>-----Original Message-----
>From: piclist-bounces@MIT.EDU [mailto:piclist-bounces@MIT.EDU] 
>On Behalf Of Michael O'Donnell
>Sent: 15 September 2004 21:47
>To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
>Subject: Re: [OT] Open your bike lock with a Bic pen... (or 
>any round lock?)
>
>
>
>Well, this is just one data point... I heard about this 
>yesterday and tried 
>it out... it does, indeed open the lock, although with a 
>certain amount of 
>effort (jamming the pen body onto the lock took a fair bit of 
>pushing)... 
>then it was hit or miss whether or not it would open on a given 
>attempt.  Seems like the pen needs to get worn just right and 
>then it pops 
>open.
>
>I've only tried it with a single kryponite lock... I have not 
>tried it on 
>any other brand.
>
>If you do this on a lock that you want to continue to use, one 
>warning... 
>several times, the lock turned 1/2 way, then the pen slipped 
>and it refused 
>to budge... the easy fix is to file the little nub off the 
>actual key so 
>that you can insert it while turned part way... obviously 
>doesn't work if 
>you don't have the key.

I spoke to a keen cyclist on our office about this, and he assures me this
is nothing new.  The vulnerability of these circular key style locks has
been known about for literaly years.  If you do a quick google you will see
simmilar problems being discussed as far back as 1992.

He also said that whilst you can buy really good locks that are hard to pick
or break (such as ABUS), the thieving scum simply super glue the lock up and
come back later with a disc cutter if they really want the bike.

Mike

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