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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: JackConrad on April 16, 2008, 05:50:50 PM

Title: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: JackConrad on April 16, 2008, 05:50:50 PM
Here is a photo of the fuel cap lock I made for our bus today while visiting a busnut friend mear Mayodan, NC.  Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: chazwood on April 16, 2008, 06:13:13 PM
Ten minutes with a plasma cutter and I could have that thing beggin' for mercy..
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: belfert on April 16, 2008, 06:20:04 PM
How many thieves carry around a plasma cutter?  Most theives look for an easy score that won't attract attention.  If they have to start sawing and cutting they'll move onto the next vehicle.
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 16, 2008, 06:24:43 PM
That's pretty cool Jack...and don;t worry bout Chazwood, when he starts cuttin' with that plazma cutter...I'll get him with my Ray Gun! ;D
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: chazwood on April 16, 2008, 06:25:51 PM
Dang....... you guys are a tough audience. >:(
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 16, 2008, 06:28:17 PM
Chazwood...only cause we lov ya mon!
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 16, 2008, 06:30:16 PM
Hmmmm,

I never thought there might be fuel in those two buses Kyle left me.....Gold mine.... :P

Cliff
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 16, 2008, 06:46:24 PM
Cliff...I wonder if Kyle has the same 'buckshot bees' down there as he has at the orphanage?  Makes a man wonder! ;D
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 16, 2008, 06:48:12 PM
Jack,

That diesel evaporates at a faster rate here in the Deep South.... ;D

Cliff
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 16, 2008, 06:53:43 PM
Cliff...'specially with the cap off and the hose...
By the way...Dianne says she want one of those steaks too!
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 16, 2008, 06:56:20 PM
Tell Dianne the only way to get one, is to show up.... :P

Cliff
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: tekebird on April 16, 2008, 07:26:10 PM
10 seconds with a bolt cutter
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 16, 2008, 07:28:55 PM
Doug...it still goes back to the old; "Most crooks go for the easy steal!  If they have to work at it they usually go on to the next one."  Besides, I have that Ray Gun if they try to get Jack's liquid gold! ;D
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: kyle4501 on April 16, 2008, 07:36:55 PM
Hey Cliff, You can have all the alge you want  :o

We left just enough fuel to make it to the next fuel stop. Thought we'd starve the alge that way . . .  ???

But if the darn thing won't run, we can't move 'em & you don't want to be the one telling Julie why . . . do you?  ::)  :o  ;D



BTW, If I see someone with bolt cutters pokin' around my bus, there is a very good chance the police will hear only one side of the story & I'm gonna be the one talkin'  8)
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Dreamscape on April 16, 2008, 07:42:05 PM
Nice job Jack!

Sure there are those that would try to take our fuel, but any kind of lock is a deterrent and will slow them down.

Anything is better than nothing.

Paul
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Glenn MC9 on April 16, 2008, 07:43:46 PM
"10 seconds with a bolt cutter"

Not if he puts one of these dudes on.
http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/style_search.pl?dir=/residential/highsecurity/&style_id=A4&sub_style_id=C473
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 16, 2008, 07:47:01 PM
I may end up putting a lock on the filler too!

I have a cam lock on the fuel door.  This was more to keep some idiot from putting something in,

then stealing at the time.  But is much more useful now.

I agree though that, "make it more difficult" and they will move onto an easier target.

Cliff
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: FloridaCliff on April 16, 2008, 07:49:24 PM
"10 seconds with a bolt cutter"

Not if he puts one of these dudes on.
http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/style_search.pl?dir=/residential/highsecurity/&style_id=A4&sub_style_id=C473

Glenn,

I am using a few of these at remote sites.

Hard to cut for sure, and in a limited access area like behind a fuel door, almost impossible.

Cliff
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: chazwood on April 16, 2008, 08:02:43 PM
9 seconds......... with a stick of dynamite.


Next!
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Barn Owl on April 16, 2008, 09:20:49 PM
What Jack has done is a deterrent and nothing else. It’s all you can do. I have to break into things all of the time where I work and there is nothing that will stop someone who is determined.  Higher quality locks and hasps only slow things down somewhat. What Jack has done is complicate things a bit for the thief. Instead of just a hose or pump and someplace to put the fuel, the thief would need more. For an inexpensive hasp, a hacksaw will work well. Also bolt cutters on the lock or on the hasp eye loop. Moving up the tool list how about a cordless reciprocating saw with a nice bi-metal blade. If he had power and noise was not an issue a 4 ½ inch angle grinder with a metal cut-off blade would work. Better yet, a pneumatic cut off wheel using the bus air. I can pick just about any padlock with a traditional tumbler using a modified hacksaw blade and a small screwdriver. I'll stop it there. Anyways, I want to put something on my fuel filler also but mine is designed differently and I am not sure how I want to do it. But like Jack’s, it will serve only to make someone else’s fuel a more worthwhile take.

Anyone have one of those nice big gun safes (I do). I can have one opened and cleaned out in less than ten minutes. The sad part is that it doesn’t take any skill, just the right tool (I’m not talking about a plasma cutter or acetylene).

I use a similar saw to the one below at work, and it is amazing how well it cuts the big stuff:

http://www.dynamic-saw-blade-sharpening.com/metal-sawblade-machines.html
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Barn Owl on April 16, 2008, 09:25:18 PM
One thing I failed to mentioned. The thief, unless he has previously checked, wouldn’t be expecting that lock so the great odds are he wouldn’t have anything to defeat it available. I think what Jack did is a great idea.
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Brassman on April 16, 2008, 09:50:00 PM
Hopefully, the c*cksucker doesn't pull the plug from the bottom of the tank.
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Glenn MC9 on April 17, 2008, 03:51:07 AM
Barn Owl, you're right. Given a little time and the right tool, just about and security device can be defeated.

Note: As I started trying this, a news channel in Atlanta had a news clip about police arresting three guys that were going around to apartment complexes and siphoning gas from vehicles. One guy they interviewed had been hit three different times. He figured his loss to be around $350.00.

Now, back to our regular scheduled program:

What I was gonna say is, that most security devices (locks, hasps, etc.) is only designed to keep the honest person out. I personally think Jack's idea is sort of neat and cheap. I've considered doing something like this myself.
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: JackConrad on April 17, 2008, 05:15:56 AM
     My main concern was those few times we stop at a rest area, truck stop, Walmart, etc. for the night. Any noise created while trying to remove the lock will give me time to step out the door with my 45 cal. Ruger. I agree if someone wants the fuel bad enough, they will get it. However, most crooks are looking for an easy target. In any parking area, which is easier, a vehicle with a locked fuel cap or all the vehicles without a locked cap.  Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: jackhartjr on April 17, 2008, 05:32:13 AM
Jack...don't forget...I'll be the one in the backgroud with the ray gun...you won't need the little one!
Give my best to Paula.
Jack
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: buswarrior on April 17, 2008, 07:37:23 AM
You can be sure anyone wandering around a truck stop with bolt cutters, saws, etc, or making the rounds between the vehicles, will be quietly observed by every set of eyes in the place, and no doubt challenged by more than few.

Locks on the fuel are a wonderful thing to make the perp look elsewhere, and some piece of mind for the owner.

Thanks for sharing, Jack!

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: Fuel Cap Lock
Post by: Lee Bradley on April 17, 2008, 09:02:53 AM
...as my dad always said 'Locks only keep honest people out'.
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