Angle grinders are powerful tools that can cut through metal, concrete, and other materials with ease. However, they are also a common tool used by thieves to cut through locks and steal bicycles, motorcycles, and other valuables. Traditional locks are often no match for an angle grinder, which can cut through most locks in a matter of seconds. This has led to the development of new locks and materials that are specifically designed to resist cutting from an angle grinder. In this article, we will explore the latest technology and techniques that can stop an angle grinder in its tracks and keep your belongings safe from theft.
The Answer: Proteus, the World’s First Non-Cuttable Material
The answer to the question of what material is angle grinder proof is Proteus, the world’s first manufactured non-cuttable material. Proteus is a composite material that consists of ceramic spheres embedded in a cellular aluminum structure. When an angle grinder or a drill tries to cut through Proteus, the ceramic spheres vibrate and create destructive waves that blunt the cutting tool and damage the machine. Proteus is so effective that it can withstand 15 minutes of continuous cutting with an angle grinder, while a normal steel plate would be cut in less than a minute.
Proteus was invented by a team of researchers from the UK and Germany, who were inspired by natural materials such as grapefruit peel and abalone shells, which have high resistance to cutting and penetration. Proteus is named after the shape-shifting Greek god, who could not be captured or restrained. The researchers hope that Proteus can be used to create angle grinder-proof bike locks, security doors, armor, and protective clothing.
While Proteus is the most angle grinder-proof material currently available, it is not the only one that offers a high degree of resistance. There are other materials and locks that have been developed in recent years that can also deter thieves and protect your valuables. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Litelok X3: This is the most angle grinder-resistant bike lock currently available, according to independent tests by Sold Secure, a leading security testing organization. Litelok X3 uses Ferosafe, a composite graphene material that is extremely hard and durable. Litelok X3 can withstand 17 minutes of continuous cutting with an angle grinder, which is more than any other bike lock on the market.
Hiplok D1000: This is another bike lock that uses Ferosafe composite graphene material to resist angle grinders. Hiplok D1000 has a square profile hardened steel core that protects against tools such as bolt croppers, and it features anti-rotation double locking tabs to prevent thieves from cutting through both sides of the lock. Hiplok D1000 can withstand 16 minutes of continuous cutting with an angle grinder, which is very close to Litelok X3.
Altor SAF: This is a lock that claims to be angle grinder-proof for 30 minutes, based on a video demonstration by the company. Altor SAF uses a patented folding design that creates multiple layers of hardened steel that are difficult to cut through. Altor SAF is not portable, as it weighs 13.5 pounds, and it has not been tested by Sold Secure, so its angle grinder resistance is not verified by an independent source.
Skunklock: This is a lock that releases a cloud of noxious gas when cut with an angle grinder, making it difficult for thieves to continue with their theft. Skunklock may not prevent cutting altogether, but it certainly makes it less appealing for would-be thieves. Skunklock has been tested by Sold Secure and carries a Gold rating, which means it can withstand at least five minutes of cutting with an angle grinder.
How to Make Your Lock More Angle Grinder-Resistant
In addition to using a lock that is specifically designed to resist cutting from an angle grinder, there are also some techniques that you can use to make your lock more angle grinder-resistant. Here are some tips that can help you secure your bike or other valuables more effectively:
Place your lock in a position that makes it difficult to access with an angle grinder. For example, lock your bike to a thick, immovable object, such as a street sign or a railing, and make sure that the lock is close to the object and away from the ground. This will make it harder for thieves to get a good angle and leverage with their angle grinder.
Use multiple locks to make it more time-consuming and difficult for thieves to cut through all of them. For example, use a combination of a u-lock and a chain lock, or two u-locks, to secure your bike to an object and to itself. This will force thieves to cut through more than one lock, which will increase the risk of being caught or running out of battery power.
Choose a lock that has a thick shackle or chain, as this will take longer to cut through than a thin one. For example, a lock with a 16 mm shackle or chain will take twice as long to cut through as a lock with an 8 mm shackle or chain. However, keep in mind that a thicker lock will also be heavier and more expensive, so you need to balance the trade-off between security and convenience.
Angle grinders are a serious threat to the security of your bike and other valuables, as they can cut through most locks in a matter of seconds. However, there are ways to protect yourself from angle grinder theft, such as using a lock or a material that is specifically designed to resist cutting from an angle grinder, or using techniques that make your lock more difficult to access or cut through with an angle grinder. The most angle grinder-proof material currently available is Proteus, the world’s first manufactured non-cuttable material, which can withstand 15 minutes of continuous cutting with an angle grinder. Other angle grinder-resistant materials and locks include Litelok X3, Hiplok D1000, Altor SAF, and Skunklock, which can also offer a high degree of resistance. By using these materials and locks, and following the tips in this article, you can deter thieves and keep your belongings safe from harm.
