Homemade lock with a secret for a bicycle

As the number of bicycles increases, so does the number of bicycle thefts. To secure their property, owners use bicycle locks. However, cheap models are not reliable, and buying more durable options can hit your pocket hard. How to make a bike lock with your own hands will be discussed below.

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Simple DIY anti-theft bicycle lock

A bicycle anti-theft lock is usually a cable or chain with a lock at the end that the owner wraps around the wheel spokes, frame and part of the grille or bike rack.

Theft of expensive bicycles and theft of wheels is a common phenomenon, and it is dealt with by technically trained people. The chain or cable is silently cut with a bolt cutter, the bicycle is placed in the car, and the crime scene is left. Only the broken anti-theft lock remains in place.

When manufacturing a serial anti-theft lock, manufacturers place the following qualities at the forefront:

attractive appearance;
minimum weight;
Ease of use;
competitive cost of the finished product;
speed of use;
resistance to snacking.

It is impossible to satisfy all requirements at the same time, and in the end, it is even profitable for manufacturers to make easily snackable devices. They will buy new ones because they cannot be repaired. The owner of a stolen bicycle will be forced to strengthen security by purchasing an expensive, but not more bite-resistant lock.

There is no method against crowbar, but the capabilities of the bolt cutter are limited by its geometric parameters. Cutting thin chain links, 4-5 mm thick, or cables with a diameter of up to 15 mm is not a problem for a specialized bolt cutter.

Cutting through a bolt with a diameter of 12-14 mm, with a strength class of over 8.8, is no longer easy; you will need a grinder, which is used much less often. A chain with a link thickness of 8 mm or more in diameter will weigh a couple of kilograms, which in some cases is unacceptable.

Unfortunately, the consumer demands that it be easy, clean, beautiful, fast, cheap, but not stolen. This is almost impossible to achieve. The specificity of fastening a bicycle to various structural elements of a post or grille encourages the use of a chain or cable inside a rubber or plastic hose, or with a heat-shrinkable PVC film put on and crimped. Making your own likeness of a purchased product if you have a lock, chain and decorative hose is not difficult and the manufacturing steps are obvious.

Let's try another version of the anti-theft lock.

A chain or cable can be replaced by a metal strip 4-5 mm thick, 40-50 mm wide, one part of which is attached to the frame with an overlay, the second to an element of the concreted structure of the bicycle stand or grille.

The point of the design is to slip a thick and wide strip of metal or fairly thick bolts under the bite. If the strip has a hinged connection - like an element of a bicycle chain - it can be folded like a folding ruler. The locking element can be made from a bolt, which can only be unscrewed with a special wrench. The L-shaped hex key is cut off, leaving the minimum possible 5-7 mm under the protective cover. You cannot approach the bolt from the sides; only the owner’s L-shaped hexagon or Torx can fit under the cover plate. The nut on the back side of the strip is welded and compresses tightly. The technical issue of “crimping” on the other side of the folding anti-theft piece of iron is solved in the same way.

You can make this product yourself. By painting the parts and solving the issue of transport placement on the bicycle frame, you can quite reliably and aesthetically protect the bicycle from theft, and get a convenient and non-standard device.

Thieves, cautious people, will simply not solve atypical problems; it will be easier for them to find another bicycle with a regular chain

How to protect your bike from theft: 9 simple tips

If you don't take care of the safety of your bike, it may soon have a new owner.

Choose the right parking space

The ideal option is to store the bike in the hallway, on the loggia or next to the workplace. Only in these cases you don’t have to worry about its safety. If for some reason you need to leave your bike in other places, you should choose them with special care.

Here is a list of places where you do not need to park:

crowded sidewalks in the city center;
lively embankments;
areas near metro stations;
deserted courtyards;
deserted lanes.

Most often, bicycles are stolen in crowded places, but leaving personal vehicles on a deserted street is also risky. Here you need to follow the golden mean: park your bike where there are always people, but not very many of them.

When leaving a bicycle in a special parking lot at a shopping center, cinema, restaurant or other public place, take a closer look at how often other cyclists use it. Cases of theft from bike racks are not uncommon.

