London Fixed-gear and Single-speed

This list will not include rope locks, as they are useless. Primarily this will list shackle locks with a bar diameter of at least 16mm*,
18mm being preferable if choosing between either.

Other, lock types (armoured cables, and heavy chains) will be listed, but in a different section.

There will be no compromise based on weight or price. Only the best will do.

Summer is coming, and tea-leaves are ready. Whether you own a Pinarello, or a SE Lager, you'll want to keep it.

* = The exception to this is Abus' specially hardened 13mm steel, which has survived testing that some 16mm steel U-locks failed.




BEST OF THE BEST (for those who think this post is too long):
________________

U-Locks:
_______
1. 16mm Abus Granit Extreme 59 [tied with]
1. 18mm Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (the best) [not big enough for MTBs with fat tyres, fine for road bikes with tighter clearances]

2. 18mm Kryptonite New York M-18 [tied with]
2. 18mm Xena Bullett XUL
2. 18mm Artago 18ART 270

3. 16mm OnGuard Brute X4 (best value security, from major company)

Chains: (best left at work, or at university, so you can relock it each day)
_______
1. Almax Immobiliser Series IV

Skewer Locks:
____________
Solid Axle
1. Atomic 22 (highest security)
2. Pinhead (recommended)

Quick Release/Hollow Axle
1. Trans-X Security (good design)
2. Hublox Security Skewers (ease of use)

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Heavy Duty D-Locks/U-Locks: (Primary security)
_________________________
18mm/19mm:
______
Artago 18ART 270 [18mm] () £116.99
http://www.brandedbiker.co.uk/Artago...le-U-Lock-5588
Asakiltt Shackle Lock [Mod.31-2166][16mm?] () £16.99
http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Asaklit...ck/Pr312166000
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [18mm] () £16.50 (square barrel - this is the lock I own)
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1284/52272.php (Wilson Cycles, Peckham) [phone before going, as stock is spasmodic]
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm] () £66.21 [2.09kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kryptonite-N...Lock_15258.htm
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...dit-mini-16565
Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm] () £74.92 [2.74kgs ] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
http://www.dotbike.com/p/13296
Master Lock Street Force 10 [18mm] (8 tons pull resistance) £59.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19420
Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] () {Alarmed lock} [2.92kgs (210cm); 3.34kgs (270cm); 3.48kgs (310cm)]
http://www.xenasecurity.com/product/...XUL310S/page1/
http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/copy_of_Xena_.html £100.00

16mm/17mm (or equivalent strength):
______
Abus Granit Extreme 59 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) £139.99 [2.9kgs (260cm); 3.06kgs (310cm)]
http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/abgran59/
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...treme-09-33988
Abus Granit X-Plus 54 [13mm] (7 tons pull resistance) £54.99 [1.84kgs (300cm); 1.4kgs (230cm)] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
www.tredz.co.uk/.Abus-Granit-X-Plus-54-D-Lock_3158.htm
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...-plus-54-10512
Abus Granit Power 59 [16mm] () £151.29 [3.06kgs (310cm); 2.9kgs (260cm)]
http://www.visordown.com/reviews/kit...r-59/4830.html
BLOK UL X200(Magnum) [16mm] £39.99
http://wittons.co.uk/product_info.ph...oducts_id=2767
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [16mm] () £14.99 (round barrel, not square)
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1284/52272.php (Wilson Cycles, Peckham)
Kryptonite New York 3000 [16mm] () £62.00 [1.965kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
http://www.moosecycles.com/m2b26s93p..._bracket/RS_GB
Kryptonite New York Standard [16mm] () £40.99 [1.965kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/1253758/pr...et--3000-.aspx
Onguard Brute X4 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) £39.99 [1.864kgs]
www.tredz.co.uk/.OnGuard-Brute-LS-U-Lock_59955.htm
Onguard Brute Mini 5112 X4 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) EUR 31-34 [] [2.109kgs] {how this is heavier than its bigger brother, I don't know}
http://www.amazon.de/Onguard-B%C3%BCgelschloss-Halter-Brute-Mini/dp/B007R2M74Q/
http://www.amazon.de/On-Guard-B%C3%BCgelschloss-mit-Halter-Onguard/dp/B004VE4KWA/
Oxford Magnum [16mm] (regular) £35.99 [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=40297
Trelock BS 550 [16mm] (6 tons pull resistance) £35.99
https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co....hp?CI_ID=15132
Trelock BS 610 [16mm] (8 tons pull resistance) ££44.99
www.activesport.co.uk/shop/article_TR800093-6/Trelock-BS-610-U-Lock-Bike-Lock.html


