DIY wheel locks: protecting yourself from theft. Simple do-it-yourself locks Drawings of locks for wheels

Car theft is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Russia. However, even the presence of the most modern and reliable anti-theft means is not capable of 100% protecting the car from burglars. The solution, of course, is to install a secret device, which makes it much more difficult to steal your car. vehicle. This mechanism and methods for installing it are described in detail in this article.

Car secrets and their types

The secret is an auxiliary mechanism or button. This device is installed in a selected location and blocks, in the event of an attempt to steal, the starting of engine units or the shifting of the gearbox. A button or toggle switch does not always act as a secret; it can be bolts and nuts installed on wheels or numbers. Nevertheless, this remedy will most likely keep the car intact. The secret can also block the hood lock and the operation of the fuel pump, to prevent fuel drainage and theft of spare parts. If we compare the alarm system and the secret lock, then the second option is the most profitable, primarily due to its size and cost.

Modern secret devices are installed in various places, for example, on the hood, engine, wheels, license plates. You can make a secret with your own hands.

On car wheels.

This device on wheels was common in times of shortage. Prevented attacks on vehicles. They are divided by profile - with a figured profile, asymmetrical polygon or perforated. A bolt with a non-standard head shape makes dismantling using improvised means much more difficult. Made in the form of a polygon, they differ in the number of sides, and the more multifaceted such a secret is, the more expensive it is.

If you choose cheap secret mechanisms, then it will not be difficult for experienced attackers to remove the wheels from your vehicle. This is because the number of key combinations is very small. At the same time, due to poor quality material, the splines may be damaged. The wheels, of course, will remain in place, but removing them will now be a problem for the owner himself.

You need to choose a secret famous brand according to several criteria:

1. Quality of workmanship. The metal of the product must be as hard as possible to avoid drilling the core for a regular key or other device. You can check the hardness of the metal with a regular file.
2. Surface. It is better to choose a product with a galvanized surface to avoid sticking. Chrome-plated secrets look better, but they are not immune to this.

The best secret devices for car wheels are made by brands such as McGard and Farad.

On the hood of a car

This type of mechanism is designed to protect parts of the car located under the hood. The main task is to block an attacker from getting under the hood of your car. The most common secret installed on this part of the car is the installation of another cable to open it. The cable that opens the hood from the inside is equipped with a lock that prevents penetration into engine compartment. You can also install an electromechanical lock, which will also prevent the hood from being broken into. The same systems can be installed in the trunk of a car to protect its contents.

On a car engine

Significantly complicates car theft, since it will take the thief considerable time to remove the protection. The principle of operation is similar to an immobilizer, but you do not need any keys or items that you must always have with you, you just need to turn on the toggle switch where you place it.

The principle of operation of the secret is quite simple. An additional circuit is installed that breaks the power supply, for example, with the ignition. Without this system, naturally, starting the engine will be impossible. The location where the button or toggle switch is located is individually discussed with the car owner. Such secrets can be of varying degrees of complexity - from a simple button to an object moved to the right place. Most models have a “service” mode, which allows you not to reveal the location of the toggle switch when performing Maintenance. The engine lock is most difficult for injection-type engines due to the presence of a large number of circuits, when opened, starting is impossible.

The advantages of this type of mechanism are: relatively low cost (about $50), secrecy, the presence of an autonomous mode of operation (when the battery is removed), and ease of operation. The secret will be even more effective if it is professionally installed. The most reliable devices were products from Meguna, Escont, Validator.

On license plates.

The resale of rolled up license plates to the rightful owner has been thriving for quite some time. The attacker, as a rule, says that he found them and asks for payment for his services, and the owner simply does not want to bother with getting new numbers, wasting nerves, time and money. Therefore, car owners buy back their license plates from thieves.

But license plates can also be removed with subsequent theft of the car. How can you protect your car from twisting this important part? Paid parking is not available everywhere, so you need a product that protects you in all conditions. Secrets for license plates can reduce the likelihood by 90%. How do they work?

The numbers are equipped with special bolts with an unusual head, which are difficult to find a key for. License plate protection also comes in the form of a special stainless steel frame that covers the entire number. The number plate is screwed to the frame with bolts, the cap of which is cut off. If a thief sets his sights on stealing this part of the car, it will be very difficult to stop him, but if you install a lock nut and do not tighten it tightly, turning the bolts will cause certain problems for thieves.

Making a secret with your own hands

If you combine imagination, technical intelligence and different kinds car protection, you can create a unique tool that is beyond the power of a car thief. Or you can use ready-made advice from experts, if you can’t come up with your own method.

