How hard is it to cut through a gun cable lock?

Like the title says - is it easy to cut through a gun lock?
Im thinking of using a spare to lock my motorcycle helmet, and I doubt anyone will spend much time trying to get a cheap (100 bucks new) helmet that's had my sweat dumped into it, but I do want to be safe

Depends on tools at hand or how determined of theif. With a battery grinder and slicer wheel less than a min but again not many theives are walking around with those so depends on your comfort level.

With heavy tools, not difficult, but to the opportunistic/smash & grab thief, I think a gun lock would serve you well. I used to use one to lock my $1k+ mountain bike to my bike rack if I had to run into a store real quick on y way to or from the trails.

I've cut a cable lock off a gun with a Leatherman.
Seems like maybe a large rock was used to help the process.

That's what I use to lock the spare helmet to my bike.

Button Pusher said:

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Awesome, but totally different than what I asked about.


To those that also use gun locks and suggest them - thanks for reassuring me.

Send me a reminder PM this afternoon and I'll be glad to sacrifice one of mine, for science. I have several.

Locks just keep honest people honest and deter the snatch and grab thefts. Any lock can be defeated with increasing time and effort.

Cold chisel ,hammer and a piece of iron to pound against. One or two whacks.

I have a coffee can full of locks and keys my father in law had when he passed. Give me your address and I will send you one free.

You can defeat an average lock pretty easily without even breaking it.

If you mean these locks, it is not hard. However I think the risk that anyone who has a good cutter will also want your helmet is low.

Thanks for the offer, but I, too, have several laying around collecting dust

Do any of you know anyone who actually uses these things on their guns?

HMP said:

Thanks for the offer, but I, too, have several laying around collecting dust

Do any of you know anyone who actually uses these things on their guns?

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Only place I ever use them is when I carry guns on an airline. The only reason I lock the box is to keep the TSA drones honest.

HMP said:

Awesome, but totally different than what I asked about.

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I realize that, the bad guys want quick and easy access. If they really want what you have a cable or better lock protecting,
they will use a 18V battery powered grinder with thin aluminum oxide wheel, the cheap China gun lock hasps are cut quickly.
If it is high dollar value they use liquid nitrogen to chill the lock and then smack it with a hammer to shatter the hasp.

It’s going to keep honest people honest but if anyone really wants it they’ll take it.


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The type that would steal a helmet are the grab and run type. So I think a cable lock would work fine. I use them to lock tree stands in the back of pick up trucks when traveling. Same type of person that would steal a helmet would steal a tree stand, but any resistance I believe will thwart their plans

I've defeated one with a hammer and a flat head screw driver before.

I use a plastic covered cable lock to lock my helmet to my bike when my top box and saddlebags are full. Like everyone else said, a good set of bolt cutters will cut right through it like butter. My helmet was north of $600 so I try to tell myself that the lock is secure but in reality, anything can be stolen.