Review of mechanical anti-theft systems for cars and instructions for homemade anti-theft systems

Author: Victor

Anti-theft mechanical devices for cars can be used as a primary or additional security device. They are divided into eight types, depending on which element of the car will be blocked. In this case, it is enough to install just one type of device to prevent theft.

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What types of anti-theft mechanical devices are there for cars?

Automotive devices designed to protect the car are divided into several groups:

• for gearbox;
• to protect the engine compartment;
• on the steering shaft;
• for ignition switch;
• on the car door;
• for steering wheel;
• on the pedal;
• for installation on wheels.

Transmission locks

This type of locking device is divided into several types:

1. Arc devices. When turned on, these models lock the transmission lever in a certain position. The lock is secured using a special bracket that wraps around the gearbox lever. Modern models of devices are equipped with special larvae characterized by high cryptographic resistance. To ensure the highest possible security, a floating password is used, making hacking almost impossible. The key disadvantage of gearbox locks is the large size of the devices.
2. Pin blockers. This type of device is considered more advanced compared to the arc lock for gearboxes. The main component of the design is a steel pin, which is used to lock the gearbox. When activated, driving the vehicle will be impossible. The body of the device is made of high-strength steel. Compared to arc locks, pin devices fit harmoniously into the interior of the car.
3. Pinless type of blockers. This type of device is considered more modernized. The process of blocking a manual transmission or automatic transmission is performed directly inside the device. Activation and deactivation of equipment occurs only using a key.

Pin transmission lock

Pinless blocker

Arc gearbox lock
The ProSecurity channel talked about which gearbox lock is best to use to effectively prevent car theft.

Hood locks

This type of device is designed to protect elements and assemblies located in the engine compartment. The level of reliability of the device is determined by the security of the larva itself. If this component is vulnerable, it can be easily hacked.

The main disadvantage of hood locking devices is the low security of the drive cable, which is designed to open it. If a criminal gains access to this element, he will hack the device without entering the car interior.

Steering locks

This protection option is designed to prevent the steering wheel from turning. The devices are installed directly under the column, next to the pedal.

Structurally, such a blocker consists of several elements:

• locking device;
• locking mechanism;
• automatic latch;
• coupling;
• screws;
• key or secret button.

The principle of operation of the locking device is to fix the steering shaft using a coupling, which consists of several elements.
This part rotates along with the steering wheel when the lock is not working, so it is impossible to notice it. To turn on the device, the car owner needs to install the locking mechanism in the groove and close the device. This will lead to the fact that on one side the steering wheel, when turning, will rest against the engine shield, and on the other, against the pedal. The steering shaft lock is difficult to pick. The most effective type of locking devices are devices with secret buttons that do not use keys. You can bypass such a mechanism only by cutting it with a grinder.

The channel “Andrey Kondrashov - copyright protection against theft” presented a test of popular locks for steering shafts and talked about the advisability of their use.

Ignition switches

If a hacking attempt occurs, the contacts in the device will open, which should close when the power unit starts. When installing the lock, its switch should be brought out and masked. Otherwise, the criminal will be able to start the internal combustion engine. Ignition switches can be touch controlled or radio controlled.

Locking devices of this type are made of high-strength alloy steel. The design of the lock is based on a high-secrecy mechanism. Depending on the model, the blocker can be additionally equipped with protection for the starter unit from being turned on again.

To install the ignition switch, it is recommended to contact specialists; there is a risk of making a mistake when performing the task.

Door locks

This type of device is used to prevent an intruder from entering the car. Devices of this type are presented in the form of a metal pin that blocks the door if it is not locked. Activation of the device is carried out using a key or key fob, it all depends on the type of device.

Steering wheel locks

This type of system is used for mounting on the steering wheel rim or in its spoke. The principle of protection is based on the fact that the criminal will not be able to turn the steering wheel in the event of a break-in. The second part of the lock product will always rest against the door or dashboard of the car. There are devices for the steering wheel, one part of which is placed directly on it, and the second - on the pedal.

Steering wheel-dashboard lock

Steering wheel lock with emphasis on the dashboard/pillar/ceiling

Steering wheel lock

Steering wheel lock with pedal

You can bypass such a device without any difficulties. But if the device is equipped with a secret, then this will be problematic.

The “Baza Avtozvuka” channel talked about protective devices designed for installation on wheels.

Pedal locks

There are two types of anti-theft devices of this type:

1. Thrust mechanisms that prevent pressing the gas or clutch pedal. The main disadvantage of such a device is the inconvenience of installation. But this minus for the consumer can become a plus, since it is almost impossible to hack the larva if it is stolen. Due to the inconvenient location, even a weak secret will not be able to be opened.
2. Supporting devices. A device of this type blocks the possibility of moving the pedal with one part, and the second clings to the steering wheel of the car. Installation is simpler than thrust mechanisms, but this type of device is characterized by large dimensions.

