Update:This article was originally written in response to the announcement of the Hiplok D1000 as the world's first grinder-resistant bike lock. However, Litelok defeated them with theLitelok X1.
Watch me test the Litelok X1 in the video below. So read my practiceLitelok X1 review!
When I started researching and writing about bike safety over 6 years ago (in 2015), angle grinders weren't very important. Yes, some thieves have used them. but they weren'twidelyto use. And they fought to defeat the samestrongest bike locks.
This was because battery power and battery life were limited, which meant it would take a while to cut through a thick U-lock, and a thief often needed to change batteries at least once, as the first one ran out of battery.
However, technology advances rapidly, often to the benefit of the criminally minded ingenious first. Batteries have improved at an exponential rate, meaning thieves now have enough power to get through even the thickest U-locks very quickly.
For example, even the famousFahgettaboudit de kriptonitaArguably the safest portable bicycle lock in the world, with an unrivaled 18mm hardened steel shackle, it can be cracked in 1 minute with a handheld angle grinder.
1 minute and 10 seconds to be exact.
To defeat the safest bike lock on the planet! A lock that weighs the same as 5.5 Coke cans and has such small internal dimensions that it severely restricts where and how you can lock your bike.
Many thieves are very comfortable with a 1 minute time frame. Especially when an angle grinder can serve as a very dangerous weapon when facing brave members of the public...
So, in recent years, we've been in a situation where an increasing number of (essentially armed) thieves are using compact yet powerful handheld angle grinders to steal any bike they choose, regardless of how well it's secured.
And usually in a matter of seconds.
Now, don't get me wrong, this idea that all bike thieves are using angle grinders right now makes no sense. It is still a minority and they are largely operating in the big cities. Why would most thieves need angle grinders when a large number of cyclists are still "holding" their bikes withcable locksthat can be cut with a small pair of wire cutters?
But the problem is, angle grinder thieves are prolific and relentless. And so far (in a world where police seem to have better things to do than fight bike crime), they've been essentially unstoppable.
But, as is often the case, the market responds to the need. And as angle grinder theft became a growing problem, innovators scrambled to find solutions.
First came theSkunkLock, a bicycle lock that is not intended to stop an angle grinder from cutting your shackle, but rather severely punish the thief wielding the angle grinder by releasing a cloud of noxious, vomit-inducing gas in their face, preventing them from actually stealing the bike .
The SkunkLock warning label
While the SkunkLock works well and has successfully secured countless bikes, it is too bulky, making it difficult to carry around while you are riding and if the shackle is cut (and releases the gas) the lock cannot be used again.
Then came the Altor SAF, a bicycle lock that I originally thought was a Photoshop parody when I saw the pictures.
A grande comicamente Other SAF
In fact, the SAF is a fairly standard steel U-lock with a 14mm shackle, encased in a complex aluminum case. The idea is that the aluminum housing will keep the angle grinder blade away from the U-lock steel.
Of course, given enough time, the angle grinder can break through both the housing and the steel shackle, but that can take well over an hour and several battery changes. In this way, the SAF is certainly burr-proof.
The problem is that it's huge. It weighs the same as 3 Fahgettaboudits of kryptonite (and 16 cans of Coke). Plus, it's so bulky that it's not portable. And the internal measurements are almost the same as a mini U-lock.
So you are limited to stationary security (at home or work) as long as you have an immovable object to protect your bike that the SAF actually fits.
While the SkunkLock and Altor SAF are undoubtedly fantastic innovations and will undoubtedly protect against angle grinder theft, due to their bulk they are unlikely to become popular.portablebike locks
What we really need is a normal looking bike lock that an angle grinder can't cut. Enter the Hiplok D1000.
Hiplok D1000: The World's First Portable Grinder Proof Bike Lock
em 2020I tweeted about new stuff called Proteuswhich "uses ceramic beads in a cellular aluminum frame to stop angle grinders, drills, and the like from creating destructive vibrations that blind any cutting tool used against them."
However, I've heard things like this before and figured it would be several years (if ever) before any new material could be used in commercially viable bicycle locks. Usually the material is too expensive or the manufacturing process is too expensive. Or are there other technical drawbacks.
How wrong I was.
Because Hiplok (a company made famous with easier-to-carry bike locks) is about to release the world's first truly portable anti-grinding bike lock, and the secret ingredient is a new material called "Ferosafe".
Ferosafe: the magical material that makes it possible
Therefore, it is not made from the aforementioned Proteus. Instead, this Ferosafe material is a graphene composite material specifically designed to withstand angle grinders and drills, and is made by a British materials manufacturer calledTenmatwho partnered with Hiplok.
This basically disintegrates the angle grinder blades!
And it looks like Hiplok has added a layer of Ferosafe around a regular U-lock to protect it from angle grinder attacks.
Several online tests show impressive results. Cycling Weekly used aelectrical supplyangle grinder against the lock while being held in aaddictionand they took more than 20 minutes and destroyed 5 cutting discs before they got through the lock...
Italics are important here. Because real thieves don't use electric angle grinders, and they can't afford street vices. Using a handheld angle grinder and having to grip the lock tightly would inevitably take a lot longer.
