Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U- Lock hacked by a Bic pen

Much to our surprise, we were able to hack our Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U- Lock with a ballpoint pen. This $50 lock is supposed to be one of the best for "toughest bicycle security in moderate to high crime areas"—unless the thief happens to have a Bic pen. We used to use these to lock up our bicycles, but we're switching to something else ASAP. (Oh, and just to be trite, the pen is mightier than the lock.)

Click here to watch the video (WindowsMedia)

[Via Metafilter]

[Louis @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Some combinations may pick easily like this. It makes interesting video. The pen may have been run through a duplicator.

[Jennifer Sloan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I heard about this and thought it was a joke, but I tried it out on my Kryptolock (U-Lock) and it worked! And now my lock is screwed up. This worries me, because I have been locking my laptop up with a Kryptonite cable lock with the same type of lock. Trust me, the pen thing works. Scary.

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

As posted, the "tube" locks are used in many other things. Example, many of those "el cheapo" gun safe use this type of lock. I'm more worried of a thief breaking in to a home and getting something out of a gun safe then a bike....

Before this story, maybe a limited few people knew of this "trick". Now, everyone knows. And people posting quick tricks to make the pen fit doesn't help.

Are you better off knowing that this type of lock can be defeated that easily? This information is a double edged it can help you, but also put to at risk..... Oh well, the damage is done.

[ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

WELL AT LEAST KRIPTONITE'S STOCK PRICES WILL BE COMING DOWN

[sbuhk @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

now I know how my bike vanished. I had a "cheap" beach cruiser w/surf racks locked in the alley with a Kryptonite U-bolt and a cable Key lock. I decided to lock it with only the U-bolt one holiday weekend because i would be using it often.
well guess what, it got ripped off!

[Ross @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Ok, earlier in the comments, someone mentioned that Google's Ad on this page was advertising Kryptonite locks... This time, it's advertising Bic Pens... I love AdSense.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I live in the backwoods about 50 miles north of Redding, CA. We don't use bike locks of any kind around here. We have something that works much better against thieves: guns.

[Rusty @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Does this trick work on a rusted-shut U-Lock? Mine won't open with the key.

[lee @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

There are now reports on gun web sites that
the same type locks that are used on low priced gun safes can also be opened the same way.

[arielle @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I'm a student at Syracuse University and I am writing an article about this topic. Is there anyone who has had their bike stolen when it had a kryptonite bike lock on it? Or is there anyone who has followed through with Kryptonite's exchange policy? If so, can you e-mail me at [e-mail]? It would really help me out.

[Mike Prime @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I'm cracked up by some of this information regarding how easily these locks are compromised. its pretty awesome how something as common as a bic pen can mess up someones life. Like a professional biker, but u get the picture.
yehhh adsense is pretty awesome!!
one more thing "UNIVERSAL BITTORRENT SOURCE"

[Calvin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

wow.. my bike was stolen recently so now i am doing research and this was a great find. I'll make sure to check out every lock more closely for this flaw.

[marc and jack @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

29 septembre 2004
Une requ? qui pourrait atteindre 56 M$


Un Qu?cois d?se une demande de
recours collectif contre les cadenas Kryptonite
Un cycliste qu?cois a d?s?ne demande de recours collectif pouvant atteindre 56 M$ contre le fabricant de cadenas am?cain Kryptonite, dont certains produits se d?rrouilleraient avec un simple stylo ?ille.

Alain Bisson

Christophe Courtoy a pr?nt?a requ? par l'entremise du cabinet d'avocats B?rd & Pollanen lundi, au palais de justice de Montr?. La demande vise ?lement le distributeur Accessoires pour v?s O.G.D., de l'arrondissement Saint-Laurent.

Au cours d'un entretien avec le Journal, Me Michel B?rd a dit ?luer qu'au moins 100 000 et jusqu'?00 000 Qu?cois ont achet?es cadenas Kryptonite ?l?ylindrique au fil des ann?.

Il a expliqu?ue le recours, s'il est autoris?ar la Cour sup?eure, r?amera pour tous le remboursement des cadenas - environ 40 $ - et des dommages de 100$.

Selon Me B?rd, le programme de remplacement gratuit r?mment lanc?ar Kryptonite ne limite en rien la validit?u recours.

� L'entreprise essaie de s'en tirer ?on compte �, a-t-il dit.

� Ce programme s'adresse ?n nombre limit?'acheteurs et seulement ?eux qui feront les d?rches. Le d?t d'un recours collectif est la seule fa? de s'assurer que toutes les personnes l?es seront indemnis?. �

Deux autres recours
Des cyclistes canadiens et am?cains ont d?s?es demandes semblables en Ontario et en Californie, au cours des derni?s semaines. La requ? ontarienne cible d'autres fabricants, dont Norco et Bike Guard.