• install toggle switches in various places in the cabin to break the circuits that are routed to the ends of the starter or carburetor;
• valve overlap exhaust pipe using remote control;
• installation of a magnetic latch to lock the steering wheel and gearbox;
• immobilizer, installed on the electrical circuits leading to the starter;
• mounting a radio transmitter that closes the circuit leading to the starter or carburetor.

The simplest options include locking the steering wheel using a special poker device that can be locked; you can do it yourself at home if you have the appropriate skills.

Types of handmade secrets are divided into active and passive. For example, for passive devices it is necessary to apply voltage, only after this the engine starts. In this case, the attacker loses valuable time and leaves the car.

You can also build a mechanical means of protection, for example, on wheels using old bolts from the classics, but this will require remarkable skill and dexterity.

However, many owners opt for the mechanical method, citing the fact that mechanics fail less often than electrical circuits. Each car owner, when creating such a device, must have a set of tools, knowledge of electrical and mechanics, and the ability to competently install the device.

There are many nuances when choosing a method to protect your car from theft. There is no need to put a cheap wheel lock on the wheels - this can lead to breakage or deformation of the bolts and further difficulties in installing the wheels themselves. It should be remembered that the DIY installation process without certain knowledge is impossible or associated with many problems. The secret goes well with the security alarm. Even a simple, flashy “anti-theft” will scare away a thief. An individual alarm system will cause a lot of trouble for a burglar. Installation of the secret is quick and easy if done by professionals. A relatively cheap and simple device can reduce the likelihood of theft or damage to a vehicle by 90%. It is also necessary to take into account the risks when making homemade electrical secrets, because illiterate installation threatens not only your car, but also the property of other people in the event of a short circuit.

It is best to install such protective equipment at specialized stations to exclude all possible breakdowns due to improper assembly and installation. But it’s worth remembering that some car services may be in cahoots with car thieves, which allows them to easily bypass all of your car’s security systems. To avoid this, you can consider installing a secret device in a neighboring region. It is also necessary to insure your car, because installing even the most advanced security protection does not guarantee the safety of your car.

Below is a video about installing a secret button on your car.

It is hardly worth questioning the usefulness of the so-called secrets, which honestly fulfill their role of protecting the wheels of your car from attempted theft. Unfortunately, quite often there are situations when, due to the loss of a special key with a security configuration, vehicle owners are forced to suffer mechanical damage rim, or turn to expensive car service services.

Meanwhile, there is a fairly simple method for dismantling secrets, which, to be honest, is sometimes used by attackers. However, there is no shame in adopting useful experience, especially since if this problem arises, you will not have to wait for darkness and work, fearing not only the alarm, but also late passers-by.

Removing the lock by tightening adjacent bolts

Let’s make a reservation right away that despite its apparent simplicity, this method will require you to spend a significant amount of time and considerable physical effort, but as a result you will have expensive items undamaged by a craftsman from the miracle service alloy wheels.

1. When starting work, you first need to tighten all the standard bolts and nuts on the wheel with maximum force, excluding the lock itself. This will remove the load from the secret.
2. Next, you need to lift the wheel with a jack and tap the lock with gentle blows from all sides. This can be done by shaking the wheel in different directions. Having completed this preliminary procedure, we lower the wheel.
3. At the next stage, all existing bolts and nuts are unscrewed - while the wheel remains secured with one lock.
4. Having raised the wheel again on the jack, with light efforts we perform several loosening movements on the hub (to increase the effect, you can first spray the wheel lock with WD-40 or a similar-priced preparation).
5. After this, the standard bolts and nuts are installed in place, and they are again tightened with maximum force. An important condition is that the tightening should be done symmetrically to avoid distortion of the disk.
6. As a rule, after this procedure the secret is so weakened that it can be easily unscrewed by hand.
7. If the secret is very stuck, and you couldn’t remove it the first time, it’s okay, slowly, repeat the procedure and the desired result will not be long in coming.

Removing locks using a nut extractor

In order to remove the secretion from the wheel using an extractor, you need a set of this tool, a hammer and a wheel wrench

Extractor- overheated socket head with increased strength. The internal part has a characteristic helical thread on the left side (opposite to the standard thread)

How is it used?

The extractor is driven with a hammer directly over the secret nut, after which it is unscrewed with a standard wheel wrench

Removal with Gator Grip or Gross attachment

Unfortunately [or fortunately], it is not possible to remove all the secrets with the universal Gator Grip or Gross attachments. Only secret fasteners with an external pattern, such as in the photo below, can be used.

