I have numerous keys for tractor, mower, 4 wheelers etc. that are currently kept in a tool box drawer (unlocked). I would like to here or see if you have any unique hidden key storage that is not out in the open for easy access to others.
Equipment Key Storage?
- Thread starter 72Wagon
- Start date
Bogie1632
Well-known member
How about a decent key lock box, then place behind something easy to move/close to keep it out of sight. Maybe place behind a sign or picture. That's where mine will be going when I start finishing the inside of my garage.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y12L02U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
V/R
Bogie
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y12L02U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
V/R
Bogie
niget2002
Well-known member
I just have mine on hooks right by the door to the shop. If they want my pos mower they can have it. I'd rather them use the key to steal it than f up the machine trying to hot wire it. They'd have to walk it past two cameras to get it anyways.
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nadogail
Well-known member
My keys hang on a board in the storage closet of my home office.
matt_i
Well-known member
I have so many keys in the drawer you'd be trying for hours to try to figure it out lol. 
I just keep various unique tags that helps me locate certain ones.
I just keep various unique tags that helps me locate certain ones.I have so many keys in the drawer you'd be trying for hours to try to figure it out lol.
That's kind of what I do, but it would be nice to free up the drawer for tools.
Not hidden but in plain sight, just a small key box.
Like this one.
https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...7424885570-c-1549980480908.htm?tid=-1&ipos=10
WARNING: it was some puke green color and got repainted.
Like this one.
https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...7424885570-c-1549980480908.htm?tid=-1&ipos=10
WARNING: it was some puke green color and got repainted.
Attachments
Many mowers, tractors etc have identical keys. Especially if they are open station.
I've been known to carry common ones on a key ring.
That said, we often hide keys somewhere on a machine when parked in an outside location (and sometimes when inside)
Slows down joyriders.
Serious thieves will not be deterred by absence of a key.
I've been known to carry common ones on a key ring.
That said, we often hide keys somewhere on a machine when parked in an outside location (and sometimes when inside)
Slows down joyriders.
Serious thieves will not be deterred by absence of a key.
I like that, reasonably priced also. Gave me an idea, I could get a small breaker box and gut it and mount it on the wall.
It's nothing fancy but it does organize them as well as secure them from an honest person. Anybody that breaks in, will be able to pry it open.
I just had too many keys and key rings in the garage. I needed to put them somewhere and this worked. I painted it black after a quick scuffing.
Moss
Well-known member
You guys take the keys out of your tractors and lawn equipment? It's never even occurred to me to not just leave them in the ignition lol.
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I have a neighbor that does the same, I personally don't want to make it that easy for the crooks. I guess it also depends on where you live, and if you have other security. My German Shephard has helped for years but he is getting up in age.
Gummi Bear
Well-known member
Same.
LOL
It’s always interesting to see what’s so important to others.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...
Henry David Thoreau
I just leave my lawn tractor and snowblower keys in the ignitions too. They are stored in a shed in a fenced yard. They are both 20+ years old. Who's going to steal them?
That's also where I leave the keys for my Harley and Mustang when they are stored in the garage. If someone is going to the trouble to break into the garage the lack of a key isn't going to stop them from stealing vehicles if that's what they're after.
Geez, where do some of you live?
That's also where I leave the keys for my Harley and Mustang when they are stored in the garage. If someone is going to the trouble to break into the garage the lack of a key isn't going to stop them from stealing vehicles if that's what they're after.
Geez, where do some of you live?
p00p
Well-known member
if the cylinder permits, I key a-like equipment to rely on the 1 style cut key. Tool boxes "can" have the same tooth pattern to a point. It reduces the keys by a lot & those keys can remain in a key box holder mounted on the wall by the breaker panel in the shop.
I have one of the HF key boxes (apparently they don't make the electronic ones any more) in each garage. Either is going on 12 years old.
I good thief will get in them, I'm sure....I'm just trying to slow them down. And, organize the keys.
I good thief will get in them, I'm sure....I'm just trying to slow them down. And, organize the keys.
I pull my keys.
My thoughts as well. If they are breaking in, they are going to have to work to get what I have. The longer they take, the more risk there is. If there is too much risk for the reward, maybe they will pass on to an easier target.
glentre
Well-known member
If a thief really wants your machines, then lack of a key will not deter him for long. Do you have serial numbers or have you put unique markings on your mowers etc so you could positively identify them if they are found? Anything motorized will likely stay in your general area thus increasing your chance of finding it. They don't come from another state to steal your stuff.
Glen
Glen
BearsFan315
Well-known member
If everyone was honest then we would not need keys or locks !?!
they only serve as a deterrent, a determined thief will get what they came for, a lazy one will pass on the effort.
i recently put a grid of small tack nails on the side of one of my wooden cabinets to hang my keys on. out of site but i know where they are. was free simple and looks great. they used to sit on a storage shelf and my toolbox drawer. now they are organized and easy access to what key i need.
i like the idea of a hidden key box out of a panel. no one really ever looks in an electric panel. not many people out there stealing circuit breakers
they only serve as a deterrent, a determined thief will get what they came for, a lazy one will pass on the effort.
i recently put a grid of small tack nails on the side of one of my wooden cabinets to hang my keys on. out of site but i know where they are. was free simple and looks great. they used to sit on a storage shelf and my toolbox drawer. now they are organized and easy access to what key i need.
i like the idea of a hidden key box out of a panel. no one really ever looks in an electric panel. not many people out there stealing circuit breakers
I have one of these. I like it because I don’t have to have a key to get to my keys. As far as thief’s go it’s only there to keep the honest honest. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTQU5E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
reader2580
Well-known member
Toro is really stupid about keys on their commercial equipment, at least for 2004 models and earlier. They use a standard Indak key used on probably several million pieces of equipment over the years. I have a 2004 Toro Groundsmaster and it still uses the Indak key. I worked at a place as a teenager that had a $22,000 Toro Groundsmaster. It also had an Indak key. So did the other four Groundsmasters my employer owned.
I don't take the keys out of any of my three riding mowers when stored in the garage. I don't believe it would affect an insurance claim if stolen since the garage is locked.
alfazer
Well-known member
I'm not American but when I watch Hollywood movies, it seemed to me like every American kept their car keys above the sun visor.
Isn't there an equivalent place on a mower to keep keys? Like in the grass catcher maybe?
Isn't there an equivalent place on a mower to keep keys? Like in the grass catcher maybe?