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I tried searching, but got a lot of stuff that wasn't even related. I just bought a B&W Tow and Stow. I have an old locking pin, but have seen a bunch of videos showing how easy they are to break. I'd like a good one for this expensive hitch. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, are there any good options to secure or replace the smaller pins on this hitch? Thanks for your help!
I like Bolt locking hitch pins because I can get them to use my ignition key to lock and unlock them. That being said, I'd expect anything with a locking mechanism will be vulnerable to destructive attacks.
That being said, I'd expect anything with a locking mechanism will be vulnerable to destructive attacks.
Yep, locks only keep honest people honest. I have a locking pin from Reese and it's hardened steel and it's been a good lock for a number of years but could be easily defeated with a battery powered grinder. 30 years ago, no one would even try to cut that lock off, but such are the times we live in today.
Another vote here for Bolt Lock. I use them for the hitch pin and also to lock the trailer tongue. I like them because they use my ignition key so I don’t have to keep track of another key.
Thanks for the replies guys. as I was looking at the Bolt Lock, I stumbled across Infinity Locks: Infinity Lock It solves several problems. A common complaint with the Tow and Stow is people stealing the ball mount pins (there are three). This combo, while expensive, solves this. It also uses a different locking mechanism which screws into the pin, instead of a collar and groove that's easily broken with a pipe or pry bar/large screw driver. Thanks again for the info
Well, no locks are very good in the end. I can't find any good videos about the Bolt locks other than the ones from the Bolt company that I don't really expect to be unbiased. I did find this one about that other lock though. In the end, a cordless angle grinder is probably the most universal tool that none of these things will stand up to, and any lock is going to stop the random unplanned crimes most likely.
Because of the way most of these locking hitch pins work, it seems thieves are mainly carrying a small pry bar or short piece of pipe for their work. They can snap off the pin at the groove in a few seconds. Hopefully, the won't turn to picking hitch locks! Though, I'm also thinking of running a small cable through one of the holes on the B&W. Its all about making thieves keep walking due to inconvenience really. With a variety of tools and some time, there's just no stopping them. I was really puzzled by what to do about the other three pins on the hitch. This locking set takes care of that issue, but I wish it was a less expensive.
I'm not worried about it at the house. I back up in the drive way and have cameras. We don't have issue with theft in the neighborhood anyway...yet. Its mainly when the truck is parked at a restaurant or store that I'm worried about and hoping to make my hitch not worth the bother. Ultimately, you hit a point where you've done all you can do! Again, thanks for the input. Its much appreciated!
I have and use a Bolt lock pin I have never had any problem with it or the 2 Bolt locking cables that I have to keep my ramps for being stolen. Plus you use the same key that comes with the vehicle, including Pickups with Push Button start.
TJ
Well, no locks are very good in the end. I can't find any good videos about the Bolt locks other than the ones from the Bolt company that I don't really expect to be unbiased. I did find this one about that other lock though. In the end, a cordless angle grinder is probably the most universal tool that none of these things will stand up to, and any lock is going to stop the random unplanned crimes most likely.
Don't start watching his videos or you'll start wondering why you ever lock anything to begin with. End of the day, the vast majority of the commercially available locks can be easily defeated if someone knows what they're doing (and some easily defeated by just brute force). My rule of thumb is, you don't have to make your stuff impossible to steal, you just have to make it harder than the guy next to you (or the average traveler in this case). If someone really wants your stuff and is willing/able to plan out how to get it, they're going to get it. If it's a crime of opportunity, even a crappy lock can be enough of a deterrent for someone to pass over your truck and look at the next truck without the security devices.
Because of the way most of these locking hitch pins work, it seems thieves are mainly carrying a small pry bar or short piece of pipe for their work. They can snap off the pin at the groove in a few seconds. Hopefully, the won't turn to picking hitch locks! Though, I'm also thinking of running a small cable through one of the holes on the B&W. Its all about making thieves keep walking due to inconvenience really. With a variety of tools and some time, there's just no stopping them. I was really puzzled by what to do about the other three pins on the hitch. This locking set takes care of that issue, but I wish it was a less expensive.
I'm not worried about it at the house. I back up in the drive way and have cameras. We don't have issue with theft in the neighborhood anyway...yet. Its mainly when the truck is parked at a restaurant or store that I'm worried about and hoping to make my hitch not worth the bother. Ultimately, you hit a point where you've done all you can do! Again, thanks for the input. Its much appreciated!
Yes, that's what I'd expect too. Though carrying one jiggler or using a hairpin doesn't look like it'd be hard. I'd think most attacks would be on the violent side of the spectrum, not the skilled/prepared side. Bolt has a video that shows how resistant to pipes their lock is, but I don't trust it very much being from Bolt themselves. I'd love it if I could find a comparison between the Bolt and Infinity lock with a pipe/prying attack done by a third party. Are some of the pins different sizes? Isn't that kit just 4 normal locking pins? Anyway, it looks like those locks will work fine other than the inconvenience. I've been on a kick to reduce my amount of keys lately, and don't need a grapefruit sized lump in my pockets. Getting things keyed alike is great.
Yes, that's what I'd expect too. Though carrying one jiggler or using a hairpin doesn't look like it'd be hard. I'd think most attacks would be on the violent side of the spectrum, not the skilled/prepared side. Bolt has a video that shows how resistant to pipes their lock is, but I don't trust it very much being from Bolt themselves. I'd love it if I could find a comparison between the Bolt and Infinity lock with a pipe/prying attack done by a third party. Are some of the pins different sizes? Isn't that kit just 4 normal locking pins? Anyway, it looks like those locks will work fine other than the inconvenience. I've been on a kick to reduce my amount of keys lately, and don't need a grapefruit sized lump in my pockets. Getting things keyed alike is great.
The main pin is shorter, otherwise there the same and keyed alike. I figure it'll look like too much trouble to tweakers and high school kids
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