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Message started by Wylee and Crystal on 09/12/16 at 08:54:29

Title: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by Wylee and Crystal on 09/12/16 at 08:54:29

I was taking the fork lock off, as I've done hundreds of times, and the key broke off in the cylinder while still locked - what do I do? I was thinking about just drilling it out (is there a special process I need to know), or is there a better way?

Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/12/16 at 09:35:06

If the key is in the cylinder, then it's unlocked, just turn the cylinder.
I don't use mine, but I think there's some pushing and pulling involved to get it to turn.

And to get it fixed, go to a locksmith. He should be able to extract the stub and make you a new key.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/16 at 09:57:06

Before I went for drilling it out I would go have a look at the area on either side of the slot. There's some room for a drill bit. Then the Hobby Store that sells RC airplanes. Get a piece of piano wire that will fit in those spaces. Get a bit that will be just right for the wire to Just go in. Leave it long enough to get it out if this doesn't work out. The wire is so stiff and hard that it sometimes snaps if it's bent too fast or far.
Anyway, you'll need to center punch so the drill doesn't walk.
A tool to slip into the hole, down right on top of the lock cylinder and work the lock. You may need to design said tool to allow for pushing on the remains of the key. The wire you have poking out, support it, and the twisting you do won't be so likely to bend your wires. I doubt you would be able to get them bent much anyway if you can get your tool landed on the cylinder tight. You can push in with the tool, getting the pressure off, and wiggle the handlebars some.
Then maybe you can get the busted key out.
The small picks from Harbor Freight can be handy.

Not everyone Calls it piano wire. Control rod wire, who knows what they call theirs? Ask for the stiffest, hardest wire they have..

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by Wylee and Crystal on 09/12/16 at 10:07:24

verslagen1, the cylinder is still pushed in and I can't turn it - even with the broken off key inside...

Justin, I'll try some of that. thank you.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/16 at 10:25:08

That's gonna be pretty involved. You're gonna need to be a pretty dang good problem solver to do that. Best of luck to you..

You might run some oil in and try to slick stuff up.

I've HEARD that thieves grab handlebars and just break the lock. I would not want to do that.. be just Awful to be in a turn and the busted piece jam the thing up...

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by batman on 09/12/16 at 18:14:29

I used my fork lock once! IGOT IT TO UNLOCK !Never used it again !20 yrs ,no one steals these bikes.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by Kris01 on 09/12/16 at 18:36:28

595A4F565A550F033B0 wrote:

no one steals these bikes.

Yep. Won't even give 'em a second look!

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by stewmills on 09/12/16 at 19:18:06

If you are trying to get it to turn, here is the procedure. Just did it with my key on my bike.

Turn bars a bit to the right (from full left) to get tension off the lock pin.

Next, still holding bars per above, push key in and rotate tumbler towards bike (counterclockwise) about 1/8 turn and release.

If that works, the tumbler will pop out and be flush with the bike.

It is important to turn the bars and get pressure off the lock, otherwise the tension won't let it pop loose.

Good luck.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/16 at 08:37:58

Howzit goin?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by stewmills on 09/14/16 at 08:42:28

Musta locked himself out of his phone or computer too :o :o :o

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/16 at 09:35:08

Well, DOING the stuff that I said do would take me a good long time, and I Have the wire and drill and junk to build the tool and tools for building stuff with. Lots of people would be hard pressed to build and do all of that.
It's probably gonna get drilled out, unless he's a craftsman.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by stewmills on 09/14/16 at 11:41:13

Naa...he tried MY trick and he's out riding!!! :o :o :o

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/16 at 11:57:07

How do you turn it?
A pencil with the eraser shortened?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/14/16 at 12:15:23

2B2C3D2F353134342B580 wrote:

Naa...he tried MY trick and he's out riding!!! :o :o :o

Yup... talking to us ain't nearly as fun as riding. :'(

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by stewmills on 09/14/16 at 13:41:04

46595F5845427343734B59551E2C0 wrote:

How do you turn it?
A pencil with the eraser shortened?

Well..I turn mine with my unbroken key! In the case of the OP, I can only suggest maybe using a flathead screwdriver if the condition of the key in the lock still lets him have a little bit of the key hole for the screwdriver to bite into. Push in, rotate CC about 1/8 turn, release.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/14/16 at 14:00:38

27203123393D383827540 wrote:

[quote author=46595F5845427343734B59551E2C0 link=1473695669/0#12 date=1473879427]How do you turn it?
A pencil with the eraser shortened?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/14/16 at 15:49:14

... best way to turn it is with the broken off stub.
Well, that Just might Be the easy answer.
Darn sure worth a try.
Turning the bars to get everything free of pressure and giving the cylinder a push and a twist might just get it.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by LANCER on 09/15/16 at 06:36:23

Has he soaked it in WD40 or something similar ?
You need every advantage you can get.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/15/16 at 07:42:15

Dunno,,but I mentioned oil.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by Wylee and Crystal on 09/15/16 at 12:00:44

I am still having the same issue. I've pulled the bars back to take the pressure off - using a screwdriver inserted with the broken key to try and turn it - it didn't work. I sprayed WD-40 all in it.

I am seriously thinking about just drilling it out. Any advise on exactly how to do that?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/16/16 at 12:56:13

As shown, use about an eighth inch drill and go thru the key nearest the pins. The end result will chew up the pins and springs. But you may have to pull the remnants out with a pick or try again with a larger drill.

Then you should be able to turn the cylinder with a screwdriver.
http://united-locksmith.net/wp-content/uploads/drilling-locks.jpg

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/16/16 at 13:18:38

Lock is a pin in a slot. Move the bars till they hit, then back, till they hit, then get them in between.
Then drill baby drill,, if it just won't work.
Bummer,dude..

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/16/16 at 13:32:44

243B3D3A2720112111293B377C4E0 wrote:

Lock is a pin in a slot. Move the bars till they hit, then back, till they hit, then get them in between.
Then drill baby drill,, if it just won't work.
Bummer,dude..

Are you aware that the slot is in the steering spindle?
So if you're drilling to remove the "bolt" the entirety of the cylinder will be gone long before you get there?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/16/16 at 13:55:24

Yes, I know that.
I did leave out
Try again with getting it to let go.
Then drill.
The picture of
How to drill
Is good.
I wasn't suggesting drilling the whole thing.
I didn't say
Disregard the above picture showing proper technique for drilling a lock.

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by verslagen1 on 09/16/16 at 14:07:13

Then I have to say... your instructions make no sense.

What are you trying to do?

Break the locking pin?

Title: Re: broke key in fork lock - while locked
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/16/16 at 14:22:33

No, find the easy spot between each side.
Just
I turned the handlebars
Doesn't mean he understands that there is a center spot where the locking pin isn't in contact with either side of the slot.

I Specifically pointed out that breaking the lock is a dangerous idea .