Best anti-angle grinder bike locks - the complete list
Bike thieves using angle grinders have become a significant concern for cyclists in recent years, leading to the development of innovative bike locks.
In this post we’ve compiled a complete list of all angle grinder-resistant bike locks currently available on the market, and we’ll keep you updated with any new developments.
As expected, most of the bike locks listed here have already gained the top-level Sold Secure Diamond security rating. Naturally, these high-security D-locks come with a premium price tag, with some costing over £200.
OnGuard RockSolid
First up, we have the OnGuard RockSolid, weighing in at just 1.4kg, which is currently advertised as the ‘lightest angle grinder-resistant D-lock’ on the market.
The lock comes with an impressive five keys, which is quite an unusual number in the bike lock world. However, fear not if you manage to lose them all, as replacements can be ordered from OnGuard.
Speaking to BikeBiz, an OnGuard spokesperson mentioned that the “OnGuard RockSolid boasts unrivalled resistance to brute force attacks.”
Dimensions:
90mm x 175mm
Squire Stronghold® D16 MAX
Next up is the Stronghold® D16 MAX from the renowned and family-owned British lock brand, Squire.
This hefty 2.84kg anti-angle grinder D-lock features a 16mm boron-hardened steel shackle, wrapped in tough TPE moulding.
Two keys are provided with the lock, along with a personal key card for any future replacements. There are a whopping 500k+ key combinations, making it extremely unlikely someone will be able to unlock your bike lock by chance.
Dimensions:
- Internal: 94mm x 218mm
- External: 150mm x 300mm
Hiplok D1000 and DX1000
Hiplok offers two angle grinder-resistant bike locks that form the ‘1000 series’.
The D1000 was the first anti-angle grinder bike lock on the market, released in September 2021 via Kickstarter with a hugely positive reception. They exceeded their Kickstarter goal within one hour of going live with the D1000. In fact, we at Stolen Ride called it the biggest breakthrough in cycle security.
A cutting test run by Cycling Weekly “ground down five complete discs” and “the process took over twenty minutes.”
The Hiplok DX1000 is more focused on the motorcycle market and carries a higher cost than the D1000. However, with a larger locking dimension than the D1000, it is better suited for larger bikes or e-bikes. It weighs a heavy 2.6kg, compared to the D1000, which is 1.9kg.
Both locks come with a lifetime guarantee and three keys.
D1000 Dimensions:
- Internal: 92mm x 155mm
- External: 155mm x 230mm
DX1000 Dimensions:
- Internal: 112mm x 205mm
- External: 180mm x 290mm
Hiplok D1000
Skunklock Carbon
From the US brand known for innovations such as ‘chemical deterrence systems’, comes the Skunklock Carbon. Made from a material containing Silicon Carbide, this lock has a large locking area and weighs 1.97kg.
Note that this lock (at the time of writing) has yet to undergo independent testing with Sold Secure, so continue checking the Sold Secure website before relying on this lock to comply with a UK cycle insurance policy.
Dimensions:
- Internal: 105mm x 227mm
- External: 179mm x 295mm
Litelok X1 and X3
From the Welsh brand Litelok, we have the X1 and X3 bike locks, both resistant to angle grinders.
The X3 is the bigger brother of the series, being heavier, larger, more resistant to attacks, and more expensive (usually around £100 more than the X1). The X1 weighs 1.7kg and the X3 2.1kg.
Both locks are made from a material named Barronium® (after the founder of Litelok, Prof. Neil Barron). The two locks come with a carry pouch and two keys.
X1 Dimensions:
- Internal: 101mm x 196mm
- External: 143mm x 265mm
X3 Dimensions:
- Internal: 100mm x 195mm
- External: 145mm x 275mm
LITELOK X1
Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500
From the 100-year-old German lock brand Abus comes the formidable Granit Super Extreme 2500. It’s one of the heavier locks on this list, weighing in at 2.47kg.
The hardened 27mm shackle has a plastic coating. The lock comes with two keys, and it’s relatively simple to order replacements if you lose them.
Dimensions:
102mm x 230mm
Do you need one of these bike locks?
Using one of these angle grinder-resistant locks can significantly increase the time and effort required by bike thieves, potentially deterring theft attempts altogether.
If you own a high-value bike, these high-security locks become very appealing, especially if you frequently lock up in high-crime areas and, of course, if your budget allows.
Non-angle grinder-resistant bike locks can be cut in a very short time (as we’ve all seen in online videos), but you can reduce this risk by using the correct locking technique. For example, it’s unlikely that a thief using an angle grinder will want to risk slipping and damaging the bike frame. This is where a tight fit becomes crucial.
Additionally, consider your cycle insurance policy requirements (if you have insurance), as it might stipulate the use of gold or diamond-rated locks if you own a high-value bike. You can pick up some standard diamond-rated (non-angle grinder-resistant) locks for less than £50 each.
When you have an angle grinder-resistant lock, it arguably becomes even more important to consider the security of your bike parts and what you’re locking to. Could a thief simply cut the cycle stand or rack and lift the bike away with the lock still intact? Are you using additional security measures, such as Hexlox, on your bike parts?
Are we missing a new bike lock release?
Will we see an anti-angle grinder-resistant lock from Kryptonite soon? Please drop us a quick message if you hear anything, and we will update this post.