Les d?acteurs des cadenas ?l?ylindrique all?ent que les fabricants savent depuis au moins 12 ans que leurs produits peuvent ?e ouverts avec le corps des stylos de style Bic. Une revue de v? britannique a fait un reportage ?e sujet en 1992, tout comme la BBC.

� Kryptonite savait ou aurait d?voir, mais a continu?e vendre ses cadenas. C'est au mieux un cas de n?igence ?dente �, a d?ar?e B?rd.

Donna Tocci, porte-parole de Kryptonite, a d?ar?u cours d'un entretien avec le Journal que la soci? du Massachusetts ignorait tout et qu'elle n'admet rien.

L'affaire a repris l'avant-sc? il y a une dizaine de jours avec la diffusion dans Internet d'extraits vid?montrant comment d?rrouiller un Kryptonite Evolution avec un stylo Bic.

[Simon Rubenstein @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I watched the video with intrest, as I have an old Kryptonite lock on my bike -the model says Kryptolok by Kryptonite. I found an actual BIC pen, not a cheap substitute, and tried several times. I could not get it to work. I admit that it may be just me, but it really ain't that complex, so I'm thinking that as the newer lock models come out, Kryptonite, like other manufacturers has resorted to a smaller/cheaper lock mechanism for their product.

[Pudzy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Four weeks ago I bought a new bike, and a Krypto lock. Yesterday my bike was stolen from outside the shop where I work in Central London.

The lock was on the ground, open but intact. I just couldn't figure out how the lock had been opened.

I just saw this on the internet tonight, and now I know. It must be more than coincidence that this story broke about a week ago.

I would warn any bike owners in Central London NOT to lock their bikes with Krypto locks, 'cos once this gets round all the London crack head gangs nothing with a Krypto lock will be safe.

I have now bought a new bike with a padlock and chain and a long barrelled lock.

I did notice that all the Krypto locks had been taken off sale in the store and were stacked up behind the counter. The store staff didn't say anything to me about it though, probably 'cos it was them who sold me the Krypto lock Four weeks ago.

[ARC @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

What a load of rubish he has shaped the end of the pen so it is the same as using a key, he does not even realy show that the lock is locked to start with I will not belive it until I see it I have traed mine and it will not open, its brand new, bye the way what does this person do for a living, I would be asking this question first.

[ARC @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

What a load of rubish he has shaped the end of the pen so it is the same as using a key, he does not even realy show that the lock is locked to start with I will not belive it until I see it I have traed mine and it will not open, its brand new, bye the way what does this person do for a living, I would be asking this question first.

[Vlad Tepes @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

After seeing this story with the Kryptonite locks and the bic pen, I tried it with a Master Lock steering wheel lock I had to protect my car. It works on these too! I unlocked the steering wheel lock in about 9 seconds.

[Patrick Denayer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

As a lock person, here's my view on this issue. Hope it clears things up a bit.
We have received many emails regarding Kryptonite's recent vulnerability to be opened with a simple Bic pen
It is 'not possible' to open a well pinned tubular cylinder. . . . .http://www.lockitt.com/Notice_tub_lock.htm

[MarkTAW @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

If you would like to exchange your Kryptonite tubular cylinder lock for a comparable lock, please fill out the information below. Once you submit your information, you will be added to our database. You will then be contacted by us with a UPS Call tag that we will send out to you. Due to the volume of e-mails it may take several days for us to contact you. The locks will be available beginning mid October.
Please complete all the required fields marked with a *.

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/templateform@public?tn=product_exchange.tem

etc. etc.

[Morgan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I wonder if my quick-swap hard drive bay's key will work. It has a slightly smaller diameter than the Bic pen, and it's metal. For that matter, I wonder if that hack will work on my drive bay! I know the locking mechanism is not meant for security so much as data integrity. You can't boot off of the drive unless the "lock" is engaged, which turns on the logic board and allows power and data communication. It also physically secures the drive so you can't remove it while it's running. For those poor souls who use the drive bay as a "security" device...well I hope their potential data thieves don't read engadget.

[EDgAR H. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I think that this post is starting to get to much comment and that nothing more can be said so I'll just agree with everything here that make sence and tell you : "This is some pretty clean work you did there !" ;-)

[Kryptonite Sales Representative @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Due to the "Bic Pen" incident, Kryptonite has now manufactured a NEW Cylindrical Lock that can not be picked using a Bic Pen. We actually thank the person/persons that shared this information because this has enabled us to have a much more improved product. The new products should be in stores by the middle of November.

[JayTheBoy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

A guy at work tells me about this, so I go Googling and comeup with this site.

After reading, I'm thinking I'll give it a shot. I have two older locks gathering dust (don't lock up the bikes anymore...they go where I go).

The trick did work on the Krypto-Lok, but not on the older generic one. I'm guessing the Krypto-Lok is at least 4 years old and the "older" krypto is probably about '91.

I did have to stretch the pen barrel with a scissors, and kinda hammer the pen in with the other lock.

