September 18, 2004
The lock rumour? It’s true.
Yesterday, I jammed the tube of a Bic pen into the lock mechanism of my sturdy old U-lock, twisted slowly, and – popped it open. Blame the media. Then I went to MEC for a replacement, and found that they’d taken every lock off their shelves, except one that cost $11, and looked like it would open if I was rude to it. On the other hand, it had a flat, house-key-style key.
The Star and Globe have both covered this story. The problem has been described as affecting U-locks, but it really has implications for all tubular locking systems –like my other lock.
The Globe’s story explains –
Some locksmiths said yesterday that the new technique could seriously compromise tubular cylindrical locks, which would affect more than bicycles.
Such locks have been used for decades on items such as motorcycles, pop machines, condom dispensers, alarm-system panels and cable locks for laptop computers.