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Unlock A Bike Lock

video Unlock A Bike Lock

This is a quick way to unlock a numbered bike lock in case you forget your code. Being a forgetful person, I use this method quite a bit. It's quick and easy to do. In the video I used my dad's bike lock that I don't know the code for. Seriously, don't use this to steal bikes! Also, if you like this and it works for you please give me a good rating and a vote when the voting starts.

60 comments

1-40 of 60

Apr 15, 2012. 3:52 PMllamah says:

Can you add pics to it? YouTube isn't avalible where I am at…

Jun 25, 2011. 6:08 PM

finton says:

So 6141 is your code; what was your home address again?... ;]

May 28, 2011. 6:01 AMvideogamemaster says:

YES!!!! I can finally unlock the bike lock that I stuck under the seat of my bike and it got stuck there for years 'cause I forgot the combo.

Apr 15, 2011. 3:50 AMbumsugger says:

A bit more light on the subject in question would be a (great) help.............

Apr 10, 2011. 5:04 PMclatterclatterbenz says:

worked like a stinkin champ on a sweet cannondale goodwill special! :)

Apr 4, 2011. 9:02 PMinternethotspot says:

It does work, but it's difficult to explain the technique. Another thing is, when you get each code correct, it will allow it to pull apart a very time bit, and if you shine a light between the dials, you will most often see a tiny notch indicating it is lined up. Not always the case, but often is the case. I had a job in the past that required me to open locks, including these type, and suitcase locks that worked the same way. Never failed me.

Aug 15, 2009. 7:38 PMPatented says:

Does not work on my lock..

Aug 16, 2009. 8:40 AM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

:( Sorry. Now that's 2 people it hasn't worked for. It looks like it doesn't work as well on newer locks.

May 28, 2010. 4:23 PMmrlunna13 says:

Did not work on mine either!

Apr 2, 2010. 2:00 AMkingkruel says:

another thing u could do is pull the lock, with slight tesion then twist the numbers, when u hear a click u know u got the right number!

Jan 3, 2010. 5:12 AMJasf316 says:

Good video, now I can get the ones in my garage open.

Sep 14, 2009. 5:50 PMzascecs says:

I hope no one i know watched this video,...
I voted, thanks...
>=)

Sep 18, 2009. 8:25 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Haha thanks for the vote. Sorry I didn't respond very quickly, but my internet's been down.

Sep 27, 2009. 11:53 AMzascecs says:

That OK, sorry I responded very quickly, 'cause i haven't been on instructables for a while..

Sep 19, 2009. 8:29 PMBartboy says:

Voted! This could be handy........................ *Why can't I favourite this?

Sep 14, 2009. 10:41 PMelizabeth says:

Great job! I love this! And yep, I sure did vote for you! Good luck. -elizabeth

Sep 18, 2009. 8:24 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Thanks for the vote! Sorry it took so long to respond, but my internet's been a little bit sketchy.

Sep 6, 2009. 1:03 PMjackoteeny says:

Hey great Instructable might I say! Keep up the good work!!

Sep 10, 2009. 8:07 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Thanks!

Sep 10, 2009. 6:59 PMrealitymensch says:

So which is the "first" dial?

Sep 10, 2009. 8:07 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

The one furthest from the open end of the lock. Also, the one that is at the far left when you are reading the numbers.

Sep 3, 2009. 3:42 PMmaurice1993 says:

hey, it REALY needs to be in the number one? becauses, in my view, can be in any number, as the pressure need to change them are the cause of the lock is being revealed... that's why I prefer the key locks....;-)

Aug 30, 2009. 1:49 AMtheseventhsage says:

Please give any suggestion to the "Instructables the Movie" at http://www.instructables.com/community/Instructables-the-movie/

Aug 29, 2009. 12:35 PMgrundisimo says:

could you summarize the video for me my computer doesn't show the video

Aug 29, 2009. 3:34 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Sure. First of all though, try using firefox. Okay, first set all of the numbers to one. Now, start pulling on the bike lock as you rotate the first dial. When the tension seems to increase, you have the right number. Repeat this for all of the dials and you get your code.

Aug 28, 2009. 2:35 PMthrake says:

Where's the video? I have two bikes lock in my garage and I need the vid!!

Aug 28, 2009. 2:54 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

It's right up there. Try viewing the site in Firefox.

Aug 17, 2009. 5:42 AMchin_wu says:

I'm voting for you

Aug 17, 2009. 7:18 AM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Thank you!

Aug 13, 2009. 9:06 PM

Skyfinity says:

I do this all the time! I've found at least 7 locked but trashed bike locks over the years, and have used this method every time. You explanation was very succinct, and I think you described it well. From personal experience, this is something that is hard to describe. I have to say the video Quailty was rather poor (next time, don't stand in front of the light : ) but I think you made up for that in usefulness and explanation.

Aug 14, 2009. 4:21 AM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Thank you! I had another light right behind the camera, but apparently it wasn't strong enough. Haha, the next video I make will be a lot better quality.

Aug 6, 2009. 6:47 PM

frollard says:

Great concept for the 30 second video. Really poor recording (if I may), but great description. In the future, when you make a closeup video like this, do it in sunlight, or with as many lamps as possible aimed at you, not behind you - or we can't see exactly what it is you're doing! Awesome again! Sidenote - this is an INCREDIBLY bad idea to steal bikes, but an INCREDIBLY FUNNY PRANK to unlock someones bike (that you know), and move it to a different bike rack, (*within visual range) and re-lock it up. Person will go bonkers crazy thinking they left it somewhere else.

Aug 6, 2009. 8:07 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Thanks for the feedback! My means of recording are pretty limited (that's why I'd really like to win), but I think I got the point across of how to do this. And I love the prank idea! I'll have to try that out some time.

Aug 13, 2009. 9:26 AMcgel1015 says:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-your-videos-a-billion-times-better-i/ This guy was only using a crappy webcam. Could be useful in the future!

Aug 13, 2009. 2:57 PM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

Yeah I saw that. I'm thinking about doing another entry and I'll definitely use his lighting tips if I do.

Aug 11, 2009. 6:26 AMeverywhere says:

dosent work with mine x_x

Aug 11, 2009. 8:56 AM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

That's too bad. Just out of curiosity, how old is your lock?

Aug 12, 2009. 10:07 AMeverywhere says:

3 to 4 months old why?

Aug 12, 2009. 10:15 AM

Gjdj3 (author) says:

That would explain it. I'm not sure how, but newer bike locks have been modified so that this doesn't work quite as well. It's still theoretically doable, but takes a lot more time.

Aug 10, 2009. 12:39 PMp_j_b_2 says:

Perfect timing! My bike has been sitting in my wife and my new apartment because I locked it to itself a long while ago (through the back wheel and frame) and now can't remember the code (I tried 20+ possibilities, and considered the ol' 0001, 0002, etc.) I was going to have to make the awkward trek up to the bike store to have it cut, but this is much better since it is a decent lock. I will send another comment when/if I get it to work.

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