John from Bennets (who always offers sensible opinions on motorcycle safety) attacked him on the wheel of a motorcycle. And while he won't reveal how long it took to cut, it goes through 2.5 discs. And he's also using an electric angle grinder!
So it looks like it might take 10-25 minutes to cut the Hiplok D1000 with an angle grinder. On the street, where a thief might need to change a few batteries and several blades, this is really a big problem.
In fact, for most real-world burglary circumstances, it essentially makes the Hiplok D1000 angle grinder waterproof.
And he does it by gettingrelativelylight and thin. Therefore, the internal dimensions of the Hiplok D1000 are slightly larger than the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lock, giving you a few more locking options. But it also weighs a little less (well, 5% less).
Kryptonita New York Fahgettaboudit Mini | Hiplok D1000 |
|---|---|
|
|
18mm shackle | 16 mm shackle (?) |
4.51 pounds (2.047 kg) | 4.28 pounds (1.942 kg) |
3.25" (8.3 cm) wide | 9.2cm (3.62") wide |
6" (15.3 cm) tall | 6.10" (15.5 cm) high |
|
|
To be fair, there isn't much of a difference. This makes the Hiplok D1000 a very heavy duty portable bike lock. It weighs about the same as 5 cans of coke. And just like the Fahgettaboudit, there's no frame assembly.
The lack of a frame support is almost certainly due to the universal difficulty of supporting this type of weight effectively against a bicycle frame. Unlike many other heavy-duty locks, however, Hiplok provides at least one solution: a carry bag.
Which is great, as the Hiplok name is scrawled across the back for innovative ways to carry your lock!
It remains to be seen how this all works out, and I'll wait until testing a publicly available version of the lock to review the lock's portability as well as its usability. It is interesting that all the promotional videos show the use of the lock on the top frame of the bicycle, for example. And it will inevitably be very expensive ($345 or £250).
Of course, the most important thing at this point is the strength of the angle grinder. And what really reassures me is that the Hiplok D1000 has already been tested by Sold Secure and received adiamond motorcycleclassification.
Therefore, it is not only resistant to angle grinders, but also extremely resistant to any other type of attack.
What does all this mean? Well, it looks like the Hiplok DC1000 will take the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit crown to become the undisputed and most secure portable bike lock in the world.
And we hope we finally have a practical, long-term solution to the angle grinder menace that is ruining our cities!
FAQs
What is the world's toughest bike lock? ›
What Is the Toughest Bike Lock? Without a doubt, the Altor SAF is the toughest bike lock on the market. Its shackle is 2.36″ (6cm) thick at its narrowest point, making it impossible to cut with bolt cutters and it took over 1 hour 40 minutes to defeat the SAF Lock with an angle grinder.
Are bike wheel locks effective? ›The wheel lock immobilises the bike, thus making it more difficult to steal - especially if the bike is heavy.
Can thieves break bike locks? ›A pair of hand held cable cutters will snip through most cable locks in seconds. Cheap, inconspicuous and easy to carry around in a coat pocket, this is the tool that's most commonly used by bike thieves. And it's worth repeating again: they will cut through nearly all cable locks in seconds.
What is the most effective lock? ›Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home's exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 is the highest grade and provides the most security.
Is there a lock that Cannot be cut? ›Shackleless Padlocks
Contrary to the name, these actually do have a shackle, but the steel body completely encases it. No part of it is exposed, making it impossible to tamper with or cut the shackle.
ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.
Can a Kryptonite New York lock be cut? ›The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini is widely considered to be the most secure portable bike lock available. Only the ABUS Granit series can give it a run for its money. With an 18 mm shackle, it must be cut twice – and only with an angle grinder. Expert lock-pickers did find flaws.
Which bike lock is better key or combination? ›A key bike lock is more secure than a combination bike lock. Most key locks at least need a specialised device to pick them. A combo lock requires no special skill. A determined thief will find a way to steal a bicycle, but the last thing they want to do is 'work' to get their hands on your machine.
What is the world's toughest lock? ›The Stronghold SS100CS padlock is the world's strongest padlock. The first padlock to ever achieve LPCB Level SR4 (Loss Prevention Certification Board) - which is their highest rating.
How much should you spend on a bike lock? ›How Much Should You Spend on a Bike Lock? We heard a lot about the 10 percent rule throughout our testing process. That is, plan on spending about 10 percent of your bicycle's worth on a suitable bike lock.
Can Thieves steal tires with wheel locks? ›
Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft.
Is it better to lock front or back bike wheel? ›ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BIKE to a solid object that it cannot be lifted over. LOCK YOUR BIKE in a well lit area with high foot traffic. MAKE SURE what you lock your bike to cannot be cut. LOCK ACCORDING TO VALUE frame first, then back wheel, and finally front wheel.
How do I lock my bike so no one steals? ›Secure the back wheel and frame with a U-lock instead. That way, both parts are secured directly to a rack, and neither can be removed. Always lock at least both the frame and a wheel to a bike rack to prevent thieves from stealing parts from your bike.
