Winch Security (anit-theft)

[TMP]

Just wondering what peeps are doing to keep their winches from being stolen? I know you can have a piece of steel welded over a bolt but I also just came across this:

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-161-security-bolt-locker-for-winches-other-bolts.aspx

Would probably stop casual theft, and although anything can be stolen, including the whole truck, this would stop an opportunist for sure. Obviously insurance is covering the vehicle and accessories but thieves just suck and avoiding the situation is the best policy.

 

[kolelt]

Just wondering what peeps are doing to keep their winches from being stolen? I know you can have a piece of steel welded over a bolt but I also just came across this:

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-161-security-bolt-locker-for-winches-other-bolts.aspx

Would probably stop casual theft, and although anything can be stolen, including the whole truck, this would stop an opportunist for sure. Obviously insurance is covering the vehicle and accessories but thieves just suck and avoiding the situation is the best policy.

I was looking at this product before. Just installed a winch not to long ago also. Had one experience where my LED light bar got stolen. Now its welded, so good luck lol. Anyways, you could weld something over a winch bolt, but if you need to do repair work. Just be prepared to grind, cut and weld again. Not a big deal really. But I like this idea better. There's actually another company, I think factor 55 who makes a special bolt. Its basically a bolt with a special key/socket. So i think this, and the bolt will be good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp6iI6_FNKo

 

[reelamin]

just wondering what peeps are doing to keep their winches from being stolen? I know you can have a piece of steel welded over a bolt but i also just came across this:

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-161-security-bolt-locker-for-winches-other-bolts.aspx

would probably stop casual theft, and although anything can be stolen, including the whole truck, this would stop an opportunist for sure. Obviously insurance is covering the vehicle and accessories but thieves just suck and avoiding the situation is the best policy.

weld the bolts!!!

 

[Mark_BC]

How about one of the keyed lug nuts??? LOLOL

 

[JayRolla]

I was thinking the same thing during my install. But after I found out how heavy and hard it was to get to the bolts I kind of just let it go. A little tack weld per bolt goes a long way also.

 

[TMP]

I believe welding the bolts would be a bad idea. Compromised strength and super PITA if I had to remove the winch.

I did see the factor 55 security bolt but also see it is a grade 5 bolt as opposed to grade 8 that comes with the winch. I suppose 1 weaker bolt might not be an issue. Is anyone running the Factor 55 winch lock?

 

[JayRolla]

I believe welding the bolts would be a bad idea. Compromised strength and super PITA if I had to remove the winch.

I did see the factor 55 security bolt but also see it is a grade 5 bolt as opposed to grade 8 that comes with the winch. I suppose 1 weaker bolt might not be an issue. Is anyone running the Factor 55 winch lock?

Tack weld. Hit it with a grinder and it comes right off. But again it would be very hard to reach those bolts.

 

[jmsdad]

As mentioned...tack one or two bolts. I actually went backwards and put the wire cable back in and sold off the synthetic rope. Made it less desirable for thieves.

 

[Mark_BC]

Tack weld. Hit it with a grinder and it comes right off. But again it would be very hard to reach those bolts.

Maybe a way to avoid this is to just weld on a couple of tabs across between the winch and mount that you'd just have to grind / cut off when you want to remove it, that way you don't mess around with threads and bolt strength.