   :o)

If the lock body is really trashed, then you'll need to cut it off.  If there's a chance it might still be workable, then try to soak the lock with a *good* rust penetrant like Zoom or PB Blaster...get something from the auto parts store.   Give it a day (or two) and try to work the key.

If it's dead, then buy or rent an electric angle grinder (or pneumatic, if you have a 4hp or larger air compressor).  Use a 1/16" cutting wheel or a 1/8" grinding wheel and have a go at it.   It'll take you awhile (maybe 10-15 minutes) to cut through it, but it'll work.  Put some clean, tough cloth or leather over the bike to protect it from spark burns (something that won't catch a spark easily and isn't oily...a terrycloth towel is a poor choice).  As you use the grinder, carefully rock it back and forth through the cut you're making to help get through it faster.....careful, though, so that you don't slip and damage the bike or cut yourself.  Move slowly and be patient.  

You can pick up a cheapie import angle grinder for about $15-$30 from most tool supply stores (like a Harbor Freight if you have one of those nearby).  It'll cost that much to rent one from Home Depot or Lowe's or a rental company, so if you can find one of those you may as well buy it.   Don't bother with a Dremel tool....they don't have enough power for a job like this.  You'll either burn up the motor or spend $15 on multiple mini cutting discs and start cussing.   lol.

For your new locks, be sure to use some powdered graphite in the cylinders every so often.  If you can't work graphite in them, then use a good synthetic oil sparingly and reapply a few drops a couple times a year.  

Good luck....save that bike!    :o)