Can a grinder cut a bike lock? ›Angle grinders are motorised hand tools that are commonly used by professional bicycle and motorcycle thieves as they are highly effectively at cutting through locks, no matter how big or chunky... but “the grind is over”, claims Hiplok, with the launch of its D1000 D-lock.
How do thieves sell stolen bikes? ›Check ebay, Gumtree, craigslist. Check out the listings on ebay, Gumtree and craigslist. Thieves will often try to sell stolen bikes through these sites.
What is the most secure lock brand? ›- Schlage B60 N 626 Deadbolt. ...
- Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob and Single Cylinder Deadbolt Combo. ...
- Master Lock M736XKAD Magnum Heavy Duty. ...
- Mul-T-Lock Cronus High Security Grade. ...
- Medeco 11TR50319 Maxum Residential Single Cylinder Deadbolt. ...
- Door Lock for Home Security.
- Medeco Maxum. : Best for security.
- Schlage B60N626. : Easiest installation.
- Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set. : Best for storm doors.
- Kwikset 980 with SmartKey. : Budget pick.
- Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock. : Keyless pick.
ANSI Grade 1 door locks offer the highest level of lock security. These locks are very difficult to pick or break and are resistant to any tampering with the lock's parts like removing pins, screws, etc.
What keys Cannot open locks? ›The Answer is Piano.
Are there any locks that are impossible to pick? ›The Bowley Lock is designed with a unique shape that shields the pins so that lock picks can't reach them, and only the specially designed key can angle its way to the shielded pin system inside.
What are the easiest locks to pick? ›
One of the most common (and easiest to pick) locks is the pin-and-tumbler, which is a type of cylinder lock. Cylinder locks are used in most deadbolts. When picking a pin-and-tumbler lock, put the tension wrench in the keyhole and turn it as if it was a key.
What makes a lock bump proof? ›Pick proof locks are actually just more resistant to lock picking and bumping as they have an extra set of tumblers which then gives the key effectively two jobs to do. This gives the lock a better resistance to manipulation and so is then more resistant to lock bumping.
What happens if my Kryptonite bike lock key turns 90 degrees? ›If it only turns 90 degrees or you can't insert the key all the way, take a look at the cylinder to make sure that all the discs are aligned. You can align the discs with a small flathead screwdriver or anything thin enough to fit in. You can also use your key by turning it back and forth to align the discs.
Can you open a Kryptonite lock with a Bic pen? ›A design flaw enables thieves to open Kryptonite U-Locks with the hollow shaft of a Bic pen. The pens can beat the tubular cylinders used in some Kryptonite locks, including the Evolution and KryptoLok series.
Can you saw through a Kryptonite lock? ›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.
Is Abus better than kryptonite? ›Each brand excels in a different area: Abus in build quality and reliability, OnGuard in price and Kryptonite in customer service. So… If you want the highest quality, most reliable lock, with the best strength to weight ratio and the best performance in poor weather, go for Abus.
Are combination or key bike locks better? ›A key bike lock is more secure than a combination bike lock. Most key locks at least need a specialised device to pick them. A combo lock requires no special skill. A determined thief will find a way to steal a bicycle, but the last thing they want to do is 'work' to get their hands on your machine.
What is the most secure lock in the world? ›Granit locks have a special black coating on the body and shackle that offers very high levels of corrosion protection. All these characteristics ensure that Granit padlocks are among the most secure in the world.
What chain is best against bolt cutters? ›The Best Chain Has Hexagonal or Square Links
A heavy-duty, hardened steel chain with hexagonal links thwarts nearly every thief with a bolt cutter. Hexagonal links (or square or trapezoidal) make it impossible for bolt cutters to get a grip.
A lock's security is denoted by its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade, with Grade 1 the most secure and Grade 3 the least.
What is the most popular lock in America? ›
1. Deadbolts. Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties.
What is the safest way to lock a bike? ›ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BIKE to a solid object that it cannot be lifted over. LOCK YOUR BIKE in a well lit area with high foot traffic. MAKE SURE what you lock your bike to cannot be cut. LOCK ACCORDING TO VALUE frame first, then back wheel, and finally front wheel.
Should you have 2 bike locks? ›The most secure way to lock your bike is with two locks. And ideally to a bike rack that's cemented into the ground. The first lock should go around the back wheel, the frame and the bike rack. The second should go around the front wheel, the frame and preferably the bike rack as well.
Is it better to have one key for all locks? ›It's Your Choice
Ultimately, whether you choose to have your deadbolt and door lock open with the same key is your choice. There isn't necessarily a one size fits all answer. If you want to have separate keys for a door that currently uses only one key, it is easy enough for a locksmith to set it up for you.
Abloy Protec2 PL 330 Padlock
It is one of the only locks in the world that has never been picked. It has a hardened boron alloy steel shackle to provide resistance to bolt cutters (but is not bolt cutter proof).
- Southern Folger 10 Series Deadlocks. ...
- Southern Folger Food Pass Lock, 5/5500 Keyway, Blind Coded. ...
- Southern Folger 120 Series Deadlatch Locks. ...
- Southern Folger 120-Retro Series Deadlatch Locks. ...
- Southern Folger 80 Series Deadlocks. ...
- Southern Folger 800 Series Gate Locks.