# Stolen Tools. Security options and methods **URL:** \ **Category:** SON240sx Automotive\ **Created:** [April 22, 2012, 2:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384 "2012-04-22T14:37:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![S13counterpart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@S13counterpart](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/S13counterpart)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 2:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/1 "2012-04-22T14:37:35Z")
So this weekend I had some tools stolen. I know others have had this happen to them as well. I’d like to start a thread on tool security. I’ll be the first to admit I never thought this would happen to me, but it has and I’d really like to prevent this from happening again. So… Aside from locking everything up (which I typically do) what other measures can be taken? I’ve started making an extensive inventory of what I have. I’m thinking of photographing everything as well as engraving serial numbers into everything. I don’t want people asking what was taken or what happened or a “sorry to hear that”, or “that sucks bro”. I just want ideas and method to prevent this from occurring again. Yes, a police report has already been filed and an investigation has already begun. Thanks, Adam ---
**Author:** ![BoOsT-HuNgRy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boost-hungry/32/5721_2.png) [@BoOsT-HuNgRy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BoOsT-HuNgRy)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 2:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/2 "2012-04-22T14:45:00Z")
I used to have a flat bar that fit through my handles on my tool chest that was bent at the top and had to be unlocked from the bottom of the chest it was tough and pretty tough to not look suspicious while trying to unlock. was really affective. an other thing was dipping my tools in a hard to remove paint. so they were noticeable. engraving works too. a few other things my friend does is he said turning his chest arond facing the wall and using the bar technique works well too. ---
**Author:** ![S13counterpart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@S13counterpart](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/S13counterpart)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 2:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/3 "2012-04-22T14:50:43Z")
I like the painting idea… I’m going to look into this one. Any ideas on tougher than shit paint? ---
**Author:** ![sharpe\_corners](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/sharpe_corners/32/5767_2.png) [@sharpe\_corners](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/sharpe_corners)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 2:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/4 "2012-04-22T14:54:11Z")
angle grinder. + vise then put a noticeable mark in all your tools, a x, or two ticks, or whatever. Thats what I do. ---
**Author:** ![BoOsT-HuNgRy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boost-hungry/32/5721_2.png) [@BoOsT-HuNgRy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BoOsT-HuNgRy)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 3:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/5 "2012-04-22T15:04:04Z")
I used Armor coating found at CT in many different bright noticeable colours. its tough enough i also added a slight clear coat just to make sure. worked wonders to protect my investment. ---
**Author:** ![2ner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/d07c76/32.png) [@2ner](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2ner)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 3:08pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/6 "2012-04-22T15:08:25Z")
powder coat them if you get really serious and there metal of course ---
**Author:** ![Benjai](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/benjai/32/6122_2.png) [@Benjai](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Benjai)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/7 "2012-04-22T15:17:26Z")
My old boss had all his tools engraved, it takes time but it’s worth it. Engraving will only help you find tools, not stop them being stolen in the first place. I like Boost-hungry’s flat bar idea, you could also consider just straight bolting your box to the wall/floor. ---
**Author:** ![Multisynclg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/multisynclg/32/5328_2.png) [@Multisynclg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Multisynclg)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/8 "2012-04-22T18:07:30Z")
weed out the people who are scum from your life. after you do that, you shouldnt need much security. Also, I’m sure that acting like a dick to the majority of people who have a different opinion or style than you doesn’t help your case either. You rent out your garage to other people as well if im not mistaken? It really sucks that this happened though, I feel your pain, paranoia & anger. I’ve been in your position, and its no fun. How about a make-shift electric tool chest…hook up your battery chargered every night to it haha . THATS if you don’t care about being sued by the fucktards/family of fucktards who are breaking and entering after they get injured or die… fucking bulshit laws… ---------- Post added at 09:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 PM ---------- > [@BoOsT-HuNgRy](#): > > I used to have a flat bar that fit through my handles on my tool chest that was bent at the top and had to be unlocked from the bottom of the chest it was tough and pretty tough to not look suspicious while trying to unlock. was really affective. an other thing was dipping my tools in a hard to remove paint. so they were noticeable. engraving works too. a few other things my friend does is he said turning his chest arond facing the wall and using the bar technique works well too. If they want it They will just take the whole chest - happened to my buddy… dont ask how as I know they are heavy as FUCK when full ---
**Author:** ![sick96gst](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@sick96gst](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/sick96gst)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 6:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/9 "2012-04-22T18:49:33Z")
Cameras work well, plus engraving your initials. A night-vision camera system is a bit pricy but when you have a few thousand dollers in tools, its well worth it. ---
**Author:** ![S13counterpart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@S13counterpart](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/S13counterpart)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/10 "2012-04-22T19:05:42Z")
> [@Multisynclg](#): > > weed out the people who are scum from your life. **Unfortunately due to my current current situation I can only eliminate my shady friends from that equation. And I did that when I decided to change career paths.** > > after you do that, you shouldnt need much security. **Eliminating shady people from your life doesn’t eliminate shady people from entering your life via stealing your shit simply because they want it.** > > Also, I’m sure that acting like a dick to the majority of people who have a different opinion or style than you doesn’t help your case either. **WTF are you talking about?** > > You rent out your garage to other people as well if im not mistaken? **Um no, I don’t. It’s pretty hard to rent out a 1 car garage to other people when I barely have enough room for my own tools and work.** > > It really sucks that this happened though, I feel your pain, paranoia & anger. > I’ve been in your position, and its no fun. **I’m not even really that angry. I’m just annoyed with the entire process and hassle of it all.** > > How about a make-shift electric tool chest…hook up your battery chargered every night to it haha . THATS if you don’t care about being sued by the fucktards/family of fucktards who are breaking and entering after they get injured or die… fucking bulshit laws… **There are ways around certain laws 🙂** > > ---------- Post added at 09:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 PM ---------- > > If they want it They will just take the whole chest - happened to my buddy… dont ask how as I know they are heavy as FUCK when full msglength ---
**Author:** ![agent240sx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ea924/32.png) [@agent240sx](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/agent240sx)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/stolen-tools-security-options-and-methods/222384/11 "2012-04-22T19:14:53Z")
> [@S13counterpart](#): > > I like the painting idea… I’m going to look into this one. > > Any ideas on tougher than shit paint? $99 dollar powder coating kit /w powder > **[Eastwood Powder Coating Gun - DIY Powder Coating Kit](https://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powder-coating/powder-coat-guns.html)** > > Apply finishes that look great and last for ages using our HotCoat powder coating system. Do the Job Right with equipment designed by DIYers for DIYers. toaster oven off kijiji Done deal Though in your case sounds like a B&E was involved? sounds like building needs to be secured moreso than your tools. The garage have a phone line? you can get a cheapo security system that is preprogrammed to call any phone numbers you set. It is set off through door contacts and/or glass break sensors, once activated it will call the numbers you set be it your cellphone or a security monitoring service (monthly fees) the cellphone option is free… but you gotta handle it yourself, be it calling 911 or with a baseball bat/shotgun =)