If you have an extra laptop lock lying around, a few modifications can transform it into a perfect secondary bike lock.
Chunkyhampton shares the tutorial on Instructables. It isn’t the easiest project in the world, but it shouldn’t take too long if you have the necessary materials handy. You’ll need to use a hacksaw to cut a small piece of metal tube (a bike frame would be perfect), then feed the end that would go into the laptop’s security slot through the tube, and wrap it back around to make a loop. Then just crimp it shut and cover it with some heatshrink or self-amalgamating tape.
As we’ve mentioned before, cable locks can be snipped pretty easily, so you probably want to use this as a secondary lock in most cases. Still, it’s a fairly lightweight deterrent, and worth trying if you have any extra laptop locks handy.
Bike Lock From Laptop Security Cable [Instructables]
Comments
2 responses to “Secure Your Bike With A Repurposed Laptop Lock”
I think personally they really need to update bike locking technology.. Like, why are we all still carrying chains/etc separately to the bike or hanging off still..
Doesn’t seem THAT difficult a problem to solve, the only real issue is making the chain length variable so you can attach to larger unmovable objects as required, and maybe just for the geeks an automatic deadlock whenever you leave the bike, so even if they get the chain it’s not going to be any good to them without some SERIOUS work, which most thieves would be unwilling to do.
Just a random thought on a sunday night, but still seems better than what 99% of people are using now.. I can’t imagine what an engineer would be able to come up with xD
The problem is weight. Any decent lock tends to weigh a fair bit and not many people want a permanently attached lump of heavy steel on their bike. I’ve got a stupidly heavy chain and separate padlock which I sling over my shoulder. If that kind of weight is attached to my bike (as I’ve tried by looping it round my seat post) then the handling of the bike is adversely affected to a great degree.
Cable is pretty light.. Considering that an average person is 60-100kg, 1-2kg of chain really should not make a significant difference, especially right under the seat (where most of your weight should already be centered when sitting).
I get what you’re saying, but these days bikes are just getting lighter and lighter for hardly any real benefit (once you get past the point from a cheap bike to a decent bike the difference drops drastically).. Let’s take a small amount of that saving and invest in a damn useful invention.
I actually have a frame lock on my bicycle and with the recommended placement on the lower side of the seat stay, it doesn’t make much difference at all, certainly not in handling, and easier than carting around a U-lock.