2. Never leave your bike unfastened

Not everyone fulfills this seemingly simple condition for happy use of a bicycle.

Agree, the car owner does not leave the car open in the parking lot, even if he needs to leave for just a few minutes. Likewise, the owner of a bicycle should make it a rule: if you need to leave your two-wheeled friend on the street, it must be fastened. There can be no exceptions here.

Use a secure bike lock

Today there are many types of bicycle locks, but not all of them are equally reliable. Most cycling enthusiasts use inexpensive and fairly thin cables with a key or combination lock, but such a cable is easy to bite - this lock does not provide the proper level of security. It is advisable to use the cable as additional protection, but not as the main one.

A more suitable option is a chain lock. And although a chain weighs more than a cable (on average, a chain up to 1 m long weighs more than 1 kg), sawing or cutting it without attracting attention is quite difficult.

What to buy

Lock with code and textile shell from ABUS Web, 1,199 rubles →
Lock with a 5-digit code from AliExpress, 779 rubles →
Bluetooth lock with alarm from AliExpress, 2,108 rubles →

A chain lock in a soft fabric braid does not scratch the bicycle frame.
An alternative to a chain is a U-shaped lock. It’s not entirely convenient to carry it with you, but you can always find a way out of the situation. For example, there are also folding locks that are made of steel plates and, when unfolded, have the same dimensions as a U-lock. These plates fold easily and this lock does not take up much space.

What to buy

Another type of reliable bicycle locks are wheel and saddle stoppers. It is better to choose them with non-standard bolts and nuts, which are unscrewed using a special wrench. The likelihood that a thief will have just such a key is low.

What to buy

And lastly: use several locks at the same time - this will reduce the likelihood of theft.

Fasten your bike with two parts

Buying reliable locks is only half the battle. It is important to secure your bike properly when leaving it parked. So, you can attach the frame with a chain, and the wheel with a cable lock. Stealing a bicycle that is cunningly fastened is more difficult, and not all thieves will want to bother with it.

Install a bike alarm

A sound alarm with a control panel works on the same principle as a car alarm: the sensor reacts to vibration or touch, an audible signal is triggered, and you can prevent theft.

How to make a reliable bike lock with your own hands

There are more and more bicycles on the roads. This is not surprising, since in large cities there are constant traffic jams, prices for gasoline and transport fares are constantly rising. In this master class I will tell you how to easily and quickly make a reliable bike lock with your own hands.

But why bother making a bicycle lock yourself when you can buy one in a store. Good bike locks are expensive, but cheap ones are very unreliable and can be easily opened by amateurs in just a few seconds. We will make a lock from a strong and thick steel chain, which is almost impossible to cut with household wire cutters or pliers; it can only be sawed, which will require either a long time or a special tool. But remember that any lock can be opened, so don’t leave your bike for a long time. I also recommend hanging two locks. A crook, seeing two locks, will better give up the idea of stealing your bike and choose another target.

There are several types of bike locks:

Arc (they are also called U-shaped or D-shaped). Such a lock, especially if the arc is of normal thickness (at least 10-12 mm) and is made of hardened steel, cannot be easily cut through with bolt cutters. These are the most secure locks.
Lamellar.
Similar to the previous type, but instead of an arc they use steel plates firmly fastened together. In terms of durability, they are also one of the most reliable. Especially if they are made of thick, hardened steel plates. Pay attention to the fastening of the plates to each other.
On some cheap Chinese models, such a lock was easy to break simply at the place where the plates were attached to each other. These locks are more compact than U-locks and take up less space when traveling. Most often, they are folded into a rectangle and attached to the frame, taking up minimal space.
Chain.
It is also a fairly reliable option, but only if it is a strong, thick chain, each link of which is welded. If you take a thick steel chain, place it in a fabric sleeve so as not to scratch the frame, and hang a normal barn lock on it, then such a homemade bike lock will reliably protect the bike from theft. Only it will not weigh 200 grams, which you need to carry with you.
When choosing chains, it is better to take not an ordinary chain from a hardware store, but heavy-link cargo chains made of hardened steel.
Cable.
This is a fairly comfortable, lightweight lock. But, again, a lot depends on the thickness of the cable and the material from which it is made, as well as in all other cases, on the lock cylinder. How durable and vandal-proof it is.
Remember that a thin cable can easily be cut by a bolt cutter.
Bike locks type Ottolock.
What makes them special is that they are durable, flexible and take up little space, fitting perfectly into a bike bag or even a pocket.
The lock band itself consists of several thin but strong steel plates covered with a layer of Kevlar braided thermoplastic Santoprene. It is very difficult to cut through such a tape with bolt cutters, but even it will not resist against an angle grinder. In order to break the lock head you need to apply a force of 2 tons.
These are quite convenient and reliable bike locks.
Wheel locks .
These devices come in different types. Some simply fit on the wheel, place it on the disc brake rotors, and attach the wheel to the frame, but they all have one serious drawback. They do not allow you to simply carry the bike in your arms or take it away by car.

