Kryptonite U locks

Hi all

Just seen this in another NG.

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

It seems that the Kryptonite tubular cylinder locks (as on the common
U-shackle locks for bikes) can be picked with a biro. Kryptonite are doing
a complete recall. If anyone uses one of these to secure stuff, perhaps
it's worth a look. I use one to secure the bikes when we go away.

--

Rich

Series 2a
RR 4.6
V8 trialler
dog, wife, kids, whatever

KRYPTONITE OFFERS FREE PRODUCT EXCHANGES TO ALL CURRENT OWNERS
OF KRYPTONITE TUBULAR CYLINDER LOCKS

Lock Manufacturer Continues to Set the Standard for Security and Service

Canton, MA September 22, 2004 - Kryptonite today announced that the company
is offering free product exchanges to all consumers who are concerned about
the security of their current Kryptonite tubular cylinder locks.

At no charge to them, consumers will be able to exchange their current
Kryptonite tubular cylinder lock for a Kryptonite non-tubular cylinder lock.
Kryptonite will begin exchanging products within a few weeks as it
accelerates product availability.

"At Kryptonite, we understand the responsibility that comes with being the
market leader. Since we learned last week about the possibility of
compromising some of the industry's tubular cylinder locks, we have been
working diligently to devise the best and most responsible solution to
address the concerns of consumers and to meet the needs of our distributors
and retailers," said Steve Down, General Manager of Kryptonite. "We decided
to simplify and expand our planned product upgrade program so that we could
expedite the process for consumers and eliminate any lingering doubt in
their minds about their locks. Standing by our customers is the responsible
thing to do for those who rely on our security products to keep their
valuables safe."

Kryptonite is offering a free product exchange to consumers who currently
have Kryptonite locks using tubular cylinders. To participate in the free
product exchange offer, consumers can visit the company's Web site at
www.kryptonite.com for registration instructions. As part of this effort,
Kryptonite will initiate a swap program through direct communication with
all of its distributors and retailers.

Mr. Down concluded, "At Kryptonite, we constantly remind ourselves of our
responsibility to lead and offer solutions - not excuses - that strengthen
Kryptonite's relationships with consumers and channel partners. By
instituting the most comprehensive program possible, we believe our company
has again taken the lead in providing unprecedented customer support and
service."



--

Rich

Series 2a
RR 4.6
V8 trialler
dog, wife, kids, whatever

On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 12:54:49 +0000 (UTC), "Richard Brookman"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Hi all
>
>Just seen this in another NG.
>
>http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/templateform@public?tn=home_home
>
>It seems that the Kryptonite tubular cylinder locks (as on the common
>U-shackle locks for bikes) can be picked with a biro. Kryptonite are doing
>a complete recall. If anyone uses one of these to secure stuff, perhaps
>it's worth a look. I use one to secure the bikes when we go away.

I'm interested to know what a "tubular" lock is in the first place. I
presume we're talking about the kind manufactured by Sidleen etc,
where the pins are facing you in a circle. If so, they're a bit more
secure than ordinary locks as there's nothing to grab and twist (like
the old vauxhall locks - stuff a large screwdriver in an twist in the
body) but they are more difficult to pick than tumbler locks. I can
only presume these are very low quality locks in the first place.


Alex

Alex wrote:
>
> I'm interested to know what a "tubular" lock is in the first place. I
> presume we're talking about the kind manufactured by Sidleen etc,
> where the pins are facing you in a circle. If so, they're a bit more
> secure than ordinary locks as there's nothing to grab and twist (like
> the old vauxhall locks - stuff a large screwdriver in an twist in the
> body) but they are more difficult to pick than tumbler locks. I can
> only presume these are very low quality locks in the first place.
>
>
> Alex

I'm assuming that these are the locks where the key is a short tube with a
pattern ground on the end rather than a traditional Yale type. The pins are
at the bottom of a circular slot on the lock, so they can't be picked with
the usual tools. Most of the bike U-locks I've had have used this type, and
the wheel-clamp for the caravan likewise. The video clip seems to show
someone pushing a biro casing into the circular slot and just twisting to
open the lock, which looks a bit alarming if it really is that easy. They
are offering to replace any tubular locks with a cylinder lock, which must
be the traditional type.

Incidentally, the Kryptonite website has changed since yesterday - there is
now an online form to fill in to register a faulty product. I've submitted
a response, but haven't heard anything back yet.

--

Rich

Series 2a
RR 4.6
V8 trialler
dog, wife, kids, whatever