Securing a Winch

One recommendation I've seen (actually for use with off-road lights) is to use a slightly longer mounting bolt (with enough room to get a 2nd nut onto it), and tack weld that nut on so that you can grind the weld away and remove it if necessary.

Now you know that the only thing that can stop a really determined thief is lack of something to steal, right? ;-)

Jeremy

Usually a chastity belt will secure your wench. ;-)

Elbert wrote:

yea :)

Locks only keep the honest people out, spot weld the nut /bolt together for peace of mind.

-- Mad Dog

I secured winch and 5 wheels with special anti-theft wheel nuts (McGuard or similar) available at Autozone. Order them all with the same pattern and you will need only 1 insert/key for removal.

When I want to secure a winch, I usually ply her with booze and then tie her up with the sheets.

As for how I secure the electrical winches on my two boat trailers and truck is that I use extra long bolts. I then put two or three nuts on using high strength Loc-TiteT to secure them. If the thief wants your stuff, there isn't a lot you can do to stop him. The Loc-TiteT will just slow him down about as much as a spot weld on the nut will, and that is the point. Slow the thief down and make it too hard on him, time is his enemy. If you know that the Loc-TiteT is there its easy to get the nuts off by applying just a little heat from propane torch or even a propane cigarette lighter which will destroy the bond. Three nuts on four ¾-inch threaded bolt shafts bonded with Loc-TiteT, should discourage even a "King Kong" using wrenches.

Of course, a really mean dog sleeping in the truck bed or boat is much more effective. Dogs don't take prisoners.

Diamond Jim