Locks that work

No, I use an Evo as my general lock. I'm after something more secure to use with the Evo when I'm locking up in London or leaving the bike longer periods.

I'm swinging towards the Fahg. At least I know it will last.

.....Re the Hammerhead, if you want one to test I can send you one we've got here FoC if you PM me your address. I might take the liberty of including a few links of our 'Protector' chains so you can see what you think of them, too :-)..

Unfortunately, I'm not an engineer, so do not have the means to test them. I am a security professional, that normally works within a corporate environment - designing and implementing security procedures for large companies. This thread was just a community spirited effort on my part.

I can acknowledge that when I first started compiling info for the thread, your company was one prominent source of comparative information. I trusted it, and was right to do so.

But the Fahg is less likely to jam/stick. I'll decide after lunch. (#firstworldproblems)

Are OnGuard locks unreliable? I've read reviews that said their keys can break too. My current Trelock has some rust inside and I'm down to my last key because they just wear out until they can't open the lock.

I'm also a cheapskate and was looking at the OnGuard Brute X4 (even the latest yellow version) but I might get the Krypto M18 if it's better weatherproofed and longer lasting.

PS This is a great thread! Really informative, I've read every post.

I don't know if I'd say Onguard locks are unreliable. All locks need care, and Abus even advise to use lithium grease on their locks. Indeed, this thread has followed that and recommended lithium grease for all u-locks.

Some locks, like Kryptonites have much better weather proofing than others. But a properly looked after lock should not disappoint.

My krypto mini 'catches' about a half way through the action when opening. It takes up to ten attempts to open it. I'm worried about breaking the key one day doing this. The lock has never been left outside, and I've lubed it with no success...

hmm.

Have you tried flushing it through with WD40, then lubing it after? Is it an older lock, or new(ish)?

Filth.

...The standard sized Kryptonite equivalent to the OnGuard Brute (standard) is either Kryptonite New York Standard or the New York 3000.

The Brute Mini is the one that is similar to the Fahg Mini....

p.s. The measurements say that the Brute STD and the Fahg are closest. The Brute mini is closer to the size of the Evo.

These are the measurements given by the respective companies:

New York Lock Standard - 4" x 8"
OnGuard Brute STD - 4.37" x 7.96"

Kryptonite Fahg Mini - 3.25" x 6"
OnGuard Brute Mini LS - 3.55" x 5.52"
Krytonite Evo Mini 5 - 3.25" x 5.5"

The New York Standard and the Brute STD are both 8 inches long.
The Fahg Mini, Brute Mini, and the Evo Mini are all 5.5-6 inches long.

Are OnGuard locks unreliable?

Maybe not unreliable but Krypto's just work forever in any weather. I think I may take the plunge now rather than buying a lock that might give up the ghost after a couple of years.

My krypto mini 'catches' about a half way through the action when opening.hmm.

As GA2G said flush it with WD40. Don't be shy with it either.

These are the measurements given by the respective companies.

You are right of course. I had also looked at those measurements.

But look at my picture above. Is the Fahg rally only half an inch longer? Confused.

I've put most of a can through it. It's actually gotten worse!!

once you've wd40'd it you would need to re-lube as it's not a proper lubricant i believe it just gets rid of shit thats built up already.

the graphite lock spray mentioned somewhere on here from maplins might be a good bet it comes in a small breath-freshener sized spray can with an orange lid. get a nice load of that in there and it should help.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/graphite-lock-lubricant-444745

i've used it to free my kryptonite chain that had sat outside for 3 months unused and that's still going strong.

Sorry, I should have explained that that's exactly what I did when I said "I've lubed it with no success.."

Edit: ill try some of that graphite stuff anyway. Might be handy for all sorts. Thanks

ahh fuck knows then...

Someone I know who just recently bought the new Boardman Pro Carbon locked it up with a Kryptonite New York standard lock, the one with the 16mm shackle and double locking points. He was locked outside the Waitrose in Wapping.

The tip of the key broke off in the barrel, I have no idea how, but he's a bit ham fisted and not the sharpest tool (more of that later). After calling the fire brigade, who simply laughed at him, he called a locksmith. This 'locksmith' was a man in a van with a battery powered angle grinder. after 20 minutes he was nearly through one side, and ran out of battery. He had a spare battery, and started on the other side, when the disk wore out - changed the disk and finished the other side, allowing the bike to be freed.

All in all it took 45 minutes of cutting with the accompanying shower of sparks!, two full batteries, and a full diamond cutting disk to get through the lock. Some reassurance that your Kryptonite lock is quite a deterrent.

My gym cut through my New York Fahgedaboutit.

I imagine that must have taken them a while- makes it more galling because if they'd told me they were going to do it I'd have unlocked the fucking thing.

The tip of the key broke off in the barrel...

...Some reassurance that your Kryptonite lock is quite a deterrent.

Hmm

so secure even you can't get it off.

My gym cut through my New York Fahgedaboutit.

I imagine that must have taken them a while- makes it more galling because if they'd told me they were going to do it I'd have unlocked the fucking thing.

Write/stick your number on a lock if you leave it on site?

i think the corded angle grinders pack a much bigger whallop than the cordless which is probably why it took so long.

Write/stick your number on a lock if you leave it on site?

Good idea, I will do this next time.

What lock should I get to replace my Fahg?

^ Another Fahg?

Why did they cut it?

"Policy is not to allow locks to be left on site", they cut-off the lock of one of their own employees at the same time, so clearly the policy was not communicated to a high standard.