What you need to make your own bicycle lock

So, we need:

Any iron chain. I found an old rusty chain in the garage, which I washed and dried well. Typically, a chain can be purchased at any hardware store.
Any fabric. I used thick Scuba jersey, which repels moisture and dries quickly. But any fabric will do - even old jeans.
Paint to paint the ends of the chain that will peek out from under the fabric.
A needle and thread, or better yet a sewing machine, to sew a pipe-cover for the chain.
Padlock. Actually, to lock the lock with a key.

I bought a padlock for 100 rubles, I got an old rusty chain for free, I didn’t pay for the fabric either - I found scraps and sewed two pieces together to get the required length. In total, the cost of the castle was only 100 rubles. Even if you buy a chain and fabric, the final price will not exceed 300 rubles, which is much cheaper than buying a good lock at a sporting goods store.

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Share125.09.2014 21:06

Author: AlexSPORT
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Hello, bike maniacs. I want to make a bike lock that would be at least 50% more reliable than a Chinese cable lock. You need a high-quality chain that a bolt cutter cannot handle. Where can you really get such a tsepura?

I wanted to buy a hardened type from the market, but when the seller started cutting it off with his bolt cutter, I lost the desire to buy one. Maybe someone knows a place in Kherson?

Share226.09.2014 07:59

Author: zclub
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AlexSPORT How do you divide a hardened chain into pieces? Bulgarian? Those. If the seller had used a grinder instead of a bolt cutter, you wouldn’t have known that it was unheated. As for me, if you want it done well, do it yourself

"Fundamentals of Heat Treatment of Steels".

Share326.09.2014 11:40

Author: AMD64
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Hello, bike maniacs. You need a high-quality chain that a bolt cutter cannot handle.

Well, first of all, there are different types of bolt cutters. And secondly, get tired of carrying such a chain with you.

Share426.09.2014 13:45

Author: Satri
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perversion.

Edited by Satri (26.09.2014 13:46)

Share526.09.2014 14:31

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A chain is the easiest thing for a thief to find. Then comes the braided steel cable, then the Y-lock.

Share626.09.2014 15:22

Author: Philip
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A chain is the easiest thing for a thief to find. Then comes the braided steel cable, then the Y-lock.

And then comes a trained German or pit bull! ))))))

Share726.09.2014 16:30

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My personal opinion is that if the cost of a bike exceeds $1000, then it is useless to fasten it with a chain. If they come for him, they will take him away.

Share826.09.2014 22:06

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Most likely this idea is not entirely realistic since the chain is difficult to get, and I haven’t looked at the lock yet

. Okay, let's move on with this

Share926.09.2014 22:42

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I took a 10mm steel chain, 1m long and wrapped it with a car seat belt in two layers, with adhesive tape, and electrical tape on top. The thing turned out to be heavy, I carry it in a backpack, the lock took 12mm, but it’s compact. When I bought the chain, the seller cut it with 1.2m bolt cutters, the chain was on the floor - one lever on the floor - he jumped onto the second with all his weight (85 kg by eye), if the chain was not on the floor this would significantly complicate the task. After rewinding with belts, the chain became thicker than the pliers of a bolt cutter, which means the thief will have to puff with a knife first. +Chinese bike alarm. (it scared away a couple of onlookers who decided to lean on the steering wheel, attracting the attention of passers-by, but our passers-by are always in the cold in any situation). but if someone takes a fancy to your bike, this will not protect you, it will only complicate the task. By the way, the thief was caught, now in pre-trial detention, the investigator said that he has about 20 bikes on his account (this is summer and early autumn), the number of thefts should fall.

