BlueRaleigh

So Yakima makes this lock for the hitch pin. It looks pretty cheesy, like a file cabinet lock or a laptop lock. Does anyone have a better way of securing their rack to their hitch? I'm thinking of just putting some blue loctite on the threads and putting an air ratchet on the bolt.

BikingCivic

ehhh i doubt that would be strong enough....somethings gotta give...either rounding the nuts, or breaking the bolt. Yakima is not the only one that makes hitch pin locks.

BlueRaleigh

I decided you were right. Blue Loctite would not be strong enough, hence I went with red. The package said about 110 ft-lbs to break loose the blue, vs about 250 ft-lbs to break loose the red. I was a bit concerned about this, but after doing some research, I found the proper way to remove red is to heat the bolt with a torch and then put a big breaker bar on it. It's not likely any thief would go to that much trouble.

I'm really not worried about needing to remove the rack from my car. Unless the car dies and I need a new car, then the rack will stay on. And if that happens, I'll just grab the torch and breaker bar.

BTW, I read some reviews on those hitch pin locks last night. A couple people said they were able to snap them right off by simply unscrewing the bolt. I think they're false security, so to anyone else out there looking to secure their hitch rack, go with the red Loctite.

BlueRaleigh

P.S. I suppose a thief might round off the bolt trying to remove it. That would definitely suck. But I still think the risk is worth it, and better than waking up one morning getting ready for a ride and finding the rack gone.

BikingCivic

you have me curious if red locktite would work. It makes me wanna buy some and see if i can use a breaker bar and wrench to take it apart. You could do all that...and weld the end of the nut too....lol just another idea! hehe

BlueRaleigh

Welding was another idea that crossed my mind, but the Loctite seemed just as effective =)