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chains: [16mm minimum] (Primary security)
(Extremely heavy, and will last long enough to put off most thieves, but not indestructible)
_____________
Almax Immobiliser Series III (with lock) £99.95
http://www.almax-security-chains.co....oducts/c-1-73/
Almax Immobiliser Series III (0.7m chain only) £59.95
http://www.almax-security-chains.co....t=More+Details
Almax Immobiliser Series IV (1m chain only) £74.95 [19mm diameter links!!]
http://www.almax-security-chains.co....t=More+Details
Colossus chain + Viper lock (1.2m chain) £89.99
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/colossu...iper-16mm-lock
PJB Untouchable [16mm] (1.5m chain) £69.99
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/untouch...security-chain
PJB Untouchable [19mm] (2.0m chain) £169.99 [19mm diameter links!!]
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/new-unt...lock-disc-lock
Pragmasis Protector £66.65
http://www.pragmasis.com/
http://www.torc-anchors.com/products.php?cat=2
Squire Ex-Caliber SS65 £49.95
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/squire-ex-caliber-16mm-x-07m-security-chain-only

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Armoured Cable Locks: (No longer recommended at all):

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alarm Disc Locks: (very useful in shared accomodation, outside the pub, or at university - not primary security).
____________

VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db) £17.90
http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/6mm-...curity%20Alarm
JBSL02 Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95
http://www.alarm-padlocks.co.uk/alarm-padlocks.html (a good deal)
http://www.elitesecuritysupplies.com...s_u_locks.html
LA-01 Alarm padlock(105db) £16.99 (adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/aca...m_Padlock.html
LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db) £22.95
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/aca...m_Padlock.html
Motrax Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £29.99
http://www.bikebits4you.com/index.ph...55aca95b64b974
"New" Alarm Disc Lock (112db) £28.36
http://www.motorcyclesecurity.co.uk/(Locks and Chains section)
Oxford Boss (110db) £59.99
http://www.mandp.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catRef=548132
Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £27.26
http://www.powersport.co.uk/07stockd...show=6&group=1
SG Locks Heavy Security 3-01 () £19.99
http://www.sglocks.co.uk/heavy_security.html
SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £19.99
http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/5...larm-Disc-Lock
http://www.sncalarmlock.com/products.SNC14.html
Xena XBL2-35 (110db) £59.40
http://www.topgearsuperstore.com/-mo...0g-p-6306.html
Xena XPL46 (110db) £44.99
http://www.bigbikebook.com/15255/XEN...paign=pid15255
Xena Special Offer XZZ6 Alarm (110db) £19.99
http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/9...Reminder-Offer
Xena XZZ6 Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £31.95 (+ postage)
http://www.motorbike-security.co.uk/...ity-disc-lock/


Alarm Padlocks: (again, nearly essential security in London, but not as primary security).
____________

Krabus XL505 (the original) (as used on downtube [very effectively] by edscoble)
http://www.kabrus.co.uk/xl505.html
http://www.kabrus.co.uk/store/index....rus-xl505.html
No Name Krabus copy
http://www.rapidonline.com/productin...946&kw=43-3156
SNC locks (many are Krabus copies)
http://www.sncalarmlock.com/products.html
Faithfull (Krabus copy)
http://www.powertoolwarehouse.co.uk/...m-plalarm.html
Budget Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
http://www.nothingbutpadlocks.com/pr...-alarm-padlock
Rolson Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/alarm-padlock-476808

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Axle / Skewer Locks: (additional security, NOT primary security)
____________
For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs)
Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]
http://atomic22.co.uk/tracknuts.html
Pinhead
http://www.pinheadlocks.com/index.ph...mid=60&lang=en
Pitlock
http://www.urbanbiketech.com/category-s/26.htm

