Securing keys for tractors, utility vehicles, gates, etc.

[vvanders]

Had a house broken into while gone, used to collect keys to have around for rekeying rental property locks. Well found a pile of keys by the front door as we had double cylinder deadbolt locks and everything had to be carried out the very small bathroom window, none of the television got out but they took the remotes.

Sometimes having decoy keys around will waste lots of time. Also beware of tweakers having large key collections for having the off chance of matching some up, use better quality locks not having a limited amount of key combinations.

The vehicles we have all have chipped keys and extras are stored in a safe, so no ability to load things up and hotwire or drive off with the stuff.

David

Read about bump keys back when I was younger so I quickly fashioned one out of a paperclip + screwdriver I had laying around. Didn't think it could be that easy so gave it spin on the deadbolt of the apartment that I was living in. Took me ~20 seconds to pick the lock, upped my renters insurance shortly afterwards(then found out they don't pay if there's no sign of a break-in).

Locks keep people honest but not much else. Good security system + insurance is the way to go.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Read about bump keys back when I was younger so I quickly fashioned one out of a paperclip + screwdriver I had laying around. Didn't think it could be that easy so gave it spin on the deadbolt of the apartment that I was living in. Took me ~20 seconds to pick the lock, upped my renters insurance shortly afterwards(then found out they don't pay if there's no sign of a break-in).

Locks keep people honest but not much else. Good security system + insurance is the way to go.

Using the 6 pin locks, one more pin and slightly tighter tolerances. Have single cylinder deadbolts for night locks and double cylinder deadbots for when we leave.

David

 

[CalG]

I don't lock much at my place unless I go away but when I do there in a tin can somewhere in a dark corner of my shop along with so much other junk that I doubt anyone could find them even if I drew them a map.

this is how I do it too.

When I'm home, keys stay in the rigs, What if something important was needed!

 

[nyone]

I leave the key in my old ford 851 tractor. The fuel has a shut off and battery disconnected. The key is hard to see and even if they get it started the shift pattern is a real oddball.

My excavator usualy has the key in it. Not realy running to far with that. I have security cameras for the trailer theifs.

 

[shooterdon]

For gates and doors with hasps I use combination locks.

 

[FTG-05]

I know exactly where all my keys are:

- Kubota RTV, tractor and ZTR keys are in the ignition, can't lose them there. I do however, need to replace the RTV key since the plastic doohickey fell apart a couple weeks ago.
- Truck, pathfinder and car keys are in the center console, easy to find, easy to reach.
- House keys: that's a problem - haven't seen them since late 2013 when we had the house remodeled and replaced all the doors, including the outside doors including all the locksets. Maybe in a paint can in the shop mezzanine somewhere???

 

[Einthewoods]

Most of the keys I have are in what they start. If I am going away for the night I will remove the tractor key if I remember.

I have insurance and pictures/records of everything I own that I am concerned about. I'm not going to make my life more difficult in the chance that someone might steal from my property. This is also where it pays to be on at least decent terms with any neighbors near you - at least not be jerks to them. We are always paying attention to any vehicles that are unfamiliar. I have many a time jumped in my truck or quad and followed a car down the private road we live on to see what they are up to. My neighbors have done the same as well.

Aside from that, I hide all the other valuables and spare keys to everything in a box in th.....oh wait a second. I see what you did there! I almost gave away my secret hiding place! Sneaky fella. :laughing:

 

[lakeside]

I have a key ring for each of my keys and each ring has a coloured lanyard attached to it. If a key ring falls on the ground or, heaven forbid, into deep snow it's gone. The lanyard is a good visual indicator.

I keep my keys locked in a key press, inside a locked cabinet in my alarmed garage.

I believe all Kubotas share the same key per model. Switched-on thieves will likely bring their own key so locking up your keys will only deter the real amateurs. If you're concerned, and leaving my B26 outside overnight gives me the shivers, install an isolation switch or even remove a tire. It probably won't stop the professionals but it may delay them. Nothing will stop a determined thief, all you can do is slow him down or make it so painful he'll go somewhere else.

BTW: I park my B26 inside my garage and I have an electric garage door opener. I had a wall switch installed that controls the receptacle the garage door opener is plugged into. When I leave, I flip the switch which cuts power to the opener. Even if someone tries to spoof the opener, there's no power. My alarm installer also showed me something he'd just learned. Most outside garage door opener key pads are installed right in line with the inside door opener button. Knowing this, thieves may try to force the garage door enough to be able to either reach in, or use a tool to press the button. I installed a plywood plate between the button and the garage door. If someone forces the door, they still can't get at the switch. If you have an installation like this you could also relocated the button to somewhere else.

 

[Garandman]

We have a key box for the front door and garage. All other keys are stored hidden in a drawer unless we are away for a long time. Then they go in the safe.

The next step up is a locking cabinet. Example: Small Electronic Pistol Box | Gun Safes | Homak Manufacturing Caveat: most inexpensive cabinets are easily broken into by a determined thief.

 

[oosik]

Looong ago I made the decision that I would not alter my lifestyle because I was concerned about potential breakin and theft. I have insurance for loss due to theft.

I have found that security is very much like realestate - location, location, location - - we all know each other out here and are fully aware when an outsider is in our area.