Trailer security

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Finally did something that I felt was noteworthy. I've wanted a way to lock my trailer hitch, but I am too cheap to buy the locking kit. For this brand of hitch, there is not a cheap way to do it. I think the pictures will explain it better than I can. I used some scrap 1.25" angle about 3" long. Drilled a 3/8" hole for the lock. The handle is cast steel. I had to grind it flat to get a place to weld. I didn't think this weld came out too bad either. This was with a Lincoln SP135, .023 wire with gas. This was verticle up. On a side note, this was all welded while running off my generator. Sure was easier than stringing 100' cord. I think it welds better on the genny anyway. Attached Images
Reply:Lock is out in open too easy to smack with BFH, need to add some sort of inclosure make it whack proof.Ranger 250 GXTSmith Gas Axe
Reply:I would also worry about someone hitting it with a hammer and the weld breaking on the cast. Your design is easy quick and most likely effective, but I would do it different.Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:A lock like that can be cut with a cheap bolt cutter in a matter of seconds.  The circle locks that don't have the ring part of the lock exposed are better.  Your design will probably keep 90% of theives out but the other 10% will get in no matter what you do.  They use cordless angle grinders.
Reply:Good idea Meat man.  I agree with ponch37300 on the round style lock though to prevent a quick cut with a bolt cutter (something most thieves would have handy).MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:I think it's ok for what it is.Nothing is thief proof if they're determined to get it.A lot of guys just remove the hitch post when the trailer's gonna be sitting idle for a long time."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I can't criticize the advice for improved security: boxing the lock, etc.  But I agree with Farmersamm.  Locks keep honest people honest.  The tougher you make it to steal the more damage the theif who wants it will do to get it.-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Nice work on that.   I agree with the other comments about disc lock, box or plate over the top to prevent whacking with big eff'ing hammer, etc.If someone is absolutely determined to get your stuff, they will.  An honest company in the security business just sells degrees of resistance, that's all.
Reply:I agree with the disc lock, that was already my plan but I need to make it to the hardware store. That cheap a$$ lock was more of a photo prop than anything. It's not much more than a glorified piece of baling wire. I thought about some type of plate or box around the lock, but after I got to looking at, this is more of a deterent as stated above. I also chain one of the wheels to the leaf spring (also just a deterent). Mainly just wanting to keep the thieves moving. If they want it, they'll get it. But it makes me sleep better that they will have to work at it a little.
Reply:Nice job, if they decide to steal it at least make em work for it.  Chain big dog to trailer, feed dog 2 times per week."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Originally Posted by kolotNice job, if they decide to steal it at least make em work for it.  Chain big dog to trailer, feed dog 2 times per week.
Reply:That sucks, Ken.  A shame that there's such eff'd-up people in this world that would hurt an animal like that.  Sorry to hear about your dog.
Reply:Originally Posted by SpyGuyThat sucks, Ken.  A shame that there's such eff'd-up people in this world that would hurt an animal like that.  Sorry to hear about your dog.
Reply:Originally Posted by Ken Dennis  I hate thieves!