Support mechanism

Pedal lock (thrust)

Wheel locks

They are designed to block the drive wheel, making it impossible to move the machine. The product is mounted on top and secured to the disk. The main disadvantage is the inconvenience of operation. The device is large in size, so it must be carried in the trunk.

The use of wheel locks is important if the car remains in an unguarded parking lot for a long time.

User Yulia Nikitina in her video showed the operating features and effectiveness of car wheel locks.

Video

The video from the “algh2” channel shows how various types of gearbox locks are activated.

Do you want to independently, inexpensively and, most importantly, secure your car from thieves? We offer several simple but effective methods.

My advice is designed to protect against theft of a relatively inexpensive car. They will not require major investments.

Signaling

You can install the alarm yourself, or you can entrust the work to a specialized workshop or car dealership where you purchase the car. Choose an alarm with feedback. And connect it so that it reacts to various influences on the car, but does not open the door locks. Opening and closing (or only opening) doors should be controlled by buttons on the standard key. This is the first and fairly reliable line of defense: the thief will not be able to open the car with the signaling code intercepted using a code grabber. Let him look for another.

Against the "bugbugs"

Often, attackers open doors by forcefully turning the lock cylinder. Therefore, I advise you to remove the rod going from the cylinder to the lock - then turning it will do nothing! But a reasonable question arises: how will the owner get into the car if the battery runs out after a long period of parking? In this case, I propose two methods of emergency access to the cabin - electrical and mechanical. And it’s better if you implement both at once.

To build an electrical “redoubt”, you must first stretch a hidden wire from the “plus” of the battery (through a 20 A fuse). In an emergency, we drag it out through the gap between the body elements or from under the bumper, and remove the insulation from its end. You will have to look for the “minus” on the towing eye or take it from somewhere on the body. Due to rubber elements, suspension parts are often completely isolated from the “mass”. We supply 12 V voltage from a third-party source through wires of any cross-section - the power supply is restored, the electric locks can be opened.

Another way is to stretch a thick (about 1 mm) fishing line inside the driver's door so that by pulling it you can unlock the lock. We make a loop at the end of the fishing line and bring it to a place where it is easy to hook it. Stretch the fishing line so that it does not touch the sharp edges of the body parts.

Internal protection

If the thief solves a problem with the mechanics harshly, with the help of a roll-up, then he neutralizes the immobilizer with the so-called starter. This device replaces the ignition key code or puts the engine control unit into emergency mode, in which the on-board electronics do not require a “password”. The thief's device is connected to the OBD connector. From here it follows: you need to remove the connector!

More precisely, an additional male-female connector of a completely arbitrary configuration should be installed in the open circuit of the standard OBD, for example, a computer one or from a car radio. The location of the contacts will be known only to you, and when you connect the “adapter” with a standard OBD connector, all output signals will be in the appropriate places. We leave the “adapter” at home or hide it in the car. It will be needed during scheduled maintenance so that the dealer can diagnose the system with a scanner.

Block to block

Without finding the OBD connector, the swindler can try to replace the standard engine control unit with his own, which does not require a signal from the immobilizer. Therefore, under the hood there should be waiting for him... the ECU “safe” - a kind of welded steel box that covers the control unit and connectors. It can be installed and removed only by removing the battery and unscrewing a number of bolts and nuts. For greater protection, you can install fasteners with shear heads.

If the thief does not give up, he will most likely use a “spider” - an ECU unit with a wiring harness connecting to the sensors and actuators of the fuel injection and ignition control system. Therefore, you need to rearrange several wires in the connectors that go to the small harnesses that supply power to the ignition coils or injectors. But these last flagella are not included in the “spider”: it takes a very long time to attach to each spark plug and each injector.

And further

Finally, another good and inexpensive idea to implement, which works in cases where the car is protected by a simple immobilizer. The exchange of signals between the standard key and the immobilizer coil occurs once, before starting the engine. Therefore, one of the wires going to the coil can be cut and connected through a secret button or through the reed switch contacts. We seal the structure and secure it somewhere under the instrument panel. We press the secret button or bring the magnet to the desired place - and start the engine. This kind of blocking is useful when you don’t want to take unwanted passengers on board: they say, the car won’t start. And it will give you some head start if your keys are fished out of your pocket in a store.

Rating of mechanical blocking companies

To choose a high-quality protective device, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the brands and models that consumers prefer:

• Interception Universal;
• Python;
• Knight Barrier;
• Guarantee;
• Defen Time;
• Barracuda.