Share1026.09.2014 23:36

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If the cost of the bike exceeds $1000, then it is useless to fasten it with a chain. If they come for him, they will take him away.

If you leave your bike for long hours, it can be picked up, no matter what kind of protection there is. But in general, it is important to simply buy time. So as not to be like this: They stole a Formula Safari 26″, in reality the whole procedure with approaching the bike and leaving on the bike took exactly ten seconds. And it was useless that the bicycle stood under the camera, that it stood near the entrance door to the office under theoretical supervision. When there is a chain in some belts or, for example, a cable that is not the thinnest, this significantly lengthens the whole process. Consequently, the thief may not get down to business, or the likelihood that someone will scare him away simply increases. Or you will need a much larger bolt cutter, because even a relatively small bolt cutter (in the video) is not so convenient to carry covertly: from afar you can see that the guy is kind of muddy, but what can we say if he was carrying one with meter-long handles.

Well, again, it all largely depends on the situation. The example in the link is a bicycle that stood in the same place every day. Maybe the thief was somehow watching and knew for sure that the owner had left and the guard was not looking. The likelihood that a bicycle parked in some random place will be so brazenly stolen is much lower. Thieves won't patrol the area with bolt cutters.

Bicycle lock chain

First, wash and dry the chain. This is not necessary if you bought a brand new, clean chain. As I wrote above, I had a rusty Soviet-era copy. In stores you can find chains made of aluminum or iron alloy. Although aluminum is lighter, it is softer and, accordingly, it is easier to bite or saw through such a target. Therefore, it is better to use an iron chain. The thicker the chain, the more reliable, but also heavier. The same applies to the length of the chain - a long chain is more convenient, but heavier. I chose a length of 70 cm (simply because my chain was that long). You will have to determine the weight/reliability ratio yourself. A thicker chain requires a more massive padlock, which will also increase the final weight.

Now you need to paint the outer links of the chain. If you have a shiny new chain and you're happy with the color, you can skip this step. I painted the end links with dark green acrylic paint. You can even paint it with simple nail polish. If the paint peels off over time, you can always touch it up.

Making a bicycle lock with your own hands - painting the chain

Signaling

A more interesting option. The miniature device is usually mounted on the seatpost.

When vibrations occur, a special sensor is triggered, and the device emits a piercing loud sound that attracts attention and scares away the thief, and you do not receive a notification.

The last function is not available in all modifications. Convenient, but not always effective.

For example, if you parked your bike in a deserted place, no one will be afraid of the alarm, and daring thieves will not hesitate to steal it with a working alarm even during rush hour in a metropolis square.

In addition, the device that makes sounds can be easily removed and left without it.

The downside is the high cost of the device. It makes sense to install it on expensive bicycles.

Fabric bicycle lock cover

As I wrote earlier, almost any thick fabric will do. It is advisable to use fabric that breathes and evaporates moisture so that moisture does not accumulate inside the case and the chain does not rust. If you use knitwear, then the cover can be sewn exactly the width of the chain and a few centimeters shorter. Due to the stretch of the fabric, it will fit around the chain. In this case, the chain will ring less when driving. If you use fabric that does not stretch, then, on the contrary, you need to make the cover 1.5 - 2 times wider than the chain so that you can easily pull it onto the chain and so that the cover does not limit the flexibility of the chain.

Methods of protection

In general, two types of theft protection can be distinguished:

Active;
Passive.

Active protection are tools that directly prevent theft. These include all kinds of locks, cables and chains. Passive defense can be called actions and mechanisms that are activated after the theft has been committed. They allow you to return the bike to the rightful owner or compensate for the damage. Passive methods include insurance and independently entering bicycle data into the database.

Another protection tool is an alarm.

It can be partially attributed to both active and passive protection.