Such or similar secretions can be easily removed with a universal Gross or Gator Grip attachment

Remove McGard and Farad Secrets with Gator Grip

Remove secrets Farad And McGard This attachment does not work, because... The pins of the attachment do not fit inside the secret pattern

We take up welding

In addition to the method that we talked about, there is always the opportunity to go to a car service and, having welded steel bolts to the wheel nuts, carefully unscrew the damaged secret. Be sure to protect the cast aluminum wheel while welding. It must be covered with fire-resistant fabric.

How to remove the secret. Video

Recovering a key using a secret code

If by luck you didn’t throw away the secret packaging, then you are very lucky. You can order a duplicate key from official dealer McGard, for example this one or this one. The cost of such a service is from 1500 rubles

The driver’s biggest headache when buying and operating a car is the thought that his new “swallow” could be stolen. Apparently, once upon a time someone got tired of this annoying thought, and he came up with such things as wheel locks.

This is one of the devices presented on automotive market, which can protect your car from theft, and also prevent the theft of individual car parts. Moreover, secrets can not only be purchased, but also made in your own garage.

What are these devices and why are they needed?

The most main function secret - to protect the car from theft. This device may take the form of hidden buttons that block the starter, hood lock and fuel pump, as well as secret keys, bolts and nuts on the wheels, which make it impossible to steal the car. These are not the only options for presenting secrets; there are many others.

If the secret is installed on the engine, then the engine should not start without those actions that are known only to the owner of the car.

Besides that If there are locks on the wheels, the car will not be stolen, and the wheels will also not be stolen. If a person does not have a special key, then no matter how much effort the thief makes, he will not be able to remove the wheel from the car.

The secrets that are installed on the motor are electrical devices, and those that are installed on the wheels operate on a mechanical principle. The simplest example of an electrical secret is a secret toggle switch that breaks the power supply circuit of the electric fuel pump, the starter relay circuit or the ignition circuit.

Electric secrets work most effectively, especially if your keys, which had an alarm switch on them, were stolen. It is clear that the car will not start unless you press a special button.

Even the most sophisticated one will not protect your car from theft if the thief has extensive experience in such activities, but if you have a secret, it will be very difficult to carry out the planned crime. The most important advantage of the secret is its uniqueness, as well as the lack of serial releases.

How to remove the secret from a wheel without keys

Electric anti-theft locks are extremely popular, but mechanical devices perform their function no less well. Mechanical locks are presented in the form of bolts or nuts. They best protect your car wheels from theft. Installing these things is not very difficult due to the use of a special unique key. Secrets are unique due to the presence of a special design on it, which is displayed on the corresponding key. It is highly recommended not to lose this key, as without it it will be very difficult to remove the wheel.

Experts also give recommendations regarding the installation of secrets. Before tightening them, it is advisable to lubricate the threads. Since a gun is often used to install locks, there is a high probability that such a nut will stick to the thread in the same way as an ordinary one.

But what should you do if the security key is broken or lost? In this case, the secret will be a problem for both you and the hijacker. It will be necessary to think a lot about the question of how to remove these nuts and bolts. There are two ways to solve this issue, but they are similar in that their implementation requires a lot of patience, time, accuracy and effort.

Method No. 1

You need to try to loosen the lock by tightening and loosening the remaining bolts. First you need to tighten the wheel nuts as much as possible. This will reduce the load on the protective device. Then you need to lift the wheel with a jack, knock on the secret bolt on all sides, and then lower the wheel.

After this, you need to unscrew all the bolts except the secret one. You only need to leave it tightened. Next, you need to support the wheel using a jack, after which you need to carefully and easily shake it on the hub.

At the end, you need to screw in all the bolts and nuts again, and as tightly as possible. Thanks to this, the load on the secretaries will again decrease. They need to be screwed in as symmetrically as possible so that the disk does not become warped. After this, you need to try to unscrew the secret again.

This method will give results when the seal cannot be unscrewed due to sticking to the thread.

Method No. 2

This option is applicable when there is no key, but the secret can be unscrewed freely. That is, the problem here is how to remove the plug without using a key. To do this, you need to try to find a head that fits in diameter. It needs to be hammered onto the bolt using a sledgehammer. After this, you need to try to rip it off with a crank. This will often be the solution to the safety device problem.

If you don’t have a sledgehammer in your “arsenal”, then welding is quite suitable for these purposes, with the help of which you need to weld a regular bolt to the head of the lock. If alloy wheels are installed on the wheels of your car, then before performing this “operation” the disk must be covered with asbestos for protection, and welding must be done either semi-automatically or automatically.