Interception Universal

The device is made in the form of a metal cylinder, which is mounted on the steering column. The device is fixed in a certain position, and when it is closed, turning the steering wheel will be impossible. The body of the blocker, as well as its protective part, are made of stainless steel, which contributes to longer operation of the device due to low wear.

Due to the absence of a keyhole, higher reliability is ensured. The device is turned off using a key made in the form of a ring with notches. On average, the price of the product is about 6500-7500 rubles.

Advantages:

• compatibility with more than 50 car models;
• The device does not require maintenance.

Python

The operating principle of the device is based on blocking the steering wheel from turning. To perform the task, a special long pin in a leather case is used. The key feature is the implementation of effective protection against various hacking options. The device performs simultaneous blocking of both mechanical and electronic components. This refers to both the steering wheel and the starter mechanism.

The device is protected by additional protection against the use of master keys and similar products for picking the lock. If a criminal manages to open the device, then the internal combustion engine will not be able to start. To activate the starter mechanism, a special button installed on the key fob is used. The cost of the set is approximately 7,600 rubles on average.

User Perehvatsz spoke about the features of the Python locking system for cars.

Knight Barrier

The device is made of high quality stainless steel. The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty on the product. The steering wheel lock is equipped with a keyhole located on the side. It is characterized by an unconventional shape, which makes it difficult for the device to be hacked. To open the device, not standard keys are used, but rather unusually shaped controls.

Main advantages:

• the product does not require periodic or routine maintenance;
• the original shape of the device will not allow the thief to use master keys or bumping;
• Suitable for most modern car models.

Guarantee

This manufacturer supplies the market with two effective protection options - Bastion and Block blockers. Both Garant models are characterized by high secrecy of the internal cylinder. The device effectively protects the starter mechanism from restarting.

Main advantages:

• the warranty service life is five years;
• The device is suitable for installation on most modern cars;
• the device is made from high-quality carbon steel, which prevents rapid wear;
• The locking device is based on the Abloy lock, characterized by high secrecy.

To operate effectively, the device requires periodic maintenance and lubrication. The average cost of a set is about 7500-800 rubles.

Defen Time

The hood lock of this brand will effectively protect the engine compartment. The key feature of the device is the use of modern protection technologies during production. In practice, it is almost impossible to hack the product. This is due to the high-strength materials from which the device is made, so it is difficult even to cut it with a grinder. Depending on the model, the cost of the device can range from 2,500 to 7,000 rubles.

User Alexey Lyamin spoke in detail about the features of using Defen Time hood locks.

Barracuda

This brand produces both locks and locking devices for certain vehicle models. In this case we mean anti-theft devices for transmissions. On average, installing a locking device can take up to two hours. On sale you can find universal products that are mounted in standard places, as a result of which you do not have to drill additional holes.

Locking devices are characterized by rigid contours. This increases the mechanical strength of the device. On average, one lock will cost the buyer 4,500 rubles.

Photo gallery

Barracuda checkpoint lock

Hood lock Defen Time

Steering shaft lock "Garant"

Steering lock "Interception"

Steering lock "Python"

Steering wheel lock "Knight Barrier"

Which to choose

When choosing a blocker, you should be guided by the following considerations:

• before purchasing, you should study the design of the car to understand which device will be more convenient and reliable in operation;
• the body must be made of high-quality material;
• in the design it is recommended to use a lock cylinder from well-known manufacturers;
• the connection of parts should not wobble;
• the product must have a warranty period and the possibility of maintenance;
• There should be a workshop where you can contact in case of jamming.

The final choice remains with the car owner.

How to make a mechanical anti-theft device with your own hands?

The easiest option is to block the vehicle's exhaust pipe.

To make an anti-theft mechanical device for a car you need:

1. Drill a hole in the pipe.
2. A special cylindrical part made of steel is installed into it.
3. Another hole should be made in the center of the cylinder.

The bottom line is that by installing this element in the hole in the exhaust pipe and turning it, the exhaust gases will be blocked. They will not be able to get out, as a result of which the car engine will not start. If you turn the cylindrical device with a hole towards the exhaust gases, they can leave the car. In fact, this anti-theft device is a regular faucet.

There is another option - to make a lock that is primitive in design to prevent the clutch pedal from moving. As a base, you will need a steel bracket, the body of which has holes of the appropriate size. A lock will be inserted into them, which will lock.

How to install

The easiest to use is the removable pedal lock. For such a device, you may only need to adjust the length of the elements to fit the car.

Block Lock devices are sold together with the installation service, so cases of self-installation of the product are rare.

