From http://craig.backfire.ca/pages/projects/bike-lock
After my Kona Big Kahuna was stolen, I was understandibly motivated to start using a much tougher bike lock. After a great deal of research, I decided that the best kind for me was a chain-based lock. They are more compact than a U-lock, and cannot be pried (though the lock itself could be).
I tried to find one for cheap, but was not successful. Even though bike locks are not something to skim on, I still wanted to save money, if possible. To do this, I made the lock from Grade 70 towing chain from The Home Depot. It's only about $5 per foot, making it affordable. I bought a good quality padlock to go with it, for $30. To prevent the chain from chipping the paint on the bike frame, I covered it in rubber drainage hose which I got from Princess Auto for $1.50 per foot.
The 3/8" towing chain I went with is so strong that it almost broke the machine that The Home Depot uses to cut chain.
|
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Weighs 5 lb |
| More flexible than a U-lock | Barely fits between spokes |
| 6600 lb load limit | Not suitable for overhead lifting |
