Kryptonite U locks

KRYPTONITE OFFERS FREE PRODUCT EXCHANGES TO ALL CURRENT OWNERS OF KRYPTONITE TUBULAR CYLINDER LOCKS

Lock Manufacturer Continues to Set the Standard for Security and Service

Canton, MA September 22, 2004 - Kryptonite today announced that the company is offering free product exchanges to all consumers who are concerned about the security of their current Kryptonite tubular cylinder locks.

At no charge to them, consumers will be able to exchange their current Kryptonite tubular cylinder lock for a Kryptonite non-tubular cylinder lock. Kryptonite will begin exchanging products within a few weeks as it accelerates product availability.

"At Kryptonite, we understand the responsibility that comes with being the market leader. Since we learned last week about the possibility of compromising some of the industry's tubular cylinder locks, we have been working diligently to devise the best and most responsible solution to address the concerns of consumers and to meet the needs of our distributors and retailers," said Steve Down, General Manager of Kryptonite. "We decided to simplify and expand our planned product upgrade program so that we could expedite the process for consumers and eliminate any lingering doubt in their minds about their locks. Standing by our customers is the responsible thing to do for those who rely on our security products to keep their valuables safe."

Kryptonite is offering a free product exchange to consumers who currently have Kryptonite locks using tubular cylinders. To participate in the free product exchange offer, consumers can visit the company's Web site at

Mr. Down concluded, "At Kryptonite, we constantly remind ourselves of our responsibility to lead and offer solutions - not excuses - that strengthen Kryptonite's relationships with consumers and channel partners. By instituting the most comprehensive program possible, we believe our company has again taken the lead in providing unprecedented customer support and service."

I'm interested to know what a "tubular" lock is in the first place. I presume we're talking about the kind manufactured by Sidleen etc, where the pins are facing you in a circle. If so, they're a bit more secure than ordinary locks as there's nothing to grab and twist (like the old vauxhall locks - stuff a large screwdriver in an twist in the body) but they are more difficult to pick than tumbler locks. I can only presume these are very low quality locks in the first place.

Alex

I'm assuming that these are the locks where the key is a short tube with a pattern ground on the end rather than a traditional Yale type. The pins are at the bottom of a circular slot on the lock, so they can't be picked with the usual tools. Most of the bike U-locks I've had have used this type, and the wheel-clamp for the caravan likewise. The video clip seems to show someone pushing a biro casing into the circular slot and just twisting to open the lock, which looks a bit alarming if it really is that easy. They are offering to replace any tubular locks with a cylinder lock, which must be the traditional type.

Incidentally, the Kryptonite website has changed since yesterday - there is now an online form to fill in to register a faulty product. I've submitted a response, but haven't heard anything back yet.