steering wheel lock

[Pascal]

Hi,

Does anybody have recommendations for a good steering wheel lock (bar across the steering wheel) that would act as a reasonable deterrent without being to bulky to handle?

In the meantime what part would you remove from the engine to prevent a thief from starting the car?

Regards,
Pascal
1970 4-door saloon

[Packedup]

In the meantime what part would you remove from the engine to prevent a thief from starting the car?

Rotor arm, main HT lead, or even just disconnect one of the coil LT wires - I doubt many of the typical casual scum would know how to spot any of that, let alone carry a spare arm or HT lead!

It might be worth simply getting an imobiliser though. I've got one heading my way from Feebay, they seem to go for between 10 and 15 pounds and should be easy to wire up (so long as you're running neg earth)

Not actually sure if I'll be using mine as I'm also after an alarm, and it seems nearly every alarm now has an imobiliser built in too. And if you're worried about theft an alarm has got to be worth having, even if most of the time people just ignore them.

[Pascal]

Is there a risk with removing and putting back the rotor arm frequently?

[wibble_puppy]

Hi Pascal, I have the type of steering wheel lock which is a large disc which fits over the whole wheel and locks round it. You need a large size, they are often for sale on Ebay. Apparently they are a more efficient anti-theft device than the type which is a bar locking across the wheel.

[tickman]

i have one a little like this (i think) no need for the key to lock it and it shrinks quite small and goes under the seat!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Steering-Wheel-Lo ... 0090383327

not too sure if it is exactly the same.
you must remember and device is only used to either slow them down or pick on the next car! if they really want it they will take it and there is unfortunatly very little we can do to stop them!

[bigginger]

As we've said often before, and avoiding discussions on 'how' or 'why', this type are seriously unlikely to slow a thief down for more than seconds. Don't buy one, they're useless. The 'disc over the wheel' type are a bit harder to get off, I've heard.

[Pascal]

I think the objective is to let the yobs go to the next car. Given the (limited) value of my Moggy I don't think it will attract serious thieves. The only issue I have with disc over locks it that they are so bulky I will be unlikely to use one all the time. You want something you can fit in seconds without thinking about it.

[NZJLY]

Is there a risk with removing and putting back the rotor arm frequently?

Only if you loose it

John

[tickman]

I think the objective is to let the yobs go to the next car.....The only issue I have with disc over locks it that they are so bulky I will be unlikely to use one all the time. You want something you can fit in seconds without thinking about it.

this was exactly my point. i have witnessed a car being stolen, if i had the keys to that car i could not have got it away in the time that they did. i knew i would not use a large disc type of lock as it is too big. i had to consider the "easy to use" vs "will stop the car being taken" i am quite happy for the car next to mine to be stolen, i would just rather that they didn't take mine. (actually my wife's and not mine!)

[bigginger]

All the above understood. Thing is, the most inexperienced thief ever knows how to remove the stick across the wheel lock. If it makes you feel more secure, go ahead with it, but don't rely on it even as a deterrent. Not trying to preach here, just friendly advice.

[alex_holden]

All the above understood. Thing is, the most inexperienced thief ever knows how to remove the stick across the wheel lock. If it makes you feel more secure, go ahead with it, but don't rely on it even as a deterrent. Not trying to preach here, just friendly advice.

That reminds me of the time an 8-year-old from a rough estate told me how to break a steering column lock and hotwire an ignition switch.

[bigginger]

Most of them would probably know the 'secret' of this as well

[Pascal]

Ok, if breaking one of these canes if so easy obviously there's no point even spending ten quid on one.

I think I'll go for the kill switch. In the meantime I've removed the HT coil lead. I was quite shocked to learn about Jeramay's traveller going missing in my home town

[bigginger]

That's my feeling too, certainly Sorry, but it's fairly important that people realise, I thought.

[stevey]

I use a good old fashioned chain and lock. Wrap the chain in pipe lagging foam stuff to stop it marking the wheel and wrap it round the chair base. sure puts people off, hard to cut, and if its a good lock no problems. Cheap and chearfull

[Pascal]

Actually that's a brilliant idea! I've been using one for years on my scooter but never thought of that for the car! There's a lot of choice arond so finding one that fit shouldn't be a problem.

By the way how long (in time and distance) would a moggy run with the fuel pump cut off?

[stevey]

By the way how long (in time and distance) would a moggy run with the fuel pump cut off?

Not long, like a few minutes if your lucky

[Welung666]

Well I've made it maybe 300 yards at the most after forgetting to turn Phoebe's pump back on

[tickman]

I use a good old fashioned chain and lock. Wrap the chain in pipe lagging foam stuff to stop it marking the wheel and wrap it round the chair base. sure puts people off, hard to cut, and if its a good lock no problems. Cheap and chearfull

just as useless as the lock that i use! not a good solution i am affraid. if you really want to protect it then you need the full disc style! i just knew that i would use it less so i didn't go for one.

i do not want to say on the forum why these are just as bad. if you want to know pm me. it is quite obvious when you know.

john.

[bigginger]

Thanks for the avoidance