How to Break a U Lock

Lost your bike-lock key? Use this simple method to break the "unbreakable" lock that you so wisely bought!

Make sure it's your bike. Stealing bikes is illegal.

Grab the jack from your car.

Insert the jack between the U-lock and the object that the bike is locked to, pointing the top of the jack towards the crossbar of the U-lock.

Crank up the jack, being careful not to put pressure on the frame.

The U-lock will begin to deform, then at some point the lock will pop and open.

Tips

• Use a large, powerful car jack, such as one from a pickup truck.
• Make sure that you have documentation of the bike or have registered it with the city. Register your bike now if you haven't already. Don't get caught "stealing" your own bike!
• If you are worried about your car jack, buy a cheap one from a junkyard.

Warnings

• You may bend or dent the bike frame
• You may ruin the jack
• Car jacks are powerful machines. Be careful, don't hurt yourself or get arrested.
• Be careful not to dent the object that the bike was locked-to. City bike loops will not bend.