Winch Anti-theft Method?

[NMC_EXP]

My FJ60 has a Warn 8274 mounted to the front ARB bumper. The winch is bolted to the bumper with four socket head cap screws.

I seem to recall a theft deterrent method which involved driving a soft lead plug into the socket head. This would make it necessary to drill and dig out the lead before being able to get an Allen wrench into the socket.

I realize that welding is the best way to go, but this fill the socket with lead method might deter 90% of the quick and dirty opportunistic thieves...if it actually works that is.

Anyone else heard of or tried this method?

[Patrolman]

Not heard of that. Only heard of welding.

[Jim]

I had not heard of the lead-fill method. Curious - but if someone wishes, they'd get it. Filling with glue or epoxy might be a tad more difficult to remove than pounded in lead.

Another option would be "locking bolts" (think wheel lug-nut style locks)

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/factor-55-winch-lock-bolt-key-3-8-16-fc-00001-01.html

http://lgcdn.jeep4x4center.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/270x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/i/winch-lock-bolt-key-fc-00001-01_3883.jpg

Others weld a housing over / around the bolt such that the housing is easy to grind off and the bolt is not changed. Mine, the bolts are spot welded. No need, yet (the day will come), to remove them to work on the winch.

Tuffy Security has this:
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-161-security-bolt-locker-for-winches-other-bolts.aspx

[dieseldoc]

Sounds like a good cheep fix if you have access.
Only issue I van see is finding the lead.

[Jim]

Only issue I van see is finding the lead.

No spare wheel weights kicking about the garage? Your local independent tire store will happily hand over one or two for some positive PR.

[scout man]

I would have to look, but I seem to recall having a bag of original (80s or so) locking bolts designed exactly for this purpose kicking around. In fact, I even know where they are. I don't know if they still make these for winches or not. If you really wanted, I would sell them to you.

[southpaws3]

institutional (corrections,prison) grade safety bolts you can order them 12-15 per bolt 50 for the correct locking socket (not worth it), IMO weld is the way to go, weld bolt then cap head of bolt.

[gm4x4lover]

Over kill if you ask me but remember it's far easier to steal the whole vehicle than remove a winch or tires. If someone truly wants it they will get it.

[southpaws3]

X2 w/ gm4x4lover

[ColoJeeper]

My method of protecting my winches is a little different. Buy Ramsey/Superwinch/Milemarker/whatever and than actively promote the fact that since they aren't Warn winches, they are really not worth stealing :lmao:

[Dutch]

I guess you guys all live in a different part of CO than I do. I've never had a winch tampered with or stolen.

[MultiScuf]

Lock-rite

[scout man]

typically when I build a winch bumper, I make sure its built in a way that the entire bumper needs to be removed to remove the winch. Typically this is a byproduct of tucking the winch in as tight as possible, but it also works as great theft prevention. Definitely easier to steal the entire vehicle then to remove a bumper to take a winch. Also, I have never had mine tampered with at all either.

[RidgeRunner]

typically when I build a winch bumper, I make sure its built in a way that the entire bumper needs to be removed to remove the winch. Typically this is a byproduct of tucking the winch in as tight as possible, but it also works as great theft prevention. Definitely easier to steal the entire vehicle then to remove a bumper to take a winch. Also, I have never had mine tampered with at all either.

Same here, on the bumper I just finished for the FZJ80, you can unbolt the winch from underneath but it won't come out unless you remove the bumper. I know that's not much help for those that have manufactured bumpers. I that case I think I'd tack weld the bolts in such a way it could be ground off in need be.