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I've heard from numerous military vehicle owners that some or all of their pioneer tools have been stolen from the
pioneer racks when the vehicle is left un-attended. I always removed my tools AND the straps if I had to leave the
vehicle un-attended for any extended length of time. A pain in the butt to say the least.

Since the tools are rarely "used" and are mostly for show, does anyone have some ideas on how to
semi-permanently mount these in the pioneer rack? I'm thinking of drilling holes in the tools and
bolting them on. Any thoughts appreciated. JB

I use black zip-ties, they sort of slow 'em up a little. Thinking about bolting, maybe something like removing the entire rack itself?

Could you hide a hose clamp under the strap?

Just electrify the rack and when someone touches it .............
One of those electric fence power supplies should do it.

I agree with Bruce, I also use the black zip-ties , they kinda blend in with the OD . It more of a deterrent , slows them down , but then again so does a 45ACP! It's a shame that people would steal your tools from something you put a lot of time and effort into for people to appreciate and enjoy . I have been lucky , haven't had that problem yet , but then again I usually don't get to far from the vehicle at shows just for that reason . Bob K

I gotta confess & pay "Homage" to Bill Wincapaw, I saw that he did it, so if Bill did it I try and do it..................now as far as that Cad Plating & Packhard vs. Douglas, no comment. I also did the Tank Commander's Binocular Holder, aka; the Big Gulp Holder!

OK.... thanks for the input. I can't afford ($$$) to lose the tools if I have to leave the M outside overnight or elsewhere.
Tie wraps are probably a little light weight for the security that I want. Guess I'll go back to the idea of "bolting" the tools to the rack. No amount of effort will secure the tools if someone wants them.
Again, thks for your comments.

Make a pair of straps that attach to the tool rack frame & bolt or hinge into place & padlock on. The straps could be made so that they cross over the tools & prevent them from being removed from rack.

'Tanner'

THE GUY BACK IN GREECE WHO SOLD ME MY M, HE USED TO DRILL THE HANDLES OF THE TOOLS ON HIS "SHOW" VEHICLES, AND THEN ATTACH THEM TO THE PIONEER RACK OR THE SHEET METAL (M151) WITH CARRIAGE BOLTS, AND SAFETY NUTS. THIS WAY IT WAS PREETY IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE TO REMOVE THEM EVEN IF THEY HAD A PAIR OF PLIERS IN THEIR POCKETS. HOWEVER THIS MADE THE TOOLS VIRTUALLY USELESS. ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE IS THAT IF YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL MILITARY TOOLS, THEN YOU DO NOT WANT TO DRILL HOLES TO THEM (I HAVE SEEN ORIGINAL SHOVELS GOING FOR $100 ON EBAY!!! ) IF HOWEVER YOU HAVE INEXPENSIVE MODERN MANUFACTURE TOOLS, THEN YOU MIGHT GO AHEAD AND DRILL THEM. I WOULD NOT GO WITH THE ZIP TIES, SINCE ANY NAIL CLIPPER WILL SUFFICE TO REMOVE THOSE. IF I HAD TO SECURE MY TOOLS ON MY PIONEER RACK, THEN AS MASTER YOTA SAID, I WOULD USE A HOSE CLAMP HIDDEN UNDER THE STRAP. NO DRILLING, SECURE ENOUGH, INEXPENSIVE, STAINLESS STEEL, SO NO RUST RUNNING DOWN ON YOUR PAINT, RELATIVELY EASY TO REMOVE, AND A+ FOR LOOKS. I ALMOST NEVER LOCK MY M, AND HALF THE YEAR IS TOPLESS WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. THANK GOD, I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH SOMETHING "MISSING" FROM IT. THEN AGAIN, PERHAPS MY BUMPER STICKER ON IT "INSURED BY SMITH & WESSON" REALLY DOES WORK LOL

I like the idea of using carriage bolts. Countersink the holes just right; paint the heads o.d. and the un-trained eye will never see them.
Not too worried about actually using the tools since that's not likely to happen. The LU-4 should take care of most of
the others problems. Thanks!!

I understand the need for security for the tools but bolting them down not only takes from there looks but makes them useless if you ever need them in a pinch , I do like the ideal of the hose clamps or try and find someone you may know that drives semi tractor n trailer ask them if they might pick up some long trailer cable seals for you and use them bad boys they sure stop some of the not so frienly people that hang out by the rail yards for there FREE BEES ! .

Hey Anthony:
Thanks for the tip on the trailer seals. I've been in the trucking business for over 40 years so I know what you're
referring to. Not sure the seals fool proof. I can open one, close it, and you'll never be able to tell.
Since I never intend to actually use the pioneer tools, I'm back to the idea of bolting them permanently on the
rack. Realistically, when would you ever use these tools. I can carry other tools in the lock box and keep the tools
in the pioneer rack on the back looking all spiffy.
Thanks again for your thoughts......JB

Well You know the old story , Better to have and not need then to need and not have. Never can tell when you'll ever need them buger's, I always carry an extra Handel in the back of mine just to keep happyness on my side of the street O! lets just say if there a time that I Might get in a PINCH ! .

anthony manzella wrote: I always carry an extra Handel in the back of mine

Which Handel do you carry? I prefer his Messiah. If that fails, I use the handle!
Tim