For hollow axles (ie. quick release)
Hublox Security Skewers
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product...g-skewers.html
KF Secura Locking Skewers Set
http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP6262...m_campaign=DDI
Pinhead Duo
http://www.cycle-route.com/bikeshop/...kewer-Set.html
Pinhead Tri
http://www.timani-ltd.co.uk/index.ph...roducts_id=148
Pitlock
http://www.hubjub.co.uk/etc/pitlock.htm
Trans-X Security Quick Release
http://www.parkersofbolton.co.uk/p-3...kewer-set.aspx
Zefal Lock n Roll
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Zefal_Lock'N'Roll_QR_Antitheft_Skewer_-_Pair/5360043685/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEMOTED:
_________
Trelock BS 610 [16mm] Failed!
http://www.trelock.de/trelock/t2/en/...&pfad=schliess

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alarmed Disc-Lock Review - by Clefty
Sheldon Method - DO NOT USE IT
2006 locks test
Seatpost security on Lfgss
Security Chains wall-of-shame by Almax


Secondary Locks - a sister thread to this one (NOT primary locks)

LOCK CARE: For u-locks, the best grease is graphite grease/lubricant/powder.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lock break times, and lock benefits.

Locks are tested to pass STAGE 1 attacks - 5 minutes manual attacks, with hand tools (hammer, crowbar, etc).
Time given at failure at STAGE 2 attacks - with power tools (angle grinder, disc cutter)

18mm:
______
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm]
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...dit-mini-16565
STAGE 2 = 3 minutes
Benefits = Obvious. The strongest U-lock there is.
Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Similar to Fahgettaboudit Mini, so extremely strong. Though longer means more exposed for leverage.
Master Lock Street Force 10 [18mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] {Alarmed lock}
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Anti-corrosive, and stainless steel is very hard, and ALARMED - this is excellent. .

16mm:
______
Abus Granit Extreme 59 [16mm]
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...treme-09-33988
STAGE 2 = 2 minutes
Benefits = Double locked square shackle, means the bar must be cut twice, because it cannot be twisted after one cut.
Abus Granit X-Plus 54 [13mm] (7 tons pull resistance)
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...-plus-54-10512
STAGE 2 = 1 minute
Benefits = Double locked square shackle, means the bar must be cut twice, because it cannot be twisted after one cut.
Abus Granit Power 58 [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Heavy and strong, but not square shaped, round.
Blok ALA600 [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Kryptonite New York 3000 [16mm]
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...ork-3000-10498
STAGE 2 = 2+ minutes
Benefits = Excellent, and heavy duty.
Onguard Brute X4 [16.8mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = X4 locking system means more than one cut is required, as it can't be twisted - locked at 4 points. Excellent strength.
Onguard Brute [16mm]
TEST - http://www.slate.com/id/2140083
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = High density steel. Excellent 16mm lock.
Oxford Magnum Short [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Oxford Magnum Long [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Trelock BS 510 [16mm]
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...ct/bs510-16559
STAGE 2 = 30 seconds
Benefits = A value lock.
Trelock MB 600 [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Trelock's best.
Trimax MAX90 Ultra Max [16mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chains: [16mm minimum]
_____________
Almax Immobiliser Series III
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Almax Immobiliser Series IV [19mm]
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = The biggest, strongest chain ever, for 2 wheeled security.
Colossus chain
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
PJB Untouchable
STAGE 2 = Unknown
Benefits = Unknown
Pragmasis Protector
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...r-chains-31679
STAGE 2 = 2+ minutes
Benefits = Does what it says on the tin.
Squire Ex-Caliber SS65
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...ss50csg3-16481 (SS50 13mm chain, estimate for 16mm below)
STAGE 2 = Roughly 2+ minutes (extrapolated from 13mm test, for 16mm result)
Benefits = Excellent.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armoured Cable Locks: (substitute security, NOT primary security)
___________________
Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit X-Plus 1050
TEST - no tests published
STAGE 2 = no tests published (U-locks are still a better bet)
Benefits = Excellent for its type.

what about the Abus Steeloflex Granit 1000?
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...nit-1000-16399

I know these are popular. BikeRadar tested it and reckoned it lasted longer under angle grinder attack than some of the other locks you've listed.

^^^ Learned the hard way. Very neat cut too - a through-in-one rather than a nibble.

i trust my kryptonite mini a lot, i trust my New York forgetaboutit chain more - but the weight! sure that could lead to back pain in later life, or go knows what if you crash on it

unfortunately that's probably the only real way most people find out how effective your lock is :(

Can we have the sister thread to this, "Locks That Don't Work", as I am more interested in purchasing them.

