Have an old bike combination lock that you can't remember the code for? If it's a simply four-digit cable lock, you can easily figure out the combination with a quick peck-and-go method. Best of all, this technique doesn't require any tools or special know-how, and let's you reuse the cable lock again versus just damaging it with bolt cutters. All you need is a bit of patience and you'll have your figure out your combo in no time.
Also, it should also go without saying—don't be a jerk and use this to steal bikes. And if it's this easy to crack a rotary bicycle lock, then maybe you should just upgrade to a stronger lock anyway (remember your code or key this time).
Step 1: Set Starting Point
Get all of the same digits to line up at the starting position. You can start with any digits, but it just makes sense to start at 1. The method here is to tug at each end until you see a gap form. For example, when the first number has the correct digit, you'll notice a small gap between the first and second slots.
Step 2: Continue to Tug & Change Digits Until You See a Gap
As you can see below, once the first number reaches 3, you can notice a small gap when tugging at each end. This means we have our first combination digit.
Step 3: Use Tug Method to Find Rest of the Combination
Go down the line until you each the final number. Here, when you get the correct digit and pull on each end, your lock will open up. Pretty simple, right?
Check Out the Video
For more information, check out the full video guide below from YouTube user diilonp23. While this is not guaranteed to work on all combination cable locks for bicycles, since designs are all slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. But who knows, you might get lucky and save your lock from bolt cutters.
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65 Comments
"Not responsible if anything happens" Yeah right.
sure
i hope it is not hope
i agree, just don't buy bump keys online.
Don't listen to haters giving you crap over this video, kid. Bike thieves already know all these trick and sure as hell don't need to pick them from youtube (or whatever this site is). You're doing everybody a public service by warning people about these locks. I already didn't personally use them but now I'll avoid them like the plague and warn my friends about them.
My bike lock has thin discs instead of rotating rings like that, so it is impossible to execute this on all combination locks.
Note to self: Don't buy a rotary combo bike lock!
Yeah this is only for people who have forgotten their codes, prospective criminals look away now!.
I forgot my pin and so I tried this and it still didn't work
dude...30 seconds is still a long time to hover over a bikelock.
not if its your own bike lock and you can't get home without getting the lock off the bike after you left your keys in the office - which is now closed...
Exactly. My 6 year old reset his Schwinn lock and no one knows the combination. So either we give this a try or we cut off a brand new bike lock.
pants !!!!
Totally fake! That took 2:30 Seconds!
Thank you for the help man, we had are grill chained to our front porch, saved my ass man thank you
Actually, to degree, all column bike locks can be picked like this. Even MasterLock(tm) but its more a feel than a visible gapping. If you value your belongings. use a kryptonite, key, or rotary combo (locker style) don't use these barrel locks.
2:30 Seconds !!!!!! man :(
i can do it in 2.3 sec.... if you just stretch the lock by standing on it the teeth on the key will break off.
totlaly fake, that video only work for him, because he knew the right code. I did several lock and it not work
I agree total fake. What gap? I saw no freaking gap. He knew the combo.
fake, totally fake. It only work for him b/c he knew the right code. I tried several lock and it not work
its not fake lmao if you cant do this then your retarded a 8 year and do it!!!. i use to do it when i was a kid
does that make you a retarted 9 year old?
okay thanks. now i know why make bike keeps on getting stolen.
Bolt Cutters for chains
Liquid Nitrogen for everything else!
i cracked a lock once swear honest it toke all of 15 seconds if u dont believe me then why r u watching his video??!
lol 2:30
really 30 second mate ;)
good vid tho
x
nice
meh.. owning a plasma cutter makes this pointless
#$%@ it its not worth listen to him
cool
Well speaking he did explain everything to you guys...so he had to waste some extra time explaning to you idiots.
intresy video, this trick functions but not always
i dont think all the people using those locks wont like that info being passed out on the internet but i enjoyed it
bill from videolearntutorials
If you have anything other than a crap bike youre'not going to protect it with a cheap lock like this in the first place. Better to be forewarned as to how easily something of supposed "security" is to get past and take remedial measures to better secure your bike or whatever.
A lot of locks don't work like this, because they have more than one locking mechanism which prevents any movement until all numbers are set.
um, yeah. 30 seconds. and weres the feakin gap
his code is 2112! :)
I figured out how to do this when I was about 8 years old. Very simple to do, but I haven't seen this style of bike lock in years. btw, I am 31 now.
i can do it in 2.3 sec.... if you just stretch the lock by standing on it the teeth on the key will break off.
i got an old krypo bike lock and this simply doesnt work with it :\
"not responsible?" what? you just showed us how to crack ALMOST any bike lock!
Thanks dude, I needed this.
I forgot the combo to my bike lock and decided to google "how to crack bike lock," luckily enough your link was the first one that came up.
This worked great -- first try.
now i know, not to buy bump keys online. cool.
Thanks for sharing
thanks man, you just saved me from buying a new lock
thank you. I have a krypyonite and you can't see the spaces. so I pulled the lock both ways and started turning the right dial. once it got stuck and wouldn't move (while constantly pulling), then move to the one on the left. keep going till you reach the furthest one on the left and "BAM". thing flew open. thanks again.
Dude my bike lock has been on my bike for months without knowing the combo ! Thanks alot !! It worked on the first try !!
BRILLIANT !
Thank you, thank you. Had a ski lock that I couldn't remember the combination for and was going to have to chuck it. Just used a version of your bike lock video and it worked within about 10 seconds. Can't believe it - thank you so much :)
YOU SAVED MY #$%@ING LIFE I LOVE YOU
how did you figure that it is the right # if there is a gap
Well at least this didn't work on my Kensington combination lock. I think they learned their lesson from the pen cap trick with their old U-locks.
I went to take my bike out today and found my brother had locked it up - obviously as a bit of a prank, but when pressed, revealed he didn't know the code. Thanks to your video, I can now go riding! I guess this also shows how much trust we can put in these types of locks. Thanks so much.
after all that tugging I bet that bike lock was in love with you for the next day or two
I just tried this 4 digit bicycle combination unlock procedure. It took me 5 minutes, but it Worked! My bike is unlocked. Thank you. In fact, I signed up for this, just to share my success with you.
I learned to open these locks when i was about ten just to show this kind of lock is crap
I like how people are suggesting bolt cutters, plasma cutters, liquid nitrogen, and other unusual means, when even a good cable lock won't last 15 minutes against an knock-off Leatherman. I've cut my own lock after the dials were irreparably destroyed by colliding with the ground at speed. it was a 1/2 inch-thick cable made of steel covered in Kevlar covered in laminate. Took awhile to get through the meta, but once I got the technique, it was easy.
Wonderful
That's can be a good DIY idea
Thanks man, you just helped my son get his bike riding again without cutting the lock, but he wants to change the lock now to key lock?? since it's so easy this way to open number combination.
Yeah, tell the thieves how to do it.
Helpful post.
Worked like a charm. About 3 minutes and voila. Thanks
Just want to give you my thanks ! Got it on the first try.
Just like the one in the video too. ??????
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