Lp Tank Lock

lewster · 05-26-2006, 07:31 PM

Here is a simple, effective way to secure your LP tanks so you don't have to worry that your perfectly polished Worthingtons might 'take a walk'. Check out my ad in the classified section. I tried to post a pic here, but my format is too large.

Killo1 · 05-26-2006, 11:13 PM

Great to know. Was just thinking of upgrading to bigger aluminum tanks and was a little worried about some snagging my gas. What size all thread is it for (dia and pitch)?

dwightdi · 05-27-2006, 06:03 AM

I have used a bike cable lock for years to lock the tanks and the bikes all at one time. Cheap but not bulletproof but it keep the casual thieves away. Nothing can stop profesionals. It has also stopped tanks from working loose. I developed a little clip that prevents this also but is not intended to stop thieves but could be adapted with a real lock.

lewster · 05-27-2006, 06:41 AM

It will fit just about any thread. Check out my ad in the classifieds for a visual.

The operation is simple: place the lower section of the lock on the threaded rod, then thread a nylock nut in what ever size fits your rod down to the lower section. Clamp the upper section to the lower section, turn the key and you're done. The lock device rotates freely around the nylock nut so it can't be moved and neither can the large retaining wing nut below it. The tanks are locked in place.

But as we all know, If someone wants something bad enough, they'll find a way!!

georgezink · 12-19-2008, 06:56 PM

I know this is an old thread and there may be newer posts elsewhere, but I need your ideas for securing my aluminum LP tanks. Don't want to have them stolen. Had a bit of trouble understanding the ideas being presented here, so any an all suggestions would be appreciated. Photo's would be great. Thanks, Geo...

flashbackk · 12-19-2008, 07:08 PM

Ya well make sure you do it. I lost my aluminum tanks 3 weeks ago and I am just sick about it. What a world.

TBRich · 12-19-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgezink

I know this is an old thread and there may be newer posts elsewhere, but I need your ideas for securing my aluminum LP tanks. Don't want to have them stolen. Had a bit of trouble understanding the ideas being presented here, so any an all suggestions would be appreciated. Photo's would be great. Thanks, Geo...

Here are pictures of the lock Lew sells...(we got ours from him)... We use a regular nut inside the lock as opposed to a nylock nut because we had such trouble getting the nylock bolt off when we needed to. Then to keep the potential thief from using the hand-turned wing nut to put pressure up against the lock nut and potentially unscrewing it, we took the hand-turned wing nut off. With the hand-turned nut gone, it's nearly impossible to unscrew the bolt inside the lock...

Pic #1: Lock in place, closed...it swivels freely around the bolt and nut...
Pic #2: Lock open exposing the nut...

Janet's Husband · 12-19-2008, 09:38 PM

I use a vinyl cable lock run through the bottles and around the welded in mount on the bottom.
I have thought of using metal stamps to stamp in ID information. Like, "These tanks were stolen from Janet' Husband"
But as always, locks only keep honest people honest. Determined crooks will get what ever they want. Sorry for your loss.

georgezink · 12-19-2008, 10:31 PM

Thanks -- both good ideas. Perhaps I should do both, just to slow the thieves down a bit longer. It's unfortunate that we live in times when some folks think they are entitled to the stuff you spent untold hours working on. If I charged myself by the hour, this Minuet would be worth $30k at least. I'd rather not have it just walk off. Geo...

Mikethefixit · 12-19-2008, 10:39 PM

I have one of Lew's locks. It looks good. Installs easy. I think I had to buy the proper size nut for the rod. So far so good.Lew.
Not let me see HUMMMMM what did I do with the key . Just kiddin.
Thanks Lew
Roger

imeynstein · 12-19-2008, 11:12 PM

Question regarding LP tanks....I have a 1974 AS Sovereign...It appears that the LP tanks are original but have been painted with some type of metallic silver paint. Did my AS have aluminum tanks, or should I try to repaint them???? (I am going to try to polish my AS this summer)--that is if I can resolve my wiring issues.....

**azflycaster** · 12-19-2008, 11:16 PM

If someone painted them, I would guess that they are steel. You can test the tanks very easily with a magnet. A magnet will attach to a steel tank and not to an aluminum tank.

imeynstein · 12-19-2008, 11:20 PM

I will try it!! I know a have a magnet around this house somewhere....If they ARE painted, would it be 'safe' to use orange stripper on them and then polish them???

**azflycaster** · 12-19-2008, 11:41 PM

You could do that, but I bet that they are steel.