Outdoor tie down/anchor into concrete

[coleman10]

Well, it’s that time of year when I need to start thinking of hurricane prep. I want to pour a small concrete pad so I can pull the generator onto it and secure it so it doesn’t roll away in the middle of the night. I need to put some kind of anchor into the concrete so I can run a heavy chain or cable through it, but it needs to be difficult for thieves to cut or bypass. I was thinking of getting one of those spiral ground anchors and pouring the concrete over that. Wondering what anyone here has done or if you have any suggestions. It also needs to be stainless or weather resistant as it will be outside for years.

Thanks.

 

[bmxdukie]

What about a drop in anchor. It will sit flush with the concrete, and you could then screw in an eye bolt to run a chain through when needed.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Lot's to look at .
https://www.google.com/search?q=Concrete-In+Ground+Anchors&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk027xUA4--3x_4sVQFilSh0WRXGFdA:1590329904397&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=iVGP4c8qdDq8oM%253A%252CXr_0zafEbZVhIM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSoZQFyo9vAeELsTLAs-10ASGhfDQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWupvI2MzpAhXLsJ4KHbJmCPcQ9QEwBnoECAQQJw#imgrc=iVGP4c8qdDq8oM:

 

[gearhead1]

On the attachment side: My vote would be for thick cable. Chain can be cut with bolt cutters. Cable gives a fit with bolt cutters. Of course if they want it bad enough they’ll get it, but a thick cable is going to slow them down. I attach mine to the hitch on my truck, I don’t have a concrete pad but I’m rural too.

 

[coleman10]

Definitely like the anchor that comes up first in the search. I hadn’t seen that when I searched before. A little pricey, but the best solution yet and the swivel is a nice feature.

Agree on the cable vs. chain.

Was hoping someone had some real world experience with some of these types of anchors. I only get one shot at pouring the concrete. It’s not something I want to rip up and redo.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, Locks only keep honest people honest, an effective lock will slow down a dedicated dishonest person.

There is a lot to be said for Junk Yard Dogs and Gaggels of Geese, they are territorial, vicious and noisey.

 

[Snip]

My choice from the link would be a "Taurus Bull-Ring Concrete-in Ground Anchor" style. These could be also made easily, small steel drops and some forged steel "D" rings from a trailer supply store or amazon. Place one in each corner and one under the generator if you have room. The more difficult you make it the more likely it will stay yours. Some times you have to think like them to try to stay ahead. Cable, chain, steel straps, no matter if I need to cut something fast, body panels, exhaust parts, restraints, A 4 1/2" cordless grinder with a suicide wheel (thin 6 or 7" cut off wheel) makes easy work of it. Quick noise, neighbors don't bat an eye, make several cuts and you can wind up in somebody crosshairs. Use a couple of cables/chains, weave them thru different directions. If its a higher end unit build a fake doghouse over it

 

[matt_i]

For awhile when everyone and their brother was getting their A/C condenser/compressor units stolen for the scrap metal, there are some cages available. Some are basic wire, others are more art-deco but bottom line is even more metal to cut thru to reach the chain or cable, not just a single point and fly. You could buy one or roll your own. I don't think the cage needs exotic securing, just a large number of tapcons.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ac+...1.69i57j0l7.6909j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[kaymccampbell]

You could also throw one of those low Rubbermaid sheds over it. Nobody looks for a generator in a garbage can shed.

 

[Joemctag]

I had a tongue with hitch ball that unbolted. Home-made and therefore not a standard one that could be bought. Also, taking the wheels off would deter some thieves.

 

[coleman10]

I totally agree that if a thief wants it bad enough he can get it. That can be said about anything. I just want to make it difficult for the guy so he’ll think twice and go grab the neighbor’s generator instead of mine. Thieves are generally lazy. They don’t want to have to work to get what they want. That’s why they’re thieves. Maybe just getting some large eye bolt anchors with stuff screwed onto them and set into the concrete would do the job. Cheaper, too, so I can do multiples.

I live in a suburban neighborhood, so no geese, junkyard dogs, 10’ fences, or tiger pits allowed.

 

[Kensico]

You could also throw one of those low Rubbermaid sheds over it. Nobody looks for a generator in a garbage can shed.

That’s where I keep mine

 

[coleman10]

I had a tongue with hitch ball that unbolted. Home-made and therefore not a standard one that could be bought. Also, taking the wheels off would deter some thieves.

Taking off the wheels is an excellent idea.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. Got some great ideas.