Although it does not actively secure the bike, its operation can prevent theft and deter a thief.

Padlock for bicycle lock

Padlocks are sold in all construction and hardware stores. Here you can choose any lock to suit your taste, color and budget. But there are recommendations.

First, the lock shackle should be no narrower than the thickness of the links. Agree, why take a thick chain and hang a lock on it with a narrow shackle, which is easier to break than the chain itself. In this case, the thickness of the shackle must be such that the shackle fits freely into the hole in the link, otherwise you simply will not be able to connect the chain.

Second, the lock must be fastened without a key. This is not necessary, but it is much more convenient - just latch it, rather than lock it with a key. Just don’t forget the key, or better yet, carry the lock fastened, so as not to accidentally fasten your bike and then find out that the key is missing.

Bicycle cable lock

«>

Systems in this category are practically no different from products with a chain. However, they are lighter and more compact. A product in the form of a spiral, which is wrapped around the seat post during transportation, can be especially convenient.

Despite its compact size in the assembled position, the spiral is capable of unwinding to an impressive length. Thanks to this, several elements of the bicycle structure can be fixed simultaneously using a cable.

Original designer bicycle lock

The most important thing is that your castle will be unique and unique. This will be your signature product, made by yourself. You can embroider the lock with rhinestones, make custom embroidery on it, sew on ties or Velcro to attach it to a bicycle frame—you can create endlessly.

I hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial on how to make your own bike lock.

Write in the comments whether you were able to make a bicycle lock, as well as your wishes, questions and additions to the article.

D- and U-locks

«>

As practice shows, this category of bicycle locks is one of the most reliable for everyday use. A bicycle lock of such a specific shape is difficult to break or open with a master key. Be that as it may, to achieve the goal, the attacker will need to spend a lot of time and effort.

However, the main disadvantage of D- and U-shaped locks is their low grip capacity. Therefore, during their operation, cyclists often have to face the dilemma of what is better to fasten - the wheel or the frame. The design features manifest themselves in the most negative way when it is necessary to fasten a bicycle to wide posts and pipes.

How to make a bike lock with your own hands

Reading time: 9 minutes

What to do if your bike is stolen

If, despite all precautions, your bike is stolen, report it to the police. Provide employees with the serial number, photo of the bike, and decals, if any.

But do not rely only on the police, act first and foremost yourself, because law enforcement officers will most likely treat the case as a low priority task.

Check out all the message board sites on the Internet yourself, such as Avito, Yula, Ebay. For continuous monitoring, subscribe to notifications of new sales.

Report on social networks and forums that your bike has been stolen. Here are some useful sites where you can enter information about a stolen bike:

lostbike.ru
velorozisk.ru
velootpusk.ru
stolenbike.ru

Notify local bike shops and repair shops in case someone brings your bike in for repairs.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other anti-theft device, a homemade bike lock has its pros and cons. Here are its main advantages:

When using a thick steel chain, it is almost impossible to bite through it.
Low manufacturing cost (most materials are available on the farm).
You can make a lock of any appearance and configuration yourself. The owner can choose the color and size of the product himself. Therefore, each bike lock will be unique in its own way.

However, a self-made device also has disadvantages:

Creating a castle requires time and effort.

The lock itself can be opened fairly quickly by a trained bicycle thief (this problem can be solved by purchasing a more expensive and reliable lock, but in this case the manufacturing costs will increase significantly). Therefore, it is still not recommended to leave a bicycle unattended for a long time.

Important! Another significant disadvantage of a homemade bike lock is its heavy weight. This problem can be partially solved by choosing the right chain and padlock.

Chain and wheel locking

A lock for a bicycle chain and wheel lock can be convenient to use. Naturally, such security measures should only be used in conjunction with other types of locks.

The mechanism of action of chain and wheel locking systems is based on fixing these elements in a static position, which prevents rotation of the mechanisms. It is recommended to fasten your bike with such locks for a short time. After all, when stealing, the attacker, at best, will have to carry the bike on his own shoulders.

Necessary materials

Before you start making a bike lock, you will need to stock up on some equipment and materials.

