Just like a pair of cable cutters, a hacksaw is cheap and pretty easy to carry around unnoticed. And just like the cable cutters, it will tear through a cable lock very easily. With enough time, a hacksaw will also cut through low quality u-locks and chains which tend to be made from thin, soft metal.
Position the link as far back into the cutters as possible, then cut the link on both sides. If you don't have bolt cutters, use a hacksaw, angle grinder, or reciprocating saw instead. Secure the chain in a clamp or vise, then saw through 1 link. Keep sawing until both sides of the link are cut in two.
Bolt cutters will easily cut through cable locks, but it's worth using a cable extension to deter chancers! So if you want your bike lock to put up a fight against bolt cutters, get one made with hardened steel, and get the thickest possible option. This should render the cutters useless and keep your bike safe!
Bolt cutter
Those of medium size, 18 to 24 inches, can cut chains and U-locks that are up to 11mm for medium-hard materials and 9.5mm for hard materials. Large-sized bolt cutters ranging from 30 to 48 inches can cut higher end locks as well.
The Best Chain Has Hexagonal or Square Links
A heavy-duty, hardened steel chain with hexagonal links thwarts nearly every thief with a bolt cutter. Hexagonal links (or square or trapezoidal) make it impossible for bolt cutters to get a grip.
Wire/cable cutters
A pair of hand held cable cutters will snip through most cable locks in seconds. Cheap, inconspicuous and easy to carry around in a coat pocket, this is the tool that's most commonly used by bike thieves. And it's worth repeating again: they will cut through nearly all cable locks in seconds.
A Resistant, Bolt Cutter Proof Chain
By being the toughest chain, we mean the Pewag chain is the hardest chain to cut with bolt cutters. The biggest reason is the hardened steel chain is squared, so it will not allow bolt cutters to cut through it.
Normally, once you had stolen the bike, you rang a contact who'd come and pick it up. “I usually sold it in-person to a friend, but sometimes I'd sell it on Gumtree or eBay. Bikes are normally stripped down and rebuilt or sprayed within a few hours.
A pair of wire cutters or a pair of bolt croppers/cutters should do the trick. This is one of the safest and easiest ways to remove a bike lock without keys. Using an angle grinder, you'll be able to cut through any bike lock. If you have an angle grinder or other similar power tools, you may decide to use these.
Hammer until the U-lock breaks.
Keep hammering against the keyhole area of the U-lock. You may have to hammer for 30 seconds or so until a piece breaks off of the bar, after which breaking it will become much easier. Focus your hammering against the broken area of the lock.
Most cable extensions could be cut relatively quickly, but if you want the most secure cable for your bike, the Kryptonite Kryptoflex 710 is the best choice. This is because it uses the most metal and therefore has the thickest inner metal cable (measuring 6.22mm).
Chain locks are made up of a series of hardened steel links (usually inside a protective nylon sleeve) and a lock. The lock can be integrated into the chain, or it can be a separate padlock.
You can cut through the lock using a standard hacksaw, but you'll need to change the blade out for a carbide grit rod saw.
Without a doubt, the Altor SAF is the toughest bike lock on the market. Its shackle is 2.36″ (6cm) thick at its narrowest point, making it impossible to cut with bolt cutters and it took over 1 hour 40 minutes to defeat the SAF Lock with an angle grinder.
Kryptonite U-locks are better than cable locks because they are almost impossible to cut through.
I wouldn't consider myself especially lucky in that respect but according to crime data over 376,000 bicycles are stolen each year, which is roughly one every 90 seconds.
Some dirt or duct tape can make it look less attractive to the crooks. For bicycle protection tape your seatpost, handlebars, and various places on your frame to make your bike parts look worn and shabby.
Strong Steel Construction
Steel alloys tend to give the strongest protection against bolt cutters. Boron alloy is one example of a material that's difficult to cut through. Hardened steel is also used in many locks and can make the lock more resistant to bolt cutters.