Bike thieves commonly use bolt cutters or angle grinders to cut bike locks. These tools make it easier for them to steal bikes quickly and quietly.
Bike theft is a common problem faced by many cyclists worldwide. It’s frustrating to park your bike, only to return and find it missing. The tools used by bike thieves to cut locks have become increasingly sophisticated over time, making it difficult to protect your bicycle. Bolt cutters and angle grinders are the most commonly used tools that bike thieves use to cut locks. Bolt cutters are used for lighter-duty locks, whereas angle grinders are used for stronger locks. The cost and weight of the lock often determine how much time a thief spends trying to cut it. In this article, we will explore the tools that bike thieves use to cut locks and how you can protect your bike from theft.
Credit: www.bikelockwiki.com
Types Of Bike Locks
U-Locks
U-locks are a popular type of lock that bike thieves often encounter. They are made of hardened steel and come in different sizes. Some u-locks use additional protection features like double locks or disc detainers.
- Pros:
- Hardened steel provides strong protection against cutting and prying
- Can be compact, easy to store and carry around
- Disc detainers can provide additional security features for ultimate protection
- Cons:
- Larger sizes may be heavy and cumbersome
- Limited length can make it hard to secure bikes to larger objects
- Can be expensive compared to other types of locks
Chain Locks
Chain locks are heavy-duty locks made of hardened steel chains. They come with a variety of thicknesses and lengths and can be used to secure a bike to larger objects. Chain locks can also have additional security features like combination locks or padlocks.
- Pros:
- Can secure bikes to large objects or several bikes at once
- Comes in various lengths, providing flexibility in securing different types of bikes
- Hardened steel makes it difficult to cut or break
- Cons:
- Heavy and cumbersome
- Can scratch or damage bike frames
- Some models can be difficult to open and close
Cable Locks
Cable locks are made of a flexible metal cable that is covered with a plastic coating. They can be lightweight and easy to carry around, but are generally less secure than u-locks or chain locks. Cable locks come in different lengths, thicknesses, and can have additional features like combination locks.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Can be used to secure bikes to larger objects
- Cons:
- Easily cut with bolt cutters or saws
- Plastic coating is vulnerable to damage
- Generally less secure compared to u-locks or chains
Folding Locks
Folding locks are relatively new type of bike lock. They are made of hardened steel bars and can be folded to create a compact lock. Folding locks can have additional features like combination locks or keys.
- Pros:
- Compact and easy to store
- Hardened steel provides strong protection against cutting and prying
- Can be used to secure bikes to larger objects
- Cons:
- Limited length can make it hard to secure bikes to larger objects
- Can be expensive compared to other types of locks
- Generally less durable compared to u-locks or chain locks
Different types of bike locks provide varying levels of protection against bike theft. For the ultimate protection, u-locks and chain locks are recommended due to their hardened steel construction. Cable locks and folding locks can also be used but may be less secure and easier to cut.
Choose a bike lock that fits your bike size, security needs, and budget to keep your bike safe from bike thieves.
Tools Used By Bike Thieves
Bike theft is a persistent problem in urban areas, and it can be quite frustrating for the victim. Bike owners invest time and money securing their bikes with different types of locks, but bicycle thieves prove innovative and determined to get the job done.
One of the significant aspects of bike theft is the presence of various tools at a thief’s disposal. In this piece, we will explore the top tools for bike thieves, revealing how these thieves use them to steal bikes with ease.
Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters are a go-to tool for bike thieves as they can cut through any bike lock within seconds. This type of tool is readily available at hardware stores, making it easy for anyone planning to steal a bike. Bolt cutters have long handles and jaws attached to the cutting edge that are capable of slicing through hard metal locks.
Some of the key points about bolt cutters used by bike thieves are:
- Sizes of bolt cutters vary, ranging from small handheld models to larger models with longer handles for greater leverage
- The length of the bolt cutters’ handles correlates with the amount of force the thief can apply, making it much easier to cut stronger locks
- The thicker the lock, the larger the bolt cutters needed.
Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are power tools that crush anything in their path. They can effortlessly cut through steel wires, bolts, padlocks, and chains in seconds. Thieves use angle grinders equipped with a metal cutting disc to slice through the lock with precision.
The quiet nature of angle grinders can help thieves operate undetected in crowded areas.
Some of the key points about angle grinders used by bike thieves are:
- Angle grinders are noisy and generate a lot of sparks, which makes thieves avoid using them in quiet or isolated areas
- Due to their noise, thieves often have an accomplice working as a lookout
- Using an angle grinder leaves metal shavings that can be traced back to the bike thief and used as evidence.
Hammers And Chisels
Hammer and chisels are primitive tools used by bike thieves to steal a bicycle. They work by breaking the lock’s mechanism to release the bike from being secured. Hammers and chisels are often used in areas where noise can blend in, and the theft can go unnoticed.