An iron chain about 60-70 cm long. Any option will do. But the stronger (in this regard, steel is significantly ahead of aluminum) and thicker the chain, the more difficult it will be to bite through it. A bike lock that is too bulky will also not be very convenient, so here you need to look for a middle ground. The chain can be purchased at a nearby hardware or hardware store.
Textile. You can use any type of fabric for the cover. But dense and durable materials that repel moisture are best suited. Alternatively, you can sew a cover from old jeans. Raincoat fabric is also perfect for this purpose.
Thread and needle. Required for sewing fabric. For convenience, it is better to use a sewing machine.
The padlock. It is with its help that the chain will close. You should choose a medium-sized lock so that it does not take up much space, but is still quite reliable.
Dye. If desired, you can paint the areas of the chain that are not covered with fabric.

The cost of a padlock is 100-150 rubles. An old chain can often be found around the household, as can fabric. But even if you buy them, the cost of manufacturing will not exceed 300-400 rubles. And this is significantly lower than the price of a good bike lock in a sporting goods store. At the same time, the quality of the product does not suffer at all.

General recommendations

Bicycle thefts have become increasingly common in recent years. This is explained by the high cost of modern models, the lack of registration numbers, and the light weight of the structures. Using a special lock allows you to protect your property from attacks by intruders. However, at certain moments, “anti-theft” can cause numerous problems. This can happen due to the following circumstances:

breakage or loss of the key;
blocking the cable in the lock;
clogging of the well with foreign objects;
if you forgot the secret combination of numbers, in the case of a code option.

In such situations, you will have to figure out how to open a bicycle lock without using a key. To solve the problem, you can seek help from specialists or use step-by-step instructions and try to solve the problem yourself. There are no absolutely safe devices. If desired, you can pick, saw, cut or open a combination bicycle lock, cable lock or “unpickable” model. The most reliable are U-shaped, chain, electronic, folding models. The weakest ones include cable and mechanical options.

To strengthen a bicycle lock, you can use additional methods: the use of several anti-theft means, fastening to stable stationary structures. It is better to remove expensive attachments and gadgets.

If the key is lost or the cable is blocked, the bicycle owner may be faced with the need to “emergency” open the lock

Manufacturing

Creating a bike lock with your own hands can be divided into several steps:

First step

If an old chain is used for production, it must be cleaned of rust. To do this, you can use white vinegar or a specialized solvent. However, the best effect comes from treating metal with abrasives. After this, you can paint the outer links (for a new chain this is not a prerequisite, but it is better to further process the old metal - this will prevent rusting and improve the appearance). Acrylic paint can be used here (it is advisable to choose a coloring agent based on the metal).

Second step

Next you need to prepare the fabric cover. When creating it, various types of materials can be used, but it is better to choose a water-repellent or breathable option (this is necessary so that the chain under the cover does not rust). It is also desirable that the fabric stretches. In this case, the cover is sewn exactly according to the thickness of the chain and is several centimeters shorter (stretchy fabric will eliminate the chain from rattling during travel). If the material is not capable of strong stretching, the cover needs to be made somewhat wider. The main thing is that it does not hinder the movement of the chain. Also, some types of fabric require processing so that the edge does not “crumble”. When the case is ready, it can be put on the chain.

Current methods

Chains, staples, and cables are not a panacea for theft. The protection levels do not work for long. To achieve a complete anti-vandal effect, the use of other modern methods of vehicle safety is required.

These methods include:

GPS protection against bicycle theft.
It helps track the path of a stolen vehicle through a smartphone.
Cost from 6490 rubles
;
signaling.
Some types of sensors are especially effective in crowded places, as the noise level reaches 100 decibels.
Cost up to 2500 rubles
;
cycling computers.
On-board computers help not only to track the “route” of stolen property, but also to block its motor functions;
self-protecting bicycles;
helmets that perform an anti-theft function.

Self-defense model

The Yerka bicycle was invented a long time ago. Its advantage is its ability to independently prevent theft. It is not possible to hack such a system.

What to do to activate the anti-theft system:

Detach the bicycle frame.
Lean the bike against a tree and a pole.
Secure the frame by going around a tree or pole.
Snap the lock.