Today, welding joints are not made very conscientiously, that is, they take not very good material, but otherwise the welding will not cope with the task.

In addition to these methods, there are many others, but the vast majority of them either do not help at all or are almost impossible to implement.

If you have no particular desire to spend a lot of time and energy dismantling the secret lock without using a key, then it is better to go to a car service center. A specialist will deal with such a problem quickly, but such work will cost money.

How to make secrets yourself

Making wheel locks is quite difficult. Those who want to prove their skill in such a matter will make these bolts. Otherwise, it is better to spend some money on purchasing high-quality foreign-made bolts to protect your car from theft.

To make it, you need to take ordinary bolts, for example, from a VAZ. Using a blank, you need to make three symmetrical holes and thread them. Then you need to make a large hole in the center for the bolt and so on. The most important thing is that the gap is no more than 0.2 - 0.3 mm.

In general, making mechanical locks is more expensive for yourself. It's better to make it electric. For this there are several options:

The security lock is an excellent protective measure against car theft and theft of wheels from it.

Using a car alarm allows you to ensure the safety of your vehicle. But due to the fact that many criminals have learned to hack anti-theft systems, car owners are more often installing additional lines of protection on their cars. One of such devices is a car anti-theft security device.

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How does a secret car work?

The owner of a security device with a mechanical or automatic transmission transmission must press a special button before starting the engine. If the anti-theft system on your car is equipped with a magnet, then you need to attach the key to it and enter the password. Depending on the type of anti-theft device installed, you may need to turn the key additionally. If a thief manages to hack the security system and the siren does not produce alarm signals, he will need time to find and disable the button.

The detailed operating principle of the secret system is discussed using the example of a simple but effective blocker:

1. The car owner enters the code after stopping the engine. This allows you to lock the steering shaft.
2. If a criminal tries to steal a car and start the engine, the engine will start. However, it will randomly stop after a few minutes. This option is implemented by the developers so that the hijacker cannot travel far.
3. If the criminal finds the location where the security device is installed, he will try to enter the code. As a result of several unsuccessful entry attempts, all major vehicle systems will be locked.
4. Perhaps after this there will be attempts to steal a car by unlocking the nodes. In this case, the mechanisms will begin to emit alarm signals, scaring off the criminal.

The Axius-Auto channel talks about the principle of operation of the device using the example of the “Igla” model and Range car Rover.

Type of secrets by mechanism

Secret devices are divided into mechanical and electronic. The first option is simpler in terms of design. The second, thanks to the presence of an electronic component, will provide reliable protection auto.

Mechanical

This method of protecting a car is used for different purposes:

1. Blocking car wheels. The anti-theft device is made in the form of a locking product equipped with a screw and nut. The bottom line is that the device has a unique design and a key equipped with a special print. This element is used to open the locking product.
2. Door or wheel locks.
3. Devices designed to protect doors luggage compartment or the hood.
4. Mechanisms for blocking the muffler.

Electronic

This type of blockers is divided into several groups:

• secrets on the buttons to block operation power unit;
• motion sensors to detect activity in the car or near the car;
• electric shockers to shock a criminal when attempting to steal a car;
• mechanisms equipped with passwords that allow you to disable the secret button.

Types of secrets according to the principle of action

The car security device has different type operation and operation:

1. The sequence of entering the code, the password is indicated by the key.
2. Enabling and disabling the blocking unit using a code that is entered in numbers.
3. Deactivation and activation of the secret with passwords specified by sequentially pressing the standard toggle switches. Regulators can be used to control the heating system or car radio during certain events. For example, when the ignition is turned off or turned on several times in succession.
4. Secret motion sensors. They are turned on when an attacker illegally enters the car interior. The controller does not reveal its presence, but transmits coordinates about the location of the vehicle to the car owner. Transfer is carried out via mobile device or through the official web resource of the developer.
5. Blocking of the power unit during illegal start of the internal combustion engine. These devices cannot track the coordinates of the vehicle, but do not allow an attacker to drive it.
6. A hinged type of anti-theft lock for a car, which belongs to the class of mechanical devices.
7. Lock products equipped with an additional siren. If a car is broken into and it is not possible to disable the secret, it begins to play alarm signals. This type of device is usually connected to a battery or has a built-in battery.

Auto electrician Sergei Zaitsev spoke about the types of secret mechanisms and their operating principle.

