Lock options for JC Vac Doors?

[slash007]

I have JC combo vacs everywhere and the doors use the two small low security cam locks. I know that JC sells a high security lock options (not sure if I can retrofit?) but since I haven't really had any break in issues, I stayed with the cam locks even though I have bill acceptors. Well, last night someone with a key went into every single one. I am sure they are somehow related to a car wash somewhere, and my fear is that if I change to a different cam lock (different key) that they probably have that key as well. Any other options I should consider?

 

[Greg Pack]

All the old coleman vacs just about used one of two key numbers on the cam locks on the service door of the vacs and the bay meter doors. I recall someone coming through our area and actually stealing timers back in the late 90's or early 2000s. They have a wide variety of lock numbers available. A high security bar can be placed over the door. It just takes a drill, a small cobalt bit to drill a pilot hole, and a step bit to enlarge the hole. I managed to do it and I suck at anything that requires precision. In the event of bill acceptors I would opt for two bars on the door. They sell a lock shroud that can be welded to protect the disc lock but I don't bother with that. I would prefer the vandal to cut that lock off then peel the door open around the bar.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Check out the locks on page 6. I don't know how to copy and post it.

https://www.laigroup.com/pdf/600-complete.pdf

I used some of these out of necessity last year when I had some keys stolen. It is a very hard lock to drill, but can be done with the right stuff. An added benefit (or annoyance, however you look at it) is that the key can't be removed until locked, so a someone with keys would have to have two of them.

 

[slash007]

It's easier to just pry the door open than to drill out any lock, so I dont' want to invest too much in them. Never expected someone with a key to get in. Guy had a crowbar, so I'm lucky in a way that he had a key as there was no damage. Not sure what the best course of action is. I would rather not have a bunch of vacs with doors pried open. Greg, could you post a picture of the bar over the door? I have one over my change box, not sure how the door one would mount and not block anything.

 

[Greg Pack]

It's easier to just pry the door open than to drill out any lock, so I dont' want to invest too much in them. Never expected someone with a key to get in. Guy had a crowbar, so I'm lucky in a way that he had a key as there was no damage. Not sure what the best course of action is. I would rather not have a bunch of vacs with doors pried open. Greg, could you post a picture of the bar over the door? I have one over my change box, not sure how the door one would mount and not block anything.

Sorry, I don't. I don't have any as I didn't want the theft issues that come with bill acceptors in the vacs.

 

[MEP001]

There's nothing really special about the cam locks on Coleman vacs - the same ones that fit standard Weben doors will work.

Gem Cam Locks 5/8'' - Kleen-Rite

Find genuine Gem cam locks and accessories for your facility at Kleen-Rite! Order today for the best deals!

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

 

[slash007]

You're right. I saw they sell Medeco cam locks as well. Need to decide if odds of somone having a key or using a crowbar are higher. In 12 years I've only had 2-3 other attempts at breaking into a vac at this location, so that factors in as well.

 

[MEP001]

No one will have a key to your Gem lock unless you give it out. There are 800,000 possible keys. The downside is they're incredibly easy to open with the right tool.

It's pretty easy to pry the door open regardless of which cam lock you use - I'd rather have them break $15 locks than $35 locks. If you're only worried about someone getting in but not breaking in, the Medeco might be your best option. Only the very best locksmiths can pick them.

For what reason are they getting into your vacs?

 

[Rfreeman]

I believe Slash is concerned bc he has bill acceptors on his vacs

 

[slash007]

Yep, bill acceptors. I love having them as they are super convenient, but someone having a key is a game changer. I think I have enough old locks around with a different key that I will put on first to see if they move on to phase 2 and use a crowbar. If changing locks fixes things, I'll buy new locks in a few weeks. Found 1 vac open this morning even though it was storming and pouring rain all night. Thought with the storms I'd be fine.

 

[Rfreeman]

Slash no cameras on site where you could see who this person is or their vehicle at least? Yeah I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing someone is out there with a copy of my key to anything on either of my sites.

 

[Greg Pack]

You could maybe use the L brackets that are used on the clean out doors but again as you recognize you're struck with the decision of if you want them to peel the door open doing hundreds of dollars in damage, or unlock it and stealing the twelve bucks out of the vacuum.

 

[slash007]

I have more cameras than any sane person should have. I have video of everything, but can't make out the plates since it was dark. I even have the face of the crack head and of the guy that met him onsite and gave him a key.

There is also the theory that it could be like unlocked cars. Leave your car unlocked and they rummage through it. Lock it and they leave it alone. Not a guarantee they will break open the doors. I for sure prefer they take the money and don't damage anything, but then days like this morning you find a door open and it's pouring rain. The internal damage would be worse. I at least have to make it harder for them to get access and hope they get away.

I was able to find enough locks in my inventory to replace all the door locks. I'll put those on now and see what happens. I do have a lead on one of the guys involved, but don't want to call the police since they could care less. Once I had a guy break into my work van and steal tons of tools. 2 weeks later I found him in one of my hotel rooms. Called the police. Even though they knew it was him since I had his face on video, they let him go and said I would have to go downtown and press charges. When I went to do that, they said since it was over $500 it was a felony and the detective would have to press charges. I never heard from them again.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Here is what I did for an air machine where the disc locks were attacked and thought I might use 2 for Coleman Vacs to cover the round locks. Made a slot in the Hockey Puck locks. Perhaps intimidating looking to make them not want to bother.

 

[MEP001]

Kind of a hack job, but it ought to work.

 

[Earl Weiss]

FYI the case photo above is mangled because of the times the Disc locks were broken into. Since I did this with the Hockey puck locks - No break ins. I attache the Hockey Puck locks with the larger part containing the portion where you insert the key against the case.

 

[MEP001]

There are puck-style locks that accept Medeco plug locks as well, the main benefit of which is that you can unlock them and remove the key, then press the lock cylinder back in to lock them without the key. You'd probably have to take them to a machine shop to do it since most are hardened steel, but if they were drilled and tapped to attach to the door it would be a lot less bother if you go into the vacs daily. I use the CobraLock version on my IVS vac coin boxes with a bar - I may try this on my Fragramatics doors.

 

[Rfreeman]

Slash

What did you ever do on your vac doors? I have a similar situation, came to the wash this morning and found all my doors open so I have my guys cut 2 slots on either side so I can insert a locking bar across the machines. Putting a disc lock on the end with a lock guard

 

[Earl Weiss]

cut 2 slots on either side so I can insert a locking bar across the machines. Putting a disc lock on the end with a lock guard

Disc locks with lock guards are just so - so. Maybe you want to put a hockey puck lock on that bar.