Help! Hopper Replacement Ignition Key

[KTANDERSON1969]

Hi, I wonder if you can help.

I've just purchased this bike from a local, reputable auction house (nit stolen), but I've discovered it has no keys.

Would anyone be kind and able enough to help me source replacements please, or suggest a solution if there is one?

Thanks very much.

 

[sjpt]

If you don't know the key number it will be very difficult to find a replacement.
To unlock you could try a set of jiggler keys (random example https://uklockpickers.co.uk/keys/jiggler-keys.html) or drilling out the centre of the lock. I've never tried either, but apparently not too difficult.

However, as the key appears to do ignition as well you are then going to have to try to wire some alternative,
and have some alternative for holding the battery firmly in place.

It may be worth trying to contact the sellers via the auction house.

 

[KTANDERSON1969]

Thanks for your kind reply. I thought it may not be as straightforward as hoped! Rarely is! I'll try the jiggler keys and hopefully one will work. Fingers crossed!

 

[Andy-Mat]

Hi, I wonder if you can help.

I've just purchased this bike from a local, reputable auction house (nit stolen), but I've discovered it has no keys.

Would anyone be kind and able enough to help me source replacements please, or suggest a solution if there is one?

Thanks very much.

View attachment 47945View attachment 47946

Did you check if the previous owner simply forgot to give them to you?
It does not appear to be a lock that I have seen, but careful use of a thin router bit, cutting equally either end of the slit, should "let out" all the tiny bits, and then you can switch it on and off with a large flat bladed screwdriver.....
Maybe then a lock smith can offer a replacement.
What a shame....
How about demanding your money back?
regards
Andy

 

[KTANDERSON1969]

Did you check if the previous owner simply forgot to give them to you?
It does not appear to be a lock that I have seen, but careful use of a thin router bit, cutting equally either end of the slit, should "let out" all the tiny bits, and then you can switch it on and off with a large flat bladed screwdriver.....
Maybe then a lock smith can offer a replacement.
What a shame....
How about demanding your money back?
regards
Andy

Hi Andy, thanks for your really helpful reply.

Unfortunately, the Auction House have adopted the 'tough, sold as seen, nothing we can do' approach. I suppose I should have asked if keys were supplied, but hey-ho, the benefit of hindsight!

I'll give your suggessome consideration, thanks. I've ordered a set of 'jiggler keys' which hopefully will at least unlock the unit so I can take it to a locksmith for advice.

I'll let you know how I got on. If I DO!!

 

[StuartsProjects]

I was given 3 batteries, the down tube type, that are fitted with locks like that.

One battery, with a key, was toast, a Lithium Polymer that had swelled and would not come out of the metal case.

The second battery looked OK, all groups in reasonable balance but had a mangled lock, so I should be able to swap the locks around.

 

[nigelbb]

I bought a Woosh Big Bear with no keys & posted a thread here https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/lost-keys-what-can-be-done.38980/
As suggested I bought a set of juggler keys for £14.95 & unlocked it within 30 seconds. I then dismantled the lock & removed the tumblers so that could open it with any key.

 

[StuartsProjects]

Careful use of a thin router bit, cutting equally either end of the slit, should "let out" all the tiny bits, and then you can switch it on and off with a large flat bladed screwdriver.....

Is there a 'one size fits all' type of router bit that would be suitable for such lock surgery ?

 

[KTANDERSON1969]

I was given 3 batteries, the down tube type, that are fitted with locks like that.

One battery, with a key, was toast, a Lithium Polymer that had swelled and would not come out of the metal case.

The second battery looked OK, all groups in reasonable balance but had a mangled lock, so I should be able to swap the locks around.


View attachment 48019



View attachment 48018

Thanks for your kind d help. Really appreciate it.

 

[KTANDERSON1969]

I bought a Woosh Big Bear with no keys & posted a thread here https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/lost-keys-what-can-be-done.38980/
As suggested I bought a set of juggler keys for £14.95 & unlocked it within 30 seconds. I then dismantled the lock & removed the tumblers so that could open it with any key.


I'm just waiting for my juggler keys to arrive. Fingers crossed......I'll keepyou posted! Thanks for your kind help.

 

[Andy-Mat]

Hi Andy, thanks for your really helpful reply.

Unfortunately, the Auction House have adopted the 'tough, sold as seen, nothing we can do' approach. I suppose I should have asked if keys were supplied, but hey-ho, the benefit of hindsight!

I'll give your suggessome consideration, thanks. I've ordered a set of 'jiggler keys' which hopefully will at least unlock the unit so I can take it to a locksmith for advice.

I'll let you know how I got on. If I DO!!

Let us all know if you still need help, and I can probably help further if you need the Dremel Router idea ro work for you.
regards
Andy

 

[Andy-Mat]

Is there a 'one size fits all' type of router bit that would be suitable for such lock surgery ?

The router bits I am talking about are about 4mm thick, and very hard, they can cut through steel and other metals. They are best used slowly (pressure wise), at around 20,000 RPM (Dremel or similar), and I have yet to find any lock that can withstand them!
I could not find an exact version for you on ebay UK, but I am willing to buy you say two, on the German web site, and send them on. You cannot buy there as you have to be a licensed Lock smith in Germany to buy such articles.
If you wish, I can make a close up picture, to allow you to search in the UK for them, they will probably cost around 10 UK Pounds each, but anything cheaper will not do the job, though as the version I haven simply do not wear out, I haven't bought any for years......they may be cheaper nowadays.
Do wear safety googles, as some of the tiny lock parts will exit the work area at the speed of sound!!!
I have used them (the exact same ones!) since 2007, when i worked for a company that did lock smithing. I joined to learn the "mechanics", but it was morally reprehensible, so I left after 7 months.
regards
Andy

 

[StuartsProjects]

If you wish, I can make a close up picture, to allow you to search in the UK for them, they will probably cost around 10 UK Pounds each, but anything cheaper will not do the job, though as the version I haven simply do not wear out, I haven't bought any for years......they may be cheaper nowadays.

A picture would be helpful.

I have a mains powered Proxxon, its a bit more power than a Dremel. Only goes up to 3.5mm though.

 

[Andy-Mat]

A picture would be helpful.

I have a mains powered Proxxon, its a bit more power than a Dremel. Only goes up to 3.5mm though.

Mine (which have been used many times, with no sign of wear), are 3mm x 6cm.They munch through any cylinder quite rapidly with only light pressure from me.
regards
Andy

 

[StuartsProjects]

Mine (which have been used many times, with no sign of wear), are 3mm x 6cm.They munch through any cylinder quite rapidly with only light pressure from me.
regards
Andy
View attachment 48081

Excellent. TVM.

Found a German site where the tool they supply closely matches the picture and your description of how to use them.