I’m a bit compulsive when it comes to the things I carry in my pockets every day. My knife and earplugs go in the front right, mini-flashlight and cash in the front left, wallet in the back left, keys in the back right. I always wear carpenter’s shorts, so my phone goes in my thigh pocket with a mechanical pencil. Because I stand up almost all day, having my keys in my back pocket works well, but I’m still always looking for ways to reduce their bulk. I recently discovered a series of padlocks, toolbox locks, and trailer-hitch locks made by Strattec called the BOLT series (Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology) that use a vehicle key. I use a padlock on my shop, and I also use one, in conjunction with a large cable, when I leave my tools on a job, so I decided to give this system a try.

The padlock I bought uses the same key as my Toyota Tundra. The first time you insert your key and open the lock, it “learns” the correct shape. From then on, it works just like any other padlock. I used an owner-supplied, residential lockset on a remodeling job once that claimed to do the same thing as these locks. It was a gritty, cheap-feeling piece of hardware that I swore I wouldn’t use again. These BOLT locks are an entirely different experience. Because of the length of my truck key, the lock needs to be a little bulkier than the padlock I was using before, but it is solid and heavy, with an oversize cylinder that the company says resists bumping and picking. I’m so happy with the quality of my lock that I plan to purchase at least one more. If I used a crossbed box or other large toolbox in my truck, I wouldn’t hesitate to retrofit that as well. Locks are available for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Nissan, and Toyota pickup keys, as well as the keys of many cars and SUVs. For people looking to simplify their key ring or their daily life in a minor but satisfying way, I think these locks are money well spent. Prices start around $25.