Was wondering what alarm systems folks were using in order to protect tools in their vans or pickups?
Thanks,
Dave
Was wondering what alarm systems folks were using in order to protect tools in their vans or pickups?
Thanks,
Dave
Metabo HPT's dual-powered plunge router offers the option to plug in an otherwise-battery-operated tool for production work.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Fine Homebuilding
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialStart your subscription today and save up to 81%
SubscribeGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
This year I got a van to hold more tools and to keep thieves from continually stealing my tools.
First night I had it and before all the security was set up someone broke a side window to steal tools and alarm scared them off. Still I had to replace the window but no tools were lost.
When I got the E-250 cargo van from the dealer it came with steel shelves and drawers, and a steel bulkhead behind the drivers area with a locking door, effectively securing the cargo area from the front.
I then had the dealership install a full security system. This included ignition cut off, and two types of sensors that will set off alarm. One type goes off if any door is opened, and another goes off if it senses motion ( had to get this one adjusted as any little breeze would set it off as it was set too sensitive at first).
It was the motion sensor that set off the alarm when my window was broken.
The next day after the window was broken I contacted the dealer and they sent another company over to the job site I was working and they installed a new window. That night I went to a window tinting shop and had them install "limo dark" window tint on all the windows on the cargo area ( if thieves don't see it they won't know you have Big $'s worth of primo tools to rip off and are more likely to leave your vehicle be), then I went to HD and got heavy duty expanded mesh screens-24"x 24", for about 15 bucks each, and then using a carberendum blade on a circular saw, cut them to match windows in cargo area, and then mounted them tight using self tapping screws with pancake heads and washers. This way entire area is now secured with steal, you can't see into the cargo area, and if any low life tries to smash in or steal van alarm goes off, and ignition cuts off.
Since then no one has messed with my van and I sleep real well at night knowing they are as secure as I can get them. Also when at job site or just around town I know my hard earned tools are safe.
Good Luck keeping your stuff secure,
Cork in Chicago
That mesh screen idea is a real good one. My boss is wanting to switch me from a utility bed truck to a van at work (I'm fighting it) if he does That's the first thing I'm gonna do.
I remember the good old days when a Harley sticker in the window detered most thieves. Now the yuppies have rendered it useless.Who Dares Wins.
I've been driving "alarm-less" for about a year now .... had an electrical problem .. unrelated to the alarm ... but the easiest fix towards getting the tranny shop to dig farther was to remove the old alarm.
I'll be getting my van back from the bodyshop this week ... and one of the first stops will be back to the alarm guy. I have the headache rack bechind the seats .. which helps block the line of sight greatly... I also only have 2 windows in the back ... one on the small side door and one in the pass side rear door.... both blacked out with limo tint.
Just looks more solid that way ... I'm sure looks along have detered.
When the alarm was functioning ..I actually had the guy rewire the alarm from the old van .... and again drilled the alarm light myself.
I always place the light on the curve of the dash ... centered with the steering wheel.
They usually try to put it somewhere flat on the dash where it's only scene from the drivers side window.
I want it flashing up high like a beacon warning any drunk walking down my alley!
Where it's at ... it's easily scene from the front and either door.
Last 2 alarms were "JTI ... no one messes with IT"....
my dealer says they're as food as Viper ... but with less options.
New one's gonna be an alarm/remote start ... so I don't know what he'll recommend.
I have manual windows/locks ... so the only relay is the one that's tied into the interior lights ... which I highly recommend.
I used to work late in some sketchy areas of town ... nice to have all the interior lights go on before you get to the van to load up for the night.
My installer spends extra time on vans and trucks to get the sensitivity adjusted just right .... and his stuff all had an easy one man adjustment under the dash ... with dummy lights that tell ya when the alarm would be going off as you do the adjusting.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite