Beyond the Padlock

Feb 1, 2007 12:00 PM

With thefts from commercial and delivery vehicles increasing, the hinge lock — with a track record stretching almost 20 years — is garnering renewed interest as a door lock that can provide increased protection.

“This type of lock is definitely designed better than a padlock — we recommend that our commercial customers use it for security on every vehicle,” says Rob Buck, president of Sterling Fleet Outfitters Inc., Richmond, B.C., a company that outfits commercial vans and trucks.

In applications such as trade contracting, mobile sales, goods transportation, utility trucks, roll-off containers, equipment and goods storage and even vending machines, OEM locks and traditional after-market padlocks may not deter professional thieves. Despite improved heavy-duty construction of these locks, the basic design (dating back centuries in some cases) accounts for a weak link.

“What we used before, that didn't work, was a regular hasp and padlock. Thieves pry off the hasp or cut the shackle on the padlock,” says J.J. Gage, president of RA-Lock Company Inc., Midlothian, Texas, a manufacturer and designer of high security housings.

“For many of our commercial accounts, we are recommending the TUFLOC hinge lock design, as it incorporates a high-security lock with a key that inserts up into the hasp itself,” says Gage. “You turn the key, pull the core down, and that releases the hasp. This gets around the weaknesses of older designs.”

Manufactured by Esmet Inc., Canton, Ohio, the lock was developed for utility, service and delivery vehicles. Composed of two interlocking wings, the design is also compatible with a variety of building door types, including those that close inward, outward, are double-swinging, sliding or roll-up. With the use of shims, it can also be mounted to contoured or gradually sloping door profiles.

By eliminating the shackle and hasp, the hinge lock sidesteps the vulnerabilities of conventional locks. For instance, padlocks provide multiple exposed access points for thieves to cut through.

“This type of design is very hard, if not impossible, to get into, and its physical presence on the vehicle acts as a deterrent to theft — it looks strong and impenetrable,” Buck says. “When properly installed with the heavy-duty backing plate, thieves cannot get into the vehicle, unlike regular locks that can be pried off with a crowbar.”

“The stainless steel and nickel-plated material that this lock has can withstand a beating up here in Canada,” Buck says. “Even with all the salt and cold weather, it will outlast any other lock on the vehicle.”

“Most tradesman carry up to $10,000 worth of tools in their vehicle,” Buck adds. “All it takes is being cleaned out once and they recognize the value of a quality lock.”

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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