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

[lakeside]

If you have multiple locks with different keys you may be able to get them keyed alike by a locksmith. As long as the key fits into the lock, even if it doesn't open it, a locksmith can key them alike. I was a locksmith in a previous life and I keyed padlocks alike as well as deadbolts and key-in-knob locks. As long as you bring the lock to the shop, it shouldn't cost more than $12-15 per cylinder.

BTW: Avoid the new re-keyable locks sold in big box stores. They are handy but come with a price. They can be easily defeated and some defeats won't even leave any outside signs of being defeated. Check out YouTube if you're thinking of buying one.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Here, insurance companies do give a discount for a monitored security system. But it is somewhat bogus as it's maybe a (one time) 10% discount that they offer for just about anything. Like having fire extinguishers.

Most people just make it too darn easy for people to steal their stuff. Multiple layers of security are always a good idea, but many people can't be bothered.

 

[newbury]

What do you all to safely secure keys from kids, visitors, or worse vandals?<snip>
Thanks for your thoughts.

I learned in the Army one of the best way to keep security is not to talk about it in public.
But I do favor the BBD security system Gary mentioned.

<snip>One thing that a lot of people do that really pisses me off is they lock the deadbolt and the bottom lock. Theyæ±*e never the same key either.

Why the H do you care? It's THEIR security - not yours.

 

[Diggin It]

All that stuff is for honest people. A dirtbag is going to get what they want. They can get the thing and be gone, or they can do a lot of damage to doors, windows, gates and whatnot getting to the thing.

I'm not sure keys even keep kids away. I see lots of stories of pre-teens stealing cars, lawnmowers, guns, etc. from their homes and going stupid with them.

Not much around here is fully locked or secured. I have fences, hedges and gates and NO ONE is permitted to come on the property unless escorted by me. If they do, they're trespassing. Cameras won't stop people (usually), but they can help identify the dirtbags and arrange accommodations at the Greybar Inn.

 

[Industrial Toys]

LAZY people always say that. The criminal will blah, blah, blah. Not true!

 

[4570Man]

LAZY people always say that. The criminal will blah, blah, blah. Not true!

It is true that if they want it they’ll get it. Maybe they’ll pick an easier target though.

 

[dougtrr2]

If you have multiple locks with different keys you may be able to get them keyed alike by a locksmith. As long as the key fits into the lock, even if it doesn't open it, a locksmith can key them alike. I was a locksmith in a previous life and I keyed padlocks alike as well as deadbolts and key-in-knob locks. As long as you bring the lock to the shop, it shouldn't cost more than $12-15 per cylinder.

BTW: Avoid the new re-keyable locks sold in big box stores. They are handy but come with a price. They can be easily defeated and some defeats won't even leave any outside signs of being defeated. Check out YouTube if you're thinking of buying one.

In some instances you can get padlocks that are keyed the same as your house keys.

Doug in SW IA

 

[Beltzington]

What do you all to safely secure keys from kids, visitors, or worse vandals?

Currently I have a keyring of my tractor, side by side, truck, trailer, various gates, shed, barn, etc. that I carry around with me. It's rather uncomfortable to carry so many keys all the time.

I thought about getting a locking keybox and put in my garage (attached to the house). However, I worry about someone breaking in and essentially finding the keys to everything in one spot.

I have searched around online for the past month or so thinking this through, looking at various extension sites and such. I haven't found any good advice other than the obvious of don't leave the keys in the vehicles and/or where they can be easily obtained.

How do larger farming operations handle security of keys? Does anyone have any good suggestions for putting the keys in a secure location so you don't have to carry them around all the time?

Thanks for your thoughts.

I bought a big JOB Box with the inset padlock niches, secured inside a shed to metal I-Beams. I keep all my other keys inside so all I need is one padlock key. Yes, someone with a cutting torch could gain access but all that will protect you against a motivated thief is insurance. Additional the box lets me keep tools onsite I would rather not loose.

 

[JamesHW]

My tractor is locked up in a sturdy shed and I padlocked it with the most expensive Master lock I could find (Magnum). Then found a YouTube video of a locksmith demonstrating how he could pick the lock faster than removing it from the packaging &#55357;&#56883;

He gave the Magnum high marks for the construction, only critiqued it’s cheap cylinder. Interestingly he showed how swapping out a cylinder from an inexpensive Master lock-out lock, and a bit of fiddling turned it into a halfway decent lock.

We also have a motion detecting security cam that alerts to our phones pointed at the shed which is visible to neighbors and passing cars, so not too concerned.

 

[Atchuuu]

Professional equipment thieves likely have this-