Control via smartphones

The Vanhawks Valor model allows you to lock your bike via smartphone apps. “Obedient” transport transmits a signal to its owner on a key fob or smartphone. The navigation map will help you find lost hardware.

Flexible frame

The frame of the Bendy Bicycle easily changes its state: it becomes either hard or soft. A hard surface is used when moving, a plastic one is used when stopping.

Thus, a cycling enthusiast has the right to “twist” the model in half and leave it near any fence.

Head Lock

A helmet called Head lock is used both for its intended purpose and as a combination lock. When stopping, it blocks the bicycle wheel.

Bicycle Denny

Denny has its own anti-theft system integrated. The on-board computer is located in the steering wheel. It has backlighting properties and anti-theft properties.

When visiting a shopping center or store, the driver takes the steering wheel with him, leaving the non-functional parts of the bike “on the street”.

GPS tracker

Many bicycle models now have a sensor installed. When force majeure situations occur, this device sends messages to the owner’s Android or IOS.

Specifications:

Homemade locks with a secret for the garage: why are they better?

The main advantage of homemade garage locks is their originality. Thieves are familiar with industrial locks and how to install them. A homemade garage lock, if it is original enough, can confuse the crooks , and this always frightens those who come “to the business” and discourages them from continuing.

It makes sense to make such a lock when you have access to good materials, hardening steel, lathes and milling machines, etc. Otherwise, the most original lock will simply be knocked down or broken by force. Another method is the unusual use of ready-made locks or parts thereof .

Photos of homemade locks with a secret for the garage:

Modification of purchased locks

If you can’t make a garage lock with your own hands due to a lack of necessary materials or processing technologies, then you can try to modify ready-made locks.

There are different types of locks:

A padlock can easily be knocked down with a sledgehammer, no matter how cunning its cylinder turns out to be. The loops can be cut with a regular hacksaw without much noise. A padlock is not a big obstacle for modern children, who are very well equipped with excellent tools .

Overhead and mortise locks are much more difficult . In essence, this is simply knocking out the door (this is especially true for mortise locks). For such cases, hackers use two methods:

opening with a master key;
sawing the bolt (bolt).

If there is a gap in the door that allows access to the deadbolt, it can be sawed through with a jigsaw in a few minutes.

Some types of locks proposed by craftsmen, for example, a rack and pinion lock with a “secret” key , are too naive to protect against burglars. The only secret here is the length of the rotating bar on the key. The burglar will make this strip out of cardboard and cut it with scissors until the lock begins to wrinkle it. Next time the burglar will come not for reconnaissance, but for action .

Protecting your garage from being opened must be considered a little more broadly than just choosing a lock. By location, garages can be collective , located in the courtyard of a residential building or attached close to an individual house or cottage. In many cases, the garage may be part of the house .

The worst case is a collective garage .

But recently, many garage communities are installing surveillance cameras , and they are doing it quite cleverly, hiring watchmen, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for car thieves to work.

A garage in the courtyard of a house is more convenient for the owner, especially if it is visible from the apartment window, but a garage on a private plot with a house is absolutely good. In the latter case, the garage can be protected best.

To best protect your garage, you should use durable metal gates and doors , ones that cannot be knocked down with a sledgehammer. A homemade garage lock should be completely hidden from the outside, and its bolt should be armored. Such a lock cannot be opened with any master keys, or even ordinary keys. This is an electric lock controlled from a distance.

Another, also very practical option, is to install a hidden electric lock along with a conventional mechanical one. Moreover, you can even use a padlock. The mechanical lock serves as the first barrier that burglars will have to overcome. But after they do this, they will encounter a new, incomprehensible obstacle, get nervous and withdraw.

The most advanced for our time can be considered a hidden electric lock controlled via a radio interface . The key is a miniature radio transmitter (key fob) that transmits a code combination. The receiver checks that what is received matches the given key and opens the lock.

To prevent advanced hijackers from using the intercepted key, the transmitter and receiver change the code for the next time according to a certain algorithm, so that a “one-time password” . This is called an anti-scanning system or dynamic code encryption.

