Winch security

[desert cj7]

I just put a Warn HS9500i on my 84 CJ7 today and I used the Warn mounting plate. I am concerned about the accesibility of the mounting bolts. It would take 2 minutes for someone to steal this. Is there a braket or locking device made to make this harder?

[1986cj7]

I have often wondered about this myself when I do get a winch I think I am going to put a little weld on the threads if I need to remove it i can just cut the bolts cheap insurance
Just my thoughts on the subject

[BillR]

That's what I did, too. I put a tack weld on the mounting bolts. I can cut them off if I need to later.

[1986cj7]

It just seems like a lot of money to have just sitting on the front end with no security I am supprized that we don't here of more being stolen

[Chip in Pennsylvania]

Put a tack weld on the end of the bolts so the nuts can't be turned off. It works so good it took me 1/2 hr to get my own winch off in my garage with all the tools !

[desert cj7]

Tack welding seems to be the answer I am getting. I am just worried about compromising the integrity of the bolt. As an engineer that doesnt seem to smart but it also seems to be what everyone does with no bad results. I guess I'll try it.

[Jims White83cj5]

Just get a short piece of 1 inch x 1/16 th flat steel and weld it in a arch over top of one of the bolt heads on the underside of the winch plate. That way the theives can't get a wrench on the bolt head and it does not mess with the strenghth of the bolts.
Jim C

[scooper]

come on mr engineer,a little tack weld is not going to comprimise the strenth of the bolt at all.were did you graduate from North C arolina State???????

[Tumbleweed]

Every winch manufacturer says to not weld the bolts.
A small tack weld might be easy enough to twist the bolt free still. I welded a small piece of angle iron over one bolt, and have seen some over sized nuts welded over one bolt. I can still cut if free with the air grinder in case I want to remove it, but stalls the semi-honest thieves.
I only know of one stolen winch, about ten years ago in Nev.; during hunting season. The thieves cut off the frame horns of the guys Blazer with a cutting torch! Took the mount, bumper, winch, all. Sometimes you just can't do much to stop them.

[desert cj7]

No offense scooper but you dont know what you are talking about. Heating up a nut or bolt to the temperature used by a mig welder WILL change the properties of the nut making it weaker. The grade 5 bolts that came with the winch undergo a specific hest treating process. Any change to this process will mess them up. I can send you some pages out of a materials book if you like. WHy do you think that Warn says not to weld the bolts? Unlike you they know this fact.

[Jims White83cj5]

Now Now Boyz, play nice

[desert cj7]

That turned out a little meaner than I had intended. I had just rolled out of bed(obviously on the wrong side)

[MADDOG]

basically....................we're talking cold casting to screw up the threads................ not deep heat penetration as you would normally perform to creat a strong weld..............

[1986cj7]

Hammer and chisel would work also just something to mess the threads up so as to make a thief work a little harder if they want it they will get it no matter what is done to prevent it

[scooper]

not a problem,i often do things that are not by the book.