I really don't want to post it, to let someone know how to stole a bike
but I think we still need to avoid it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCxHD...layer_embedded

@LondonSLGSS

Your avatar is cute. Your musings, even more so. Go HERE. It is also helpful to use the Search function.

Kryptonite have changed their range since then.

How practical is the 'Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini'? It looks too small to attach to anything other than from frame to wheel? Or is that its function? As a backup/second lock?

i use the fahgettaboudit mini, its slightly bigger than the mini evo, so yeah you can fit it through a deep rim down tube and a railing / bike stand (whatever those things are called), wont get it round a lampost rim and frame though

it have slighty more room than an Evo Mini, cut off the plastic cover and you'll have noticably more.

this picture should speak thousand;

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...e/IMGP0625.jpg

I have two!

One of which has scars on the outer plastic where some kindly soul has tried to saw through it and failed.

I like the fact that you can sling it around a shoulder to carry it also.

I bought the New York Evo Mini based on reports from here. Are you saying it doesn't work as a decent tea leaf proof lock for my beloved?

Thats the one I use. For the front, for the rear I use an Abus Granit thing. Would never use just one lock anywhere I cannot see my bike for more than say 10 mins.

I believe the Evo Mini is a compromise lock. Its good, but the weight is reduced, as is its strength. It wouldn't match any of the Kryptonites already in the list. I doubt it would match any of the others either.

Depending on where you live, work, or simply park/lock your bike, thieves are becoming more serious. Bikes are being stolen to order, and fixed/ss bikes are flavour of the day. Some of the thieves are professional enough to read this forum, so they can take their Gumtree adverts down, alter them, then put them back up again.

My advice, if its worth anything, is to:

Leave your bike locked in a place where a thief would be seen if trying to steal your bike.
Leave it in view of CCTV if possible.
Use the best locks you can.
If really expensive, consider using a sound alarm as well, especially if leaving in a communal hallway.

Maybe stick an alarmed disk lock through your chainring at night?

Every little helps.......

NY 3000 and/or a Fug, I wouldn't trust anything else, these aren't invincible but they are, like me, hard as nails. Heavy though, but see 'hard as nails' details above.

Cool thanks for the clarification. I feel the Evo gives good compromise, for the type of security I need. If i wanted to leave my bike outside in dodgy areas for hours at a time, I would be thinking about something more heavy duty.

Maybe it's worth having a sub-list for locks with fairly good security, light weight etc, more suited to 'casual' cyclists than 'left locked all day' type cyclists?

Good call bogey, but that list will have to be created by someone else. I will happily link back to this list, and include it in the List of Lists.
This list is about lack of compromises. None of the locks are perfect, but they're the best at the moment.

Would the Abus Cable Lock be of the kind that requires different tools to cut than the Evo?

I am thinking of bolstering my security a bit because I am using my bike less than I would like to, when it involved sorta going for dinner or to a pub somewhere... When I leave it at uni, its safe, everywhere else, I worry.

I recently got an Abus Steel-o-Chain. Good price at 45 quid. Lighter than most chains - but reviewed last month in Cycling Plus and rated higher than the Bronze standard Abus gives it. Plus it locks automatically when you insert the shackle ie. you don't need to turn the key twice. It's not long enough to go round a waist but like the steel-o-flex fits round the shoulder nicely. Recommended.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Ab...ck/5300006181/

Added the Oxford Magnum, and the extremely interesting Xena BULLETT XUL310* alarmed 18mm U-Lock.

Its pretty too; but also very heavy.


*Available from motorcycle shops listed in links below the item entry in the list

OnGuard Brute found at Wiggle for under £30, and I've added torsional/pull resistance ratings where possible.

Ed, this is terrible advice!

the plastic cover is there for a reason. it provides an insulation against thermal / chemical attacks (ie freezing). PM me if you wanna know how exactly - and how easy it is to defeat a serious lock, I'm not gonna post it up here.

Most of the time it takes longer and is more difficult / risky to remove the plastic than it does to break the lock. to remove plastic you need to carry a stanley knife, and a thief is more likely to think twice about that than carrying the right chemicals to break a D lock.

So do NOT remove the plastic cover, especially if you wanna rely on the guarantee from your lock manufacturer.

I currently own on a Krp mini, and am having difficulties sometimes when the locking conditions are less than ideal - ie, I can't seem to find something small enough all the time.

