How to lock 4 post car lift mecanism

[mike2000]

I have a 4 post lift (Backyard Buddy). I want to be able to lock the lift to avoid anyone using the lift (robbers or my teenagers…) once car lifted.
I was looking for either a device that I could put on the power source of lift engine (a lock with a key on the electric engine?) or some sort of locking device on the lift hardware/posts/mecanism that would not damage lift mecanism if someone tries to use the lift once “locked”.
Did not find anything…

Thanks!

 

[vavet]

What’s the power source? Hardwired or plug? If plug, look at the industrial lock out type boxes. You put the receptacle in there, close the box, and put a padlock on it. If it’s hardwired, maybe there’s a provision to install a padlock on the main switch to keep it from being activated.

Other options might be to internally disconnect the power inside the junction box. This isn’t as convenient when you want to use it, but it could work. I just keep my son (he’s 11] out of my garage with dangerous power tools unless I’m there to supervise. Thats a little harder with teenagers.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Keeping in mind that almost ANY deterrent can be beat...my goal was (1) having an emergency shutoff and (2) discouraging the 'curious nuisance', without creating too great of an inconvenience for myself.

I installed one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005W17FRS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It has a lockout provision that requires a padlock with a long narrow shackle, such as this one:

 

[LXCam]

All the lock out tag out devices are plastic so those are easy to defeat. Your best bet to keep it simple and effective would be a keyed switch in the control enclosure and change out the screws to tamper resistant.

This is just an example

https://www.amazon.com/MMTC-1KXL-Exterior-Switch-Surface/dp/B003LZP53S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kbuhagiar]

All the lock out tag out devices are plastic so those are easy to defeat.

Point well taken.

I've generally dealt with two kinds of thieves/vandals: those that just poke around looking for trouble (curious nuisance) but not bent on destruction; and those on a mission to destroy at any cost.

My solution (lockout) hopes to deter the first kind. Not too concerned with the second kind since they will leave scorched earth no matter what.

 

[manwithtools]

I have used a ton of these metal lockable switches over the years. Bryant 30100 or similar. Available quite reasonably on eBay.

 

[finn]

I hardwired my Bendpack two post lift into a fuse box with a lockout handle. There’s a provision to install a padlock on the on/off handle.

Got it at Menards several rears ago, and they still had them this past fall.

The Backyard Buddy probably has a regular cord with a plug, like my Advantage four post lifts . (Advantage and BB are sister companies now). You would have to replace the plug and hardwire to make this work. Use something like a flexible pigtail sold for wet locations. All these parts are available at Menards.

 

[wssix99]

I have used a ton of these metal lockable switches over the years. Bryant 30100 or similar. Available quite reasonably on eBay.

I also have these on my lifts. You can purchase the switch plate separate, if you want and put it on any switch. (The screws are high security screws so they can't be undone with a normal screwdriver.)

 

[Poolshark314]

Is the lift on a dedicated breaker or on a breaker you don't care if all of it is off? Could turn the breaker off and use a breaker lockout, assuming there aren't more outlets on different circuits right next to it

 

[mike2000]

Thanks guys for your replies!!

I plug the motor via an extension cord to a regular wall outlet. My fuse box is in the basement thus not very practical to go in basement each time… Sorry for my ignorance, but where would I install the electrical boxes with a key that you suggested? I have several wall outlets in the garage thus if I ”safety“ one outlet, there are 5 other outlets near…

Thanks once more!

 

[mcj115]

How about a different spin on things.....don't cut the power! Just get a bike cable lock and run it through the holes in the posts for the locks below the platform so it can't go down. If you don't go full height you could run a second lock in the holes above to keep it from being raised.

If you want to get rally fancy install a fake electric outlet/socket that the lift plugs into when not in use to throw off folks who don't live there

 

[mike2000]

How about a different spin on things.....don't cut the power! Just get a bike cable lock and run it through the holes in the posts for the locks below the platform so it can't go down. If you don't go full height you could run a second lock in the holes above to keep it from being raised.

If you want to get rally fancy install a fake electric outlet/socket that the lift plugs into when not in use to throw off folks who don't live there

I thought about that option. The problem is that I would need to put 4 bike cable locks (as if I just put one and someone tries to lower the lift, my ramps would go down on the 3 other posts and thus the ramps would not be level and car could fall off?) Or if I put 4 cable locks (one on each post) and someone still tries to lower lift, I am not sure if cables would resist the weight of the ramps/car or get jammed between post and mecanism.

Thanks!

 

[mcj115]

I thought about that option. The problem is that I would need to put 4 bike cable locks (as if I just put one and someone tries to lower the lift, my ramps would go down on the 3 other posts and thus the ramps would not be level and car could fall off?) Or if I put 4 cable locks (one on each post) and someone still tries to lower lift, I am not sure if cables would resist the weight of the ramps/car or get jammed between post and mecanism.

Thanks!

Then just make the hydraulic release lever detachable. Remove the lever and it couldn't be lowered.

 

[Viper98912]

Not sure what kind of work you're wanting to do, but I would unscrew the power cable leads from inside the motor box.

But the easiest solution is to just keep your Lexus parked under the lift.

 

[Al G]

Google "plug lockout". Put that on your cord with a lock and it can't be plugged in.

 

[CraigStu]

Then just make the hydraulic release lever detachable. Remove the lever and it couldn't be lowered.

An excellent idea. I bet that the lever and the stationary piece can be drilled out to a standard dimension that one of these will pop through.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-in-Round-Wire-Lock-Pin/3024933

 

[rjacobs]

Do you not want it to go further up or not be able to be lowered?

Seems like everybody is suggesting things to keep it from being raised... Is this really a problem?

As far as how to keep somebody from lowering it and steeling the car, thats another problem because no matter what you do its likely not a problem for a thief with a bit of time and a garage full of tools to defeat. Put cable locks through the lift locks....ill just get your angle grinder and cut them, then lower the lift by the handle or cut the hydraulic line and let the lift fall...

And are cars getting stolen off of lifts a big problem in your area? might look into securing your garage better, cameras, better insurance, etc...

I guess I dont own anything that couldnt be replaced within a weeks time and everything is insured for a far higher value than its worth so maybe I am to lax on things like that.

 

[mike2000]

Google "plug lockout". Put that on your cord with a lock and it can't be plugged in.

Knowing that any security device can be defeated, the simplest security measure is your suggestion! Did not know these existed. Will be going that way.

Thanks!!

 

[onewheat]

The plug lockout works to keep it from being raised and have it sitting on the locks to keep it from being lowered. You would have to slightly raise it to release the locks before lowering it. Your kids can't do anything without you knowing and robberies are going to do what they're going to do - but this makes it more difficult and time-consuming.

 

[Stick-man]

I have a Bendpak 4 post lift. According to the instructions, it required a motor switch disconnect. Having worked in many shops, and none having this, I was not going to install one. My electrician buddy told me to definitely install one. I ended up texting him and thanking him for making me do so. One day, my power switch stuck on, and it was towards the top of the rise. It was very easy to flip that switch and kill the power. Brand new lift too. Anyway, this can be locked out.
As far as making the lower handle removable, on my lift you would still be able to push the lowering valve, it would just be a little difficult with just your hands. However, I always set mine down on the locks. which will require the lift to raise off the locks in order for them to be released. So, back to locking out the power, should work. You can also kill the breaker in the house, now they would have to break in, in order to power it up.