If anyone thinks this is BS, I will gladly post pics of the two vertical "notches" not lined up....try taking your key out of the lock "mid-turn"

[motor @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

maybe you can find better here :http://www.cnmoto.com

[linuxgeek @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Very cool hack!

[yorg @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

cool

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

so does anyone know of a lock system that is worth the money?

[CrazyEddie @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Hey, this works for EV Disc Locks too, I just did it to mine, but it's actually harder to get the lock to go back to the normal position, but not impossible.

[Paula @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

You are teaching people how to break into locks. This is a shame. People cherish their bicycles and you are putting them in danger of getting them stolen. I am sure Kryptonite is doing every thing possible to rectify this situation.

Please remove the video from your website.

Please!

[peter @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

im a bike rider, a matter of fact i dont drive
at all , so that being so, i take it upon my self to have expensive bicycles , i would
to know all the possible ways to pick, break, smash , drill, etc a bicycle , so that i can be prepared , evan if i live in fresno ca. where the thieves are to stupid and drug ridden to know how to steal a bicycle .

is there any one can tell me or email me a list of all or some ways to comprimise a bike lock, example i have a master lock with anti drill shackle with a small elbow that prevents a good hold for bolt cuters , is there any way to pick it or break it ?

[nick @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Check this out Kryptonite will replace your lock! here's the link

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

[Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Man, Someone stole my Holiday inn bic pen..Hotel pens are the best...I guess I will just go to my bike shop and ask if my lock needs to be replaced...I guess I will be going to Velo in Seattle..

[SaltyCrab @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

OK so I went to their site to check if the krypto lock I bought today needs to be replaced. But there they ask for the lock's key number in order to put me on their list but I can't locate that number anywhere on the pen! :)

[larvotto @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Wow! what is this? A school for thief? :)

[amadhea @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Thief is usually smarter than the police!

[eric damien @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

THEY SAY THEY WILL START SHIPPING IN....OCTOBER 2005!!! so what ever happens in bewtween is your responsibility. What a shame! Shameless people, poor products, shameless company!

[mordiscosderealidad @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Great, thanks for the tip, I will never use this lock.

[Goldfires @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

http://www.bikeguardlocks.com/ulocks/magnum_2000hd.php

I just purchased this U-Lock which was recommended as one of the best anti-theft deterrants.

- 12 Tonne Pull Strength
- Case hardened anti-pick mechanism
- 20mm Square Shackle
- Includes 5 FLAT keys
- $2000 Anti-Theft Protection

[Harold X. Heccuba @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Very intersting; I'll have to try this...

[raygun @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Well,that is very easy,but still.. Remember this saying-- It applies in many parts of the life:
"You make it foolproof,we'll make better fools!"

Cheers!

[Jerry Levinson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Anyone read the latest issue of Wired? It has an interesting article on a lock-picking contest in Europe (amsterdam, I think it was). My guess is they don't use a Kryptonite in the contest!

[Joel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Anyone else see the new info on Kryptonite's website about the class action suit?

They're replacing any locks affected or bikes stolen using the bic trick!

www.kryptonitesettlement.com

[Jim @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

For those interested in the best security, testing and certification by Sold Secure (a UK testing lab) appears to be the world gold standard. From its website "Sold Secure is an independent test laboratory, we test using methods used by thieves with the added advantage that all our testers are also skilled locksmiths."

For Sold Secure approved bicycle locks, see http://www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm

[terry friedrich @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

what the heck I thought my bike was safe

[Mr Thorwald Persson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Well, I am not surprised. After wathing the movie I checked the security of the looks on my bike. The main look is certified by the Swedish Safety Organisation (SSF) is told to stand hackning attempt for at least three minutes. I opened the lock within ten seconds using a papper clip. All three locks was opened in 45 seconds without a trace of any mark of hacking. You invest about 140 USD for bike locks in your belief to stop a thief for five minutes or make your bike less attractive. Well, there your bike disappears.

The certiefied lock I tested is Basta Click3 no 5360-08-43/B frame lock.

By a local lock smith I was told to use a certiefied chain with padlock for motor bikes with a shacle thickness of at least 12 mm. This look system costs between 240 and 450 USD. It weighs about 20 kgs. Se an example at http://www.abus.de/us/main.asp?ScreenLang=us&sid=81589907409360009062005213113243118&select=0105b02&artikel=4003318201820m
Better bike locks, thank you
Thorwald Persson, Malmo Sweden

[Darth vulger @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I wonder if this works with those pesky hhd bay drawers?They have the round type keyhole

[Lonnie Lock @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Has anyone posted a page or explanation on why some circular locks have this vulnerability? Obviously the pins in the circular lock are designed to prevent attacks like this, so why aren't they effective? Is it just loose tolerances?

[AJ @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

DUDE WTF something is wrong with the fuckin vid I can't play it!

[moo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

FYI the video is borked....