What are my alternative options? I don't really want to just buy a bigger lock if I can avoid it.

Moon

Smaller bike?

I meant the things I am trying to attach it to are too big.

Or were you trying to make a joke?

You're right - shit gag.

I read that initially as 'shit gag'.

Shit rag, I mean, ie, an insult.

This has widely been promoted by Tynan, as being a particularly effective anti-theft method.

Cheap too.

Cheap, effective and good for the environment.

Save the Earth
Shit on your Bike.

T-Shirt list anyone ?

last year some sh*theads tried to rob my dads bike. they broke into our shed and carried the bike over our back wall into the lane where they used tools to break his d lock and a chain. they were well prepared and seemed to make light work of the first two locks (my dad is paranoid) but they couldn't get through this
http://www.trelock.de/trelock/t2/en/...&pfad=schliess
they had torn it to pieces but couldn't get it off so they left the bike in the lane. they're way strongert than i thought.

im considering buying a fahgetaboudit chain and mini d (wosting £120) but cant seem to find it in the listing. any reviews ladies and gents?

The shackle's heavy but it leaves a person with a pretty secure feeling... really nice to have when locking up someplace sketchy with few places you can secure with a conventional u-lock. I'm not in the UK though.

my best bet? Fah Mini and cheap chain, I use the cheap chain to lock the front wheel and frame to the post, and the Fah Mini to lock the rear wheel (through frame) to the post.

I have both. The chain is ridiculously heavy but what's a few kilos for peace of mind? That said, I still wouldn't leave my bike locked up, unattended and out of sight for a few hours. Especially in certain (I won't name names) parts of London. It's amazing what some thieving pricks try to nick. I once came back to my bike and one of my double straps were undone. I'm pretty certain someone tried nicking it but gave up. It's days like that you're glad it was such a bitch getting them on in the first place as taking them off is obviously quite a task!

Anyhoo, I use the mini for locking the front wheel to the frame and the chain to go through my rear wheel (through the rear traingle) onto whatever post or street furniture you want to secure to and also through the rails of my saddle (you can't be too careful). The Fah chain links fit through the rails on a Brooks saddle (you have a Brooks, right?) just fine.

Hey GA2G - how come the Fahgedaboudit chain isn't on the list? Is it not so good anymore?

out of curiously, what kind of bike do you have wools?

chains are generally no good. much easier target for croppers, which they succumb to.

The only chains I have included, are those of 16mm (links) thickness . These are nearly impossible to carry, and that's the point - no compromise. Really to be left overnight, where you intend to lock them during the day, and so forth.

The Fahgettaboudit Chain has 11mm thick links.
The New York Noose has 10mm thick links.

The 2 Kryptonite chains listed above, are excellent, because they're made of specially hardened steel, but 10-11mm isn't 16mm.

irish mick, I had a look at this, but since Trelock themselves only give this a level 4 rating (6 is best rating), I won't include it. I have found a new lock from Trelock, and I added that (MB600).

Bob Jackson Vigorelli. Not one of them tarty fluted seat tube jobbies. :p

Why are Hublox recommended above Pit Locks?

Unlike pitlocks they use a generic key - one Hublox can open any. Thats nowhere near as good as Pitlock's unique one.

Or am I missing something?

Also, Almax IV are better than III - I am trying to find out from them at the moment how heavy they are as I'm thinking of getting one.

I have an Almax III - you don't want anything heavier, believe me.

Don't Abus do a lightweight (relatively speaking) but very tough D-lock? I saw one in Edwardes the other day and for the life of me can't remember the exact product name to google. It was £74.99 IIRC. On picking it up off the rack I was pleasantly surprised at how light it was in comparison to things like a Fah or other uber-beefy D-locks.

Abus do a huge range of D-locks, of which I suspect only the large and heavy ones are likely to be secure, what with Abus being subject to the laws of physics like everyone else. I've certainly seen Abus locks lying around in the past that have clearly been snapped with scaff pole or a jack. IIRC someone on MT actually witnessed some kids doing this (Abus mentioned by name) and rescued the bike.

Good point, but I replaced the Pit Lock recommendation, after seeing the posted photo of the Pit Lock ruined, by simply squeezing the end. But you're right, and I may need to re-examine this recommendation.

I think its the Abus Granit 54. I was in there myself and had a look at the same lock, I believe.