The cost of a locksmith depends on several factors, including the service needed and the type of lock that the locksmith will handle or replace. If you have lost your bike keys and have tried unlocking them with no success, you may want to contact a local locksmith who will do the service for you. A locksmith has excellent knowledge of locking systems and will help you unlock the bike without the keys or cut the bike lock. If the locksmith comes to you for the service, you may be charged $60-$100. If you take the bike to the locksmith, you will be charged around $15-$20.
Are There Other Alternatives When You Lose Your Bike’s Lock Keys?
If you do not want to call a locksmith to cut the bike lock for you, you can try other methods of unlocking the bike. However, if you are not careful, these methods may damage the lock and should only be used as a last resort. You can try jimmying the lock or picking it if possible.
Below are possible alternatives to open your bike lock:
1. Asking For Help From The Local Bike Shop
Some bike shops have the necessary tools for unlocking bike locks without keys. Most bike shops will cut a lock and charge you a small fee for the service. If your bike lock is not too expensive, having the bike shop cut it for you may be the best way forward.
2. Use A Lock Pick
Many people know lock picking too well, and it may also work for the bike lock. Lock picking may be challenging, especially if the lock is newer and features extremely complex locking cylinders. If you choose to pick the lock, you will need a lock pick set, a tension wrench, lock picking skills, and knowledge.
Cheap locks are easy to pick; therefore, you can try unlocking them without cutting. Ensure that you do proper research on laws regarding lock picking in your area.
To pick the bike lock, you should insert the tension wrench into your keyhole and apply tension to your cylinder. Then insert the picking tool trying to locate the key pins. Once you find the first key pin, you must nudge it slowly and maintain tension with the wrench. Your key pin will push the driver pin past the shear line, and you will feel a slight click indicating that you move to the next key pin. Repeat the process till all pins are set in place. Once this is done, twist the lock open with the tension wrench. This method may work for some people, while it may not work for others.
3. Using A Biro Pen
This method is old school and may not work if the bike lock is a new model as they no longer have tubular cylinders. If the pen doesn’t fit into the cylinder, this method will not work. If you have a tubular cylinder, you are in luck and may unlock the lock without keys.
To unlock your bike with a biro pen, take a plastic pen and remove the ink tube from the inside. You will use the plastic body of your pen and insert it into the tubular cylinder. When picking the lock, press the tube firmly so it can insert into the lock. Push and wiggle the tube into your keyhole until the lock opens.
4. Using A Shim
If the other methods don’t work, you can try using a shim to open the bike lock. Again, this method may not work well with expensive bike locks because their features protect them from basic picking like shimming. However, if you don’t have a choice, you can try this method.
Ensure that you wear gloves and utilize the necessary equipment to make the shim. You can make a shim by emptying fizzy drinks can.
Shimming works by inserting a metal between the locks locking bolt and the shackle. This prevents the bolt from holding the shackle in place, which opens the lock.
5. Cutting The Lock Off Yourself
If all other methods fail, you may decide to cut the lock off as your last resort. You will need a pair of wire cutters to do the work. Cutting the lock is a safe and easy way to remove the bike lock without keys. When cutting the lock, ensure you are safe and don’t put others in danger.
Factors Influencing The Cost Of A Locksmith
Several factors influence the cost of the locksmith’s service. Some of the factors include
1. The Type Of Lock He Will Handle
Bike locks come in different types. Some are easy to cut, while others may take the locksmith some time. The locksmith will charge you depending on the type of lock you have.
2. Whether He Will Work Within Regular Business Hours
If you get a locksmith to cut a lock for you during normal business hours, he may charge the standard rates. However, if you need his services after regular business hours, you may need to pay more for the service.
3. The Base Rate Per Hour And The Service Call
Some locksmiths charge their services based on hours of work. Therefore, they set a certain amount for the number of hours they work. For instance, he may charge $15 per hour for the cutting service. If the service takes longer, you will be charged more.
4. The Locksmith Firm You Choose To Work With
Different companies charge different rates for their services. One company may charge $15 to cut the bike lock, while another will charge $20. You will have to decide which company you want to work with according to your budget.
Conclusion
If you lose your bike lock keys, you might need to seek the services of a locksmith to cut the bike lock. However, there are other alternatives. You can try to unlock your bike lock without the keys. Although these methods may not work, it is good to give them a try before resorting to cutting your lock. Good quality bike locks may be hard to unlock without the keys; therefore, you may end up cutting your expensive lock. If you use a cheap lock, then you are lucky as unlocking it may be easy.
