Recall for Kryptonite brand locks (how to get yours)

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/templateform@public?tn=urgent_update ^

[krakath]

As some of you may have heard, a problem regarding cylinder-type locks has been revealed. They can be unlocked simply by jamming a bic-style pen into it. Kryptonite is issuing a voluntary recall and will replace all tubular cylinder-locks with non-tubular cylinder locks.

Here is a link to a site that mentions the problem, including a video. http://www.engadget.com/entry/7796925370303347/

Although they said that they are changing to a different brand of locks, I read other sources that say that this is a problem with several brands of locks too.

Excerpt...

...If you currently own a Kryptonite tubular cylinder lock and are concerned about the security of this lock, Kryptonite will exchange this lock for you with a comparable non-tubular cylinder lock.

To participate in the exchange program, please send an email to kryptonite@irco.com

You will receive an auto response asking you for information including your name, address and lock type. It will also give you information on exchanging your lock. Kryptonite will pay the postage for all exchanges. Please note that this email address sends an auto response – do not send questions to this email address as it is not monitored. If you have questions, please send an email to locktalk@irco.com

We expect locks to begin shipping in mid-October.

[krakath]

This is important to take note of for those who own these type of locks. It is not limited to Kryptonite brand locks and may affect many others.

[ARCADIA]

More benefits from outsourcing manufacturing.

[Prime Choice]

As some of you may have heard, a problem regarding cylinder-type locks has been revealed. They can be unlocked simply by jamming a bic-style pen into it. Kryptonite is issuing a voluntary recall and will replace all tubular cylinder-locks with non-tubular cylinder locks.

Good thing these guys only demonstrate this on metal locks. If they'd done anything remotely similar to this with any alleged security system for computers, they'd be hauled in under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for (get this) "illegal reverse engineering."

Doesn't matter how pathetic a security device really is to some people. All that matters is the illusion of security.

A hearty bravo to the guys at engadget.com for doing a bang-up job on what can only be deemed horrifically sloppy work by the people at Kryptonite.

[goldstategop]

Don't blame the folks at Kryptonite. Besides, how many bike thieves do you know you have a Bic ball point pen handy? Most of us who own a bike don't lock it with just a u-lock. We use a good cable lock as well for added security. If there's a bike stolen due to a lock being jimmied by a ball point pen, its news to me.

[angkor]

Funny, I ran into the site where this was being discovered about a week ago (don't know how or why I got there).

One guy started it with an anecdote about a friend showing him this trick, and then everyone was experimenting with their own locks (using Bic pens). It didn't work with every type of Bic, only the white one.

Seemed like about half were able to open their locks with just a few minutes of practice.

Again anecdotally, one of the posters mentioned there'd been a spate of bike thefts in his area over the past several weeks/months, and in many cases the Kryptonite lock was left in place at the scene, sometimes relocked. It was a mystery until now.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Funny, I ran into the site where this was being discovered about a week ago (don't know how or why I got there).

I thought that too. In my mind this is much more of a DU topic than a FR topic. FReepers accessorize with telescopic sights, not bicycle racks.

[Hot Tabasco]

Kryptonite is issuing a voluntary recall

I'll bet superman is going to be pretty darn happy to hear that....

[Hardastarboard]

LOL! Not totally true, I've got some high cap magazines, too!

[angkor]

Ha. Yeah, they're thinking about bike locks, I'm thinking about whether to upgrade a KelTec P-32 to a P-38.

[MarkL]

Don't blame the folks at Kryptonite. Besides, how many bike thieves do you know you have a Bic ball point pen handy? Most of us who own a bike don't lock it with just a u-lock. We use a good cable lock as well for added security. If there's a bike stolen due to a lock being jimmied by a ball point pen, its news to me.

sometimes it doesn't matter how much security you have... The idea is to take too much time to get the item, making the thief go somewhere else for easier "prey."

In highschool, I had a bike stolen from in front of the school, on a busy street. I had paid just over $200 which was a REALLY big amount of money at the time, especially for me. I had what I had been told was the best combination available: A S&G combo lock, and a braided steel cable. I came out of school at the end of the day, and all that was left was the cut cable and the lock... The police said that it must have taken the thief nearly a 1/2 hour to get through the cable (there were multiple cuts all over it, as well as on the lock! They finally did get through the cable.

It's just annoying that someone could stand in plain view on a busy street for a half hour with bolt cutters and a hacksaw, and nobody bothered asking a question.

Mark

[krakath]

That definitely sucks, and I try not to rely on my locks. I usually park my bike at the police station on campus (whom I work for). I don't believe a theft has ever been reported there!

It is true however that all locks can be broken. I talk to the person who handles abandoned bikes at my school. He would have to defeat every type of lock to bring them back to the station. All he needs are bolt cutters, and an acetylene torch. He does note that the U-Locks take very long to break, and he has seen the least number of thefts reported from people using U-Locks. It's all about appearance of security and inconvenience to steal when it comes to locks (but with something to back it up too!).