But this is not the cheapest option . The minimum price here is about 9,000 rubles . Self-manufacturing of such a system will be much cheaper in terms of money, but will require a fair amount of knowledge in radio engineering, electronics and programming, as well as the ability to solder very miniature parts.

Useful tips

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To reduce the likelihood of theft, as well as causing any damage to the two-wheeled vehicle, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:

It is better to fasten the bike in the most crowded places. Naturally, this will not stop a skilled burglar, but it will certainly make beginners think.
It is worth using several locks at the same time. Hacking them will definitely take the attacker more time. In addition, fixing individual parts of the bicycle will protect you from those who are hunting, for example, for the wheels or trunk of a vehicle.
When using several anti-theft products, it is advisable that one bicycle lock be U- or D-shaped, because it is not so easy to quickly break a thick metal arch.
Shifting the bike's systems into low gears helps catch up with the burglar. Even pedaling furiously, the attacker will not be able to move faster than a walking pace. Naturally, this option is effective only if the bicycle is constantly in sight of the owner.

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Case Study

What can a car owner do if he wants to protect his car for little money?

One of the practical options, suitable for a garage located close to the house, is given below. The apartment or house is well protected , and the garage can only be opened from inside the house.

Garage doors can only be locked from the inside , using locks with powerful bolts, and it is advisable to disguise this power so that through the open garage it is unclear what exactly is holding the gate.

From the side of the gate, the garage can only be taken by a ram using a truck, but this case goes far beyond peacetime conditions, when crooks prefer not to make noise.

The owner enters the garage through a separate door in the rear wall of the garage. This door is also locked with an internal lock , but there is also a regular lock. Interior locks are solenoid-type electric locks that are controlled from inside the home via a cable that runs parallel to the garage's mains power cable.

When the door is closed with a regular lock , the solenoid locks . Opening a regular lock with a master key will give burglars nothing . And the owner himself, before leaving the house, opens the electric locks by supplying power to them and, thereby, unlocks the garage door for subsequent opening with a regular lock.

These electric locks should be installed in such a way that they attract as little attention as possible.

24V powered and require a few amps of current to operate and much less current to hold open (unless equipped with latches).

Some electric locks have latches that are also electromagnetically controlled. But most often you come across electromagnetic locks , which have a beveled bolt and fix it when the door is closed. Opening occurs after current is applied.

Statistics

An epidemic of bicycle thefts occurs during the summer months. During this period, the streets and avenues of Russia are “flooded” with active bikers. After all, the folk sport allows you not only to quickly get to your destination, but also to easily tighten your leg muscles.

Bicycle theft is a common occurrence in the bustle of city life. Under the conditions of everyday Russian life, even what is screwed, attached or installed on the roof of a car is stolen.

The following places are at increased risk:

Small parking lots near bars and cafes.
Uncrowded places.
Access compartments designed for storing bulky items.

When analyzing all incidents, the following rules are identified:

Rule 1.
Entry thefts develop according to the same scenario. First, the stolen bike is placed in one of the apartments, and at night it is taken out onto the street.
Rule 2.
Most crimes during the daytime are committed between 15.00 and 21.00.
Rule 3.
If a bicycle is seized as a result of “robbery,” then a minor child is chosen as the owner of the property.
Rule 4.
A thief most often acts alone. Each attacker has about 20 similar episodes.
Rule 5.
Video surveillance will scare off any thief. Therefore, the number of thefts undertaken in parking lots near large shopping centers has been reduced to zero. Video recording reduces the successful chances of petty thieves to nothing.

Statistics on the facts of atrocities indicate that for each hijacker there are on average about 30-40 episodes. Although there are exceptions.

For example, in Yekaterinburg one of the attackers committed as many as 120 thefts. Or, conversely, the criminal element will take advantage of a convenient situation once and then specialize in the most serious acts:

Note: the statistics provide data on vehicles whose owners contacted the police department and initiated a criminal case.

If we take into account that 160 thieves were caught in Moscow, then the crime detection rate is not so sad: 160*20=3200 (approximately 1:1).

But this fact does not give bicycle owners the right to relax and not observe basic precautions.