On car wheels

Secrets of this type are presented in three types according to the profile:

1. In a polygon body. Devices made in this form are simple in design and design, so they are the least safe. The number of polygon faces varies from eight to forty, the number of these elements is directly proportional to the level of protection. The device is installed using special bolts located outside and inside.
2. Secret mechanisms equipped with a figured profile. This type of device is complex in terms of design and it allows you to reliably protect the wheels of the vehicle. The profile component is characterized by a set of lines with different curvatures. If the thief does not have a key, then he will not be able to unscrew the screw and unlock the wheels.
3. Perforated devices. There are special holes installed in the head of the bolts, which differ in size and depth. These elements are usually arranged in a chaotic order.

One of the most reliable types of wheel locks are hybrid devices that combine the advantages of figured and holed ones.

On the hood

An engine compartment locking device is a device designed to prevent theft of key engine components. This type of secret is made in the form of a lock and belongs to the mechanical variety. The blocking element itself is mounted to the side of the locking product, opposite to the standard cable. At the other end, the locking mechanism itself with a key is installed; it can be located under the dashboard or in the glove compartment. If the second mechanism is locked, then using the standard handle you will not be able to open the engine compartment.

A demonstration of the operation of a secret lock installed on the hood was presented by user Leonid Kovalenok.

On the engine

Starter block blocking card using relay

Step-by-step instruction

Guide to creating and installing a homemade secret:

1. Inside the car, the plastic panels around the steering wheel and ignition switch are dismantled.
2. A search is carried out for the electrical lines that go to the starter mechanism.
3. An insertion is made into the found circuit. To do this, carefully remove the insulating layer from the section of the cable going to the starter. The contact elements from the transceiver are connected to it.
4. The radio receiver is fixed. It is important that it is securely fastened so that it does not vibrate during movement. The place on the conductor where the device was connected must be insulated.
5. At the final stage, a diagnosis of the correct operation of the secret is carried out. The radio transmitter comes with a device for unlocking and closing the power line. The chain should be restored when the driver approaches the car.

User Dmitry Bondarchuk talks about independent procedure making a secret mechanism to prevent theft.

How to install the secret?

You can put it on your car different variants blocking devices. But the easiest way is to install locking screws on the wheels.

What will you need?

To complete the task you will need:

• drill with blank;
• working screws, for example, can be taken from a VAZ;
• wireless relay;
• several wires to connect.

Step-by-step installation instructions

Installation Guide for Secret Locking Device:

1. Using a drill with a blank, you need to make three holes. They are drilled so that they are located symmetrically relative to each other. Once the hole is ready, it is threaded.
2. It is recommended to make another well, but its diameter should be larger. The hole is equipped with a thread. At this stage, it is better to contact a professional turner.
3. The bolts are installed in the hole on the wheel rim. The fastening elements must be properly fixed in the frame.
4. To ensure a consistent key click is done electrical system. You will need a wireless relay.
5. The component is installed on any section of the line at cross-cut. Installation must be done with a positive output. When carrying out the task, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of laying the standard power line. The cables from the wheel lock are led into the car interior, to the area dashboard or another place on the dashboard. To ensure hidden installation, the ends of the conductors can be brought out under the control panel or into the glove compartment.
6. Then, following technical management, which comes with a secret mechanism, the electronic part of the lock is installed. A switch is installed in the place where the wires are routed, and it is securely fixed. The connection is made in accordance with the diagram.

Mos-Olimp channel as an example Honda car shows the process of installing a touch blocker.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages characteristic of locking mechanisms:

1. Providing an additional level of vehicle protection. If the car is equipped with a security system, then installing a blocking device will become another obstacle for an attacker. Additional protection is characterized by low cost.
2. Device efficiency. When trying to disable the secret mechanism, the criminal will lose precious time. As practice shows, attackers leave the car.
3. Branded devices connected to the car's electrical network consume almost no electricity. Therefore, the consumer will not encounter the problem of battery discharge when the battery is partially discharged.
4. Installation of secret locking mechanisms is possible on any vehicle model.
5. Reliable protection. If the code is entered incorrectly, all vehicle systems are blocked, the operation of which is necessary to start and move the car. Depending on the device model, failure of the mechanisms may occur if three incorrect codes are entered incorrectly.
6. There is no possibility of signal interception, as is the case with a security complex.

According to reviews, the secret lock has one drawback - it cannot guarantee the complete safety of the car. If the criminal is experienced, then he knows about possible places button installations. Some attackers probe the chairs during a break-in.

How much does anti-theft security cost?

The price of the device depends on the type of blocker and its manufacturer.