A warning about "locking" fuel filler caps

[Andy Perreault]

I was fueling up my truck today, and a redneck looking guy in a beat up small car (didn't really look at what it was) pulled up on the other side of the pumps. He walked up and asked my if my gas caps were the locking kind (they were sitting on top of the fuel pump), and I said "Yeah. " He then asked if he could borrow my keys to unlock his gas cap "because the old lady took the keys". Sure enough, my key unlocked his gas cap in a matter of seconds. I was not aware of this, and I thought I should warn all of you that your locking fuel filler caps really aren't that secure! This guy told me that just about any gas cap key will work if you wiggle it enough.
Andy

 

[Doc Tinker]

The same thing goes for travel trailer compartment locks.

 

[mikel]

Anyone ever taken a good look at those master padlocks that have the square looking key that has cuts on both sides? Most can be opened with one of two keys.

Mike

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'99 QC 2500 SLT Driftwood 2wd SB 24v Auto 3. 55 LSD
ISSPRO boost and pyrometer, Autometer 3 gauge replacement pillar, Walker 24168, DTT VB
'00 Durango SLT 360, 3. 55, Patriot Blue
-- email address removed --
Howdy Agg's!

 

[illflem]

Mike, with a little file work ALL of the Master locks that you speak of can be opened with ONE key.

 

[pcorssmit]

My brother and I discovered on accident that the ignition keys to our Blazers are interchangeable. Comes in quite handy.

Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[Chris N5CWM]

When I used to work the ramp at an airport,
I found that I could unlock almost any plane
door on the ramp with one key and not much
wiggling. Those locks were on planes that
were built in the 60's and 70's. Basically
the locks are to "keep honest people honest".
Same goes for my boat; I forgot the ignition
key after towing it 90 miles to Galveston
Bay; I discovered I could start it up easily
with the gas cap lock key from my Ram! #ad


The only good locks are the cylindrical ones
like you find on vending machines. Several
new aircraft manufacturers use them, as well
as most new Harley Davidson's I've seen.

-Chris

 

[Expat]

Medeco makes good locks of all kinds. Master makes a nice "pro series" padlock as well.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Double sided master lock keys are notoriously LOW security. I would not lock up anything with one of them unless you wont miss it. I wosh there was a way to add a locking gas door to our trucks, that would be the best solution.

 

[Champane Flight]

Gotta have something. Went out to my truck one day and took off. Heard "crunch" had run over my fuel cap. Took a closer look and found my CB antenna missing,and shaving cream down the passenger side. I took a sample of fuel tank and found nothing. This however got me to put a locking cap on my tank and of course prowl around my house late at night for the next week or so. I cuss the cap every time I get fuel.

Some caps are keyed the same,you have to get the top dollar ones to get them a little more theft proof. However there are none that are really theft proof. Just like anything else if somebody wants it they will get it. All I hope for,is that it slows them down enough for me to get out there with my shotgun!

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop. 72000 as of 3/1/01,not even broke in yet. Old Dodge 126000 miles and running better than new.