Comments on: ABUS U-40 Mini

By: Chrissy J

Chrissy J — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:23:50 +0000

In my bitter experience thieves have used bolt-cutters to remove my U-locks, so anything that makes it harder to cut a lock silently has to be a good thing. And filling the space within a lock makes it harder for a lever or jack to be used, something Abus are addressing by making the lock shorter. I’d buy one, if I hadn’t already purchased a new chain lock.

Only a rabid guard dog (or six) will prevent someone with an angle grinder, though.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:30:23 +0000

I’ve heard (but I may have misunderstood the process) of using “dendritic steels” in locks to foil angle grinders. The toothlike grains of the metal destroy the cutting wheel or somesuch.

Anyhow, Abus makes some damn good stuff — I’m surprised the brand is not more popular in the U.S.

By: Clay

Clay — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:15:24 +0000

The moving parts/joints/etc. will break in any lock long before the steel itself is broken, regardless of the type and amount of leverage applied. This seems like a needless extra step unless, like brad implies, the tempering would cause considerably more effort for would-be lock cutters. I doubt it does.

By: brad

brad — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:04:39 +0000

For sure. Cordless angle grinders are less than $100 and make quick work of any lock on the market. You’re still better off with more lock than less.

By: Brendan Kevenides

Brendan Kevenides — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:57:50 +0000

In places like Chicago and New York thieves aren’t trying to twist or pick locks open. They’re cutting them, often (believe it or not) with angle grinders.