I can't get the key into my bike lock.

I should have bought a better lock. Don’t fancy hack sawing through a D lock. Maybe some WD40 into thr tumblers, anything else to try?

Tactical nuke.

Your dropout hanger is here now btw

Probably rusted up.
Good spray of WD-40 followed by some light oil. Plenty of jiggling.

If that doesn’t work, angle grinder!

yes, having had this, make sure you’re using the right key 🙂
failing that, is the key not going in, or not turning?

if the former, maybe a nail file or craft file to get a better entrance for the key..

Cheers tbc. I’ve already reached defcon 4. Mushroom cloud of poor anger management over Leith imminent.

My gramps will know someone well shady who can liberate it no doubt…

Ask him about ‘Fingers’.

Is this just a euphemism and you’re actually asking for ‘relationship’ advice?

Is your key too big to fit the ‘lock’? Is the lock brand new and unused? Is your key hard and solid, a soft bendy key won’t work.

Lock is one month old and the key only goes in half way. Lesson learnt not to buy cheap.

Edit – that’s not replying euphemistically TuckerUK!

WD40 or GT85 in the lock. Can you borrow a set of lockpicks? Lifting each pin on it’s own can fix it.

I’ve had this on a chain lock before, the tumblers/pins seem to get out of line somehow. I’ve found that persistence works, as does a gentle tapping and shaking of the lock head whilst trying to get the key in.

Sorted. WD40 followed by key in the lock and a few persuasive clouts from the hammer. Phew

now either throw it away, or drip some real oil in there to stop it happening in another month

i smeared my key with grease and its been sliding in and out a treat for the last three years

Graphite powder, not oil – oil will just gum things up…

Your not ment to fix it that quick.
And not before some one reminds you it could kill you