How to Remove a Cable Lock

Cable locks are typically used to secure bicycles against theft. These locks are made from steel cables housed in hard rubber or Kevlar covering. The cable has a male end at one end of the cable and a female end at the other. The two ends are connected and locked with a key. To remove a cable lock, you must unlock the barrel lock and unwind the cable from the bicycle frame and rack. Some cable locks use a combination lock instead of a key. These require the proper sequence of numbers on the combination dials in order to open.

Instructions

  1. Key Style

    • 1

      Insert the barrel lock key into the lock housing. Some cable locks have black rubber caps over the lock barrel hole. In this case, remove the cap on the end of the lock to gain access.

    • 2

      Insert the key into the barrel lock. Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the mechanism. Pull the two ends apart.

    • 3

      Unwrap the cable from the bicycle frame and the bicycle rack, taking care not to mar the frame surface with the lock ends.

    • 4

      Wrap the cable up into a coil and connect the male and female lock ends. Turn the key counterclockwise to lock them back into position. If you have a mounting bracket for the lock, insert it into the bracket to transport when pedaling.

    Combination Style

    • 5

      Turn the dials on the numeric display at the lock end of the cable to prepare them for the combination entry.

    • 6

      Turn each number dial to the proper number in the sequence combination code. For example, if your cable lock code is 1-2-3-4, turn the far left dial to 1, the second dial to 2, third to 3 and the last to 4.

    • 7

      Pull the male end out of the female end of the cable lock.

    • 8

      Uncoil and unthread the cable lock from the bicycle frame. Place the lock ends together once the cable is out of the frame. Coil the cable together and store in your choice of locations: a bracket, backpack or bicycle basket.