Disklok- do they actually work?

[Motorrad]

Following on from the thread where a poor pistonheader was robbed of the keys to his cayenne by scumbag thieves I wondered does anyone have an opinion on the worth of 'Disklok'?

Some on the thread derided them as utterly useless, as far as I was aware (based on my knowledge of them back in 2000/1 when I live in the UK) unlike many other physical immobilisers these actually work. So much so in fact that they have Thatcham certification.

However there are some people on that thread who state they are as easy to remove as it is to open a door.

quote:

parapaul said:

What? The device repeatedly shown to be removed by any criminal who's ever seen a lock before in lss than a minute? Only slightly more effective than a sticker in the window saying you've got an alarm fitted...

and

clabcon said:

+1

Don't bother with the ones that go around the gearstick/hand-brake either. It's just too easy to pull the gear knob off, well at least it was in my E36 when I was fitting a heavier shifter from StormMotorwerks!

Obviously the aftermarket jobbies you buy from Halfords to cover the gearstick/handbrake are pish but I did think a Disklok would slow down even a talented criminal.

Anyone have any first hand experience of how easy these are to remove?

My contention is that unless you're a gifted locksmith with the correct tools it's going to take you a fair amount of time to either chisel or drill one of these off ie 3 minutes or more (doesn't Thatcham certification require that?). There was a suggestion on that thread that your average scrote would have the ability to pick the lock in less time than it takes to open a door. I just do not believe that's the case, maybe I am wrong.

They aren't like the cheapo locks you can just pull/kick off or cut through the wheel and remove. Installed properly by the owner they spin when subjected to force and require the thief to open the presumably deadlocked doors to get access to the lock.

Or have things moved on since I used to use one. Would love to know as I plan to use my old one next time I buy a snotter for a prolonged stay in Blighty.

[Motorrad]

HellDiver said:

All they do in my experience is fk up the steering wheel and airbag cover, and make an amusing clanging noise as they roll about in the boot. Otherwise, useless.

Mine didn't make a mark on my MKV GTi, 330ci, RS2 or 964.

You have though highlighted another use for the lock- slowing down airbag thieves.

[Motorrad]

What I was looking for was evidence that anyone actually knows that they can be removed easily.

I suspected people saying they were quick and easy to remove were talking crap. I wondered though if techniques such as lock bumping could be used on one. I'm guessing if the thing rotates as they attempt it then it wouldn't be a quick process.

Looks like I'll be using mine when I'm back in the UK then.

[Motorrad]

cptsideways said:

I am aware they are handy for breaking the steering lock before they are then removed.

I could'nt put up with the thing rattling about in the boot myself

How would you break the steering lock before removing one? They rotate as said numerous times in this thread.

As for sliding around, mine fitted/wedged neatly under the passenger seat and didn't move at all.

[Motorrad]

Mine's one of the yellow ones- and I made sure the sticky pads were positioned properly before I used it.

Maybe the newer/silver ones are constructed differently and have the potential to damage the wheel?

Either way until someone posts some sort of evidence/credible story I think we can take it that Thatcham know their stuff and they are quite difficult to remove

Edited by Motorrad on Wednesday 5th January 19:30

[Motorrad]

Think I'd rather keep my car and look like a pikie personally but each to their own!

As for the story about the wrecked/stolen Astra -presumably you didn't install the lock ie the person using it did it incorrectly and damaged the wheel, likewise I'd suggest the story has no value as you don't know if it was installed properly.

We still don't have a credible, first hand report of Disklok failure.

[Motorrad]

[quote=Westy Pre-Lit]

I seem to remember a program that used an ex proffesional thief to remove these security items. Can't remember how well it did though in the test.

[quote=Westy Pre-Lit]

Most of them are useless, what I'm contending here is that the disklok actually has some value in holding up even professional thieves.

I've never seen any video of anyone defeating a disklok and as far as I'm aware to do so would require knowledge,tools and more time than your average scumbag wants to spend in the danger zone.



edit cant get the bloody quotes working

Edited by Motorrad on Wednesday 5th January 21:58

[Motorrad]

Havoc856 said:

far better off with something like a Bluefin unit.. Increases all important power but also has an IMMOBILISE function that basically removes the mapping, so the engine appears disconnected from the looms to the sensors and won't start. Takes 2mins to load in and lock off, 2mins to remove. Works a treat for me when I park my RS up in a neighbourhood of oiks.

Isn't a visible deterrent. Good though- REVO have a similar system. When I used to leave my car parked up for prolonged periods I would disable the vehicle with the REVO SPS switch and use the disklok. Short of lifting it I don't think it was going anywhere with anyone other than me.

Edited by Motorrad on Wednesday 5th January 21:56

[Motorrad]

5LDC said:

I had one on my Z3M and after loosing the disklock key whilst out (60 miles from home) i called a friend to go round my house, pick up the spare off the missus and bring it up to me.
I didnt fancy the wait, so with both feet on the lever part of the lock, i forced it open and snapped the lock in around 20 seconds!! my feet did slip off when the fooking thing broke though causing me to kick the rear view mirror and crack the b**tard windscreen!!
IMO they are a Total waste of time, i was amazed how easy it was to remove.

First time I've ever heard of anyone doing that. Wonder how it passes the Thatcham tests then?

We are talking about a Disklok and not some other device aren't we?

This is exactly what I am trying to find out- have I been living in a fool's paradise regarding the efficacity (is that a word) of the disklok or is it as good as the manufacturer/thatcham claim?

edit having a nightmare with the quoting

Edited by Motorrad on Wednesday 5th January 22:01

[Motorrad]

You must be bloody strong to have bent that bar, I can see the lock or mechanism giving up but it's a solid piece of steel.

Again wonder why Thatcham didn't do that when testing it.

Maybe you had a superhuman-save loved one from under car wreck by lifting it- get out of Stoke moment.

[Motorrad]

Rich_W said:

As for damaging steering wheels. I'm not convinced they do this either. If it dows then surely the answer is to add self adhesive foam to pertinent areas.

This is what I was looking for- deforming the wheel and extra welds ie outside of general experience.

Will feel safe using the disklok with the non-deformable wheel of my next car- cheers!

edit to add: nice mods BTW.

Edited by Motorrad on Friday 7th January 06:03

[Motorrad]

MissChief said:

WD40/some oil in the lock? Sounds like it's just become stiff?

Never put WD40 or oil into any lock it will bugger them up eventually. Use graphite.