1. Remove the lower decorative part of the instrument panel.
2. Install the product in the standard mounting locations. Since Block Lock models are created for a specific car, there will be no problems finding attachment points.
3. Mark the location of the keyhole on the decorative panel.
4. Drill a hole and install the panel in place.
5. Insert the decorative O-ring into the gap between the lock body and the panel.

Interior disassembled for installation of a bollard

Attaching the housing to the steering column frame elements

General view of the installed product

Hole for the lock cylinder
When installing electromechanical products, the principle is as follows:

1. Remove the decorative elements at the bottom of the dashboard.
2. Place and secure the blocker in accordance with the instructions.
3. Connect all the wiring harnesses and bring the contact pad and the setting button to pre-designed places.
4. Check the operation of the system in various modes.

Installing the valve will require intervention in the brake system, so it is recommended to perform such work only under service conditions.

Photo gallery

Photos of homemade blockers are presented in this section.

Scheme for the manufacture of mechanical anti-theft

Basic elements for creating a homemade castle

Homemade clutch pedal movement blocker

Review of popular anti-theft agents

Among the most popular locks are the following models:

• Steel Dog;
• Solex;
• Block Lock.

Steel Dog

Main features of this device:

• The design of the bollard is based on spring steel, the thickness of the parts is at least 5 mm;
• due to the lateral location of the device cylinder, drilling it is almost impossible, as is opening it using master keys;
• The locking pin of the blocker is made of hardened steel and is a movable device, making it impossible to saw.

Locking device Steel Dog

Solex

Solex locking devices are manufactured at Thai and Chinese factories. You can use locks for car pedals or transmissions.

This model has the following features:

• the device is equipped with a disk lock, which is controlled by a key, the number of working combinations is about 1,000,000;
• the lock product is installed in a special lever, which simplifies its installation and increases the complexity of removal;
• the design of the device uses parts made of stainless steel, which ensures maximum structural strength;
• the lock product is equipped with special adjustment inserts that allow the lock to be used in any car model;
• The package includes 4 keys.

Solex lock kit

Block Lock

The lock manufacturer specializes only in mechanical anti-theft products. A distinctive feature of Block Lock products is that they are installed in the dashboard of the car.

Main characteristics of the devices:

• cylinders of Swiss-made KABA locking products are used;
• The device is installed on standard fixing points;
• the use of Block Locks will not spoil the aesthetics of the car interior;
• to operate the lock, you just need to turn the key in the lock;
• the design of the device includes a reinforced crossbar;
• the complexity of the installation scheme makes it difficult to remove the product;
• the ability to install a security device on any car model due to the versatility of the product.

Block Lock Device

Video “Is it possible to open a mechanical hood lock?”

The channel "AUTOSECURITY - Anti-theft Studio" conducted an experiment on hacking an anti-theft lock, the results are presented in the video.

Do you have any questions? Specialists and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you ask a question

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Dismantling principle

Removing the blocker from the car is carried out in the reverse order. When removing electromechanical devices and Block Lock devices, there may be holes left on parts of the instrument panel into which keyholes would go. These holes can be closed with suitable plugs or the parts can be replaced with new ones.

After dismantling the blocking valve, you will need to replace the cut brake pipe with a new one and bleed the hydraulic drive system.

TOP 10 systems for cars on the steering wheel, gearbox and hood

The list of the most popular lockouts, based on reviews written by automotive industry experts, includes the best mechanical lockers of 2022:

Homemade pedal locks

A homemade device is made with a high vertical bracket, with legs for resting on the floor of the car. A pin lock is used for fixation.

The width of the bracket is provided sufficient to fit between the eyes of the lock. Through holes with a diameter slightly larger than the lock pin are drilled in the bracket posts. The size between the bracket posts should be slightly larger than the thickness of the pedal arm. The reliability of the pedal lock is directly proportional to the choice of the lock's resistance to burglary.

The advantage of the device is that it is inconvenient to use a tool for cutting the product under the dashboard, in the area of ​​the pedal assembly. The disadvantage of the lock is the difficulty in choosing a reliable lock.

There are also industrial designs made of spring steel with an anti-corrosion coating. The properties of steel make it difficult to use tools for sawing.

No less effective is the car's pedal-locking device, which operates horizontally. The clamp secures the levers of the car's pedal assembly - brake and gas. Fixation in a stationary position is carried out at one of the ends of the bracket. The main selection condition is the fixation height. The pedal levers are fixed in the upper position, making it impossible to activate them.

Another type of semi-handicraft production includes a flat version of the blocker. The product is made in the form of a shaped plate, which secures the gas accelerator with a lock, and the brake lever is supported by a recess in the plate. Made for a specific car, with individual dimensions.