Understanding the Process of Replacing Your Lost Pinhead Keys

Losing your keys can be a frustrating experience, leading to feelings of panic and stress. Whether you've misplaced your key or lost it, don't fret. This blog post will guide you through the steps involved in replacing lost keys, along with practical tips for preventing future loss.

What to Do First: Assess the Situation

When you first realize your keys are missing/lost, don't fret!. Start by retracing your steps and looking in places where you last had them. Many Pinhead customers tend to keep their keys on their bike or somewhere near where they store their riding gear.

If, after a thorough search, you still can’t find them, we can help. If you registered your keys with us and wrote the Key ID Code down in a safe place, just head to: https://www.pinheadbikelocks.com/store/Key-Scan-p685695617 and just input your code into the appropriate field when completing your replacement key order.

However, many of our customers have registered their keys with us but didn't write them down (or may have misplaced where they put their code) but we are happy to search our database to help. Simply send an email to support@pinheadcomponents.com with your full name and the email address you think you might have registered your key with. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

In the event, we don't have you registered, don't worry! We've still got your covered. Head to: https://www.pinheadbikelocks.com/store/Key-Scan-p685695617 and upload a picture of your Pinhead lock directly into the order.

There are some guidelines for sending in the right pictures we can use to run a key scan. The picture must be taken directly above (headset lock) or beside (wheel lock/seat post lock) and centred in the picture. See example below.

Once we receive your order it will be processed within 2-3 business days and then we will ship it right out to you!

Replacement Keys - Which Key to Order?

Replacement keys for wheel locks differ depending on which axle your bike uses . Here are the three types of axles:

1. Quick Release Locks: Many bikes still use quick release and the key code on your key will begin with either NK7B or NK0C. Here is a picture of what they look like:

   
   

   

   
   

2. Thru Axles: Many newer bikes, especially gravel and mountain bikes with front suspension are moving to thru axles systems. The keys for thru axles will share the same key with solid axles (the exception is our M12 solid axle lock for E-Bikes) and will start with NK1S.

   
   

3. Solid Axles: These axles are common with many fixed gear/single speed bikes, bikes with internal gear hubs, as well as many old steel or vintage road bikes. BMX bikes also use a solid axle and these keys, as mentioned above are used by Thru Axle systems as well, and will begin with NK1S.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Solid Axle M12 for E-Bikes: These keys are somewhat specific to E-Bikes with hub drive motors and begin with the code NKM1. These keys look similar to the solid/thru axle keys however due to the larger diameter, the keys are bigger and have their own key combinations.

   
   
   
   

Preventative Measures to Avoid Losing Your Keys Again

Once you've gone through the process of replacing your lost key, it’s time to think about how to avoid losing them in the future. The easiest way to do this is to visit: https://www.pinheadbikelocks.com/register-key-s and fill out our registration form. We will keep your key code safe and readily available if you need to order one again.

As losing your key can be a difficult experience, we always suggest writing your key code down and keeping it in a safe place or storing it safely on your mobile device. As a best practice, we also suggest ordering a spare key and keeping it somewhere safe. We provide an attractive discount to ordering a second replacement key!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding either and order or how we can help protect your bike, please visit us at our website, https://www.pinheadbikelocks.com/ and use the chat function to contact us!

Happy Riding!