Kryptonite lock stuck.

[luke scott]

My mates Kryptonite lock won’t open. The key rotates about 50% then nothing. It doesn’t appear to have been interfered with so we think it’s a mechanical problem. Anyone else experienced this ? The bike is now locked in his garage. It’s a large padlock shackle with “New York Lock” written on it.

 

[luke scott]

My mates Kryptonite lock won’t open. The key rotates about 50% then nothing. It doesn’t appear to have been interfered with so we think it’s a mechanical problem. Anyone else experienced this ? The bike is now locked in his garage. It’s a large padlock shackle with “New York Lock” written on it.

https://www.amazon.ie/Kryptonite-GK...381360330145&language=en_IE&gad_source=1&th=1

It’s this model.

 

[Wapping]

Possibly silly question, but…..

Is he sure he’s using the correct key?

 

[Wapping]

I've had a few Kryptonite locks that do this. Is the key definitely all of the way in? When mine did the same thing, someone recommended inserting a blade edge into the lock (such as a small screwdriver) to align the barrels within the lock. Looking into the lock, you can sometimes see that the top of the key barrel will be at 90 degrees to the level below.

Not sure I'm using the correct technical terms, but it worked for me. I just used the screwdriver to turn the top layer, to line up with the layer below.

 

[RobertG]

I had the same issue with a similar lock. Drowned it in WD40 for several days and it just opened. One of the pins must have been stuck a little.

 

[JoeBiff]

As Wapping ^^^^
Is the key all the way in?

 

[GlynnJ]

My mates Kryptonite lock won’t open. The key rotates about 50% then nothing. It doesn’t appear to have been interfered with so we think it’s a mechanical problem. Anyone else experienced this ? The bike is now locked in his garage. It’s a large padlock shackle with “New York Lock” written on it.

Happens to my U-lock (with same key type) from time to time. Your pal needs to jiggle the key in the lock to align the mechanism and get the key all the way in. WD40 may help, but it's the nature of the lock type that makes this happen, I think.

 

[G&T]

I’ve had the misfortune of this type of episode, albeit with an Oxford lock, stuck in a hotel garage. No matter how much I pushed or pulled, turned or twisted that sucker wouldn’t open. What finally worked was a tap of the lock on the floor a few times. It must have dislodged, readjusted whatever was stopping the key from turning. Worth a try

 

[luke scott]

Possibly silly question, but…..

Is he sure he’s using the correct key?

Yes, definitely. I actually checked.

 

[luke scott]

I’ll get him to gently use a hammer on it, thanks G&T.

 

[casbar]

Read somewhere, never use WD40 on locks, you should use graphite spray, so I bought a can and use that instead

 

[Wapping]

The perceived wisdom of the internet seems to be:

The components of the lock seem to come out of line.

Continuous jiggling back and forth might well clear it. This seems to be the best solution.

Don’t use WD40, the bikermates’ equivalent of St John’s ambulance’s magic sponge.

A tap with a hammer might help.

Kryptonite has a contact number for help.

 

[JoeBiff]

My mates Kryptonite lock won’t open. The key rotates about 50% then nothing. It doesn’t appear to have been interfered with so we think it’s a mechanical problem. Anyone else experienced this ? The bike is now locked in his garage. It’s a large padlock shackle with “New York Lock” written on it.

The lock mechanism can come out of alignment and it always seems to be the very bottom lever.
That prevents the key inserting the last two-millimetres or so (even though you think it’s “fully” inserted).
Look carefully down the key barrel and you’ll probably see one leaf-piece out of alignment; it is this that stops the key fully inserting.
Use a length of stout wire to re-align.
Always works for me

Use a dry lubricant ie graphite if you feel you need to but avoid anything that will clog up the levers

 

[richardbd]

The perceived wisdom of the internet seems to be:

The components of the lock seem to come out of line.

Continuous jiggling back and forth might well clear it. This seems to be the best solution.

Don’t use WD40, the bikermates’ equivalent of St John’s ambulance’s magic sponge.

A tap with a hammer might help.

Kryptonite has a contact number for help.

If none of that works, just into the town centre and wait for one of the mobile angle-grinder wielders and get them to help

 

[woodsie]

Read somewhere, never use WD40 on locks, you should use graphite spray, so I bought a can and use that instead

Indeed don't use WD40.
I was told by a locksmith years ago and I have posted this before.
WD40 contains graphite and has loads of solvent. Use it and when the solvents evaporate the graphite stays in place and grinds away in the lock mechanism during each operation. Use WD40 regularly and it can even lead to clogging the lock mechanism.
Bet that happens with graphite spray as well
Think about it. You use graphite paste to grind in valves but you clean it off and wouldn't use oil containing graphite your engine.
I only use gun oil in locks

 

[JoeBiff]

You use graphite paste to grind in valves but you clean it off and wouldn't use oil containing graphite your engine.

Are you sure you’re not meaning carborundum to grind valves?
There’s a big difference between the properties of graphite and carborundum.
Ask @geotim he might explain better

 

[SBD]

Think about it. You use graphite paste to grind in valves but you clean it off and wouldn't use oil containing graphite your engine.

You’ll be a fucking long time grinding in anything with graphite. It’s a lubricant, not an abrasive.

And there is no graphite in WD40. https://wd40.co.uk/data-sheets/

Silicon Carbide on the other hand…

Joe beat me to it…

 

[woodsie]

Thanks for immediate feedback as expected.
I defer to replies.
I go back to my recommendation from my old colleague never to use WD40 in locks due to it - in his experience - leaving residues leading to internal damage and clogging up lock mechanisms. After the solvents evaporate the amount of oil remaining isn't enough for lasting lubrication.
He didn't mind others using it as it helped keeping him in work.
I always use gun oil again as he recommended.
Apologies for inadvertently misleading ramblings

 

[casbar]

Indeed don't use WD40.
I was told by a locksmith years ago and I have posted this before.
WD40 contains graphite and has loads of solvent. Use it and when the solvents evaporate the graphite stays in place and grinds away in the lock mechanism during each operation. Use WD40 regularly and it can even lead to clogging the lock mechanism.
Bet that happens with graphite spray as well
Think about it. You use graphite paste to grind in valves but you clean it off and wouldn't use oil containing graphite your engine.
I only use gun oil in locks

So why do locksmiths and lock suppliers provide graphite powder and I know my locks which are from Uliton, the guarantee states you must only use graphite to keep your locks in good condition

 

[woodsie]

So why do locksmiths and lock suppliers provide graphite powder and I know my locks which are from Uliton, the guarantee states you must only use graphite to keep your locks in good condition

Read reply post #18.