Some of the key points about hammers and chisels used by bike thieves are:
- Hammer and chisels are easy to find in any homeowner’s toolbox, making them a readily available option for bike thieves
- Thieves may use a flathead screwdriver in place of a chisel to pry the lock open
- Bike locks with anti-drilling plates are challenging to destroy with a hammer and chisel.
Bike thieves have a variety of tools at their disposal to steal bikes. Bolt cutters, angle grinders, and hammers/chisels are all commonly used in bike theft. Bike owners should pay attention to the various ways to protect their bikes and make it difficult for a thief to steal within seconds.
Thief cuts lock on Trek Powerfly 4 electric bike with angle grinder
Tips To Prevent Bike Theft
Bike theft is one of the most common crimes worldwide. A study has shown that bike thefts have increased by staggering 14% in 2020. Over the years, bike thieves have used various tools to cut bike locks, make no mistake; they could go as far as burning locks apart.
The question, therefore, is, what do they use to cut locks? In this section, we explore the common tools used by bike thieves to cut locks, while also providing tips on how to prevent bike theft.
Choosing The Right Lock For Your Bike
Choosing the right bike lock is the first step in protecting your bike from theft. The different types of locks available are u-locks, chain locks, and cable locks.
- How often and where do you park your bike
- The value of your bike
- The lock’s strength and durability
Locking Your Bike In A Secure Location
Locking your bike in a secure location is another essential tip to prevent bike theft. If possible, park your bike in a busy location where there are other bikes and people around. Parks, universities, and other public places with security cameras are also good locations to park your bike.
Avoid parking your bike in dark alleys, areas with little traffic, or leaving your bike outside overnight.
Best Practices For Locking Your Bike With A U-Lock, Chain Lock, And Cable Lock
- U-lock: use a u-lock to secure the frame and rear wheel to a sturdy bike rack. For added security, use a second lock to secure the front wheel.
- Chain lock: loop the chain through the frame and the bike rack, securing the chain with the lock. With a chain lock, you can secure your bike to various objects, making it harder for thieves to remove.
- Cable lock: use a cable lock to secure bike parts such as the front wheel or the seat post. Loop the cable through the part you want to secure and then around the bike rack or another secure object.
Use Of Multiple Locks For Extra Security
Using multiple locks is an effective way to deter bike thieves. By using two types of locks, a bike thief would have to use different types of tools, thereby taking more time and drawing unwanted attention. Always use a primary lock, such as a u-lock, and a secondary lock, such as a cable lock or a chain lock.
Registering Your Bike With Local Authorities To Increase Your Chances Of Recovery
Registering your bike with local authorities is crucial. In the event of theft, the police have sufficient information to help track and recover your bike. Record your bike’s serial number, make and model, and take a photo of it. Register your bike with your city’s local bike registration program or use an online registration service.
Preventing bike theft requires a combination of measures such as choosing the right lock, locking your bike in a secure location, using multiple locks, and registering your bike with local authorities. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of bike theft.
Frequently Asked Questions Of What Do Bike Thieves Use To Cut Lock
What Tools Do Bike Thieves Use To Cut Locks?
Bike thieves primarily use bolt cutters, angle grinders, and hydraulic bottle jacks to cut bike locks.
Can Bike Locks Be Cut With Standard Wire Cutters?
No, bike locks made of thicker metal cannot be cut with standard wire cutters. Bolt cutters or power tools are required.
How Can I Protect My Bike From Theft?
Invest in high-quality locks such as u-locks or heavy-duty chains, always lock your bike to a fixed object, and avoid leaving your bike in isolated areas.
Are Certain Bike Locks More Secure Than Others?
Yes, u-locks and heavy-duty chains are generally considered to be more secure than cable locks because they are harder to cut through.
What Should I Do If My Bike Is Stolen?
File a police report, check online marketplaces for the stolen bike, create posters to put up in the area, and register your bike in a stolen bike registry.
Conclusion
Bike theft is a prevalent issue, and bike locks are the only way to safeguard your bike from thieves. However, as we have discovered, not all bike locks are created equal, and some are easier to cut than others. Bike thieves employ a variety of tools to break bike locks, such as bolt cutters, angle grinders, and hydraulic bottle jacks.
As a bike owner, it’s essential to choose the right lock, a strong one that is resistant to cutting. It’s also prudent to park your bike in a well-lit, open area, and secure it to a fixed object. Educating yourself on the tools that bike thieves use to break locks and the best ways to protect your bike is crucial.
Remember, prevention is better than cure, and taking care of your bike ensures that it lasts longer and saves you the cost of buying a new one or repairing a stolen one. Stay smart, stay alert, and protect your bike!