Pannier Latches - An Alternative To Padlocks

[THE DOCTOR]

Just bought a great set of 'ARD Cases' from redcap & I'm very happy with them.
Well, initially I was happy until I mounted them, put padlocks on the latches & was greeted with a cacophony of clanging that would put a campanologist to shame every time I moved the bike.

I came up with this...

I use a non-hex headed bolt with a compression nut.
This means the nut is a tight fit when assembling so will not work loose.

When fitting the nut you need an allen key inserted into the tail of the bolt to stop the bolt spinning.

This means any opportunist thief attemping to tackle this bolt would need the correct sized spanner & allen key (a socket would be no good 'cos you need to hold the bolt tail with the allen key)

A padlock can be easily opened with one swift blow.

What d'yer think?

I can supply 4 bolts 4 nuts & 8 nylon spacers or 2 bolts 2 nuts & 4 nylon spaces if you have a hinged lid.
You'd need to supply your own spanner & allen key. (I'll supply details of correct sizes.)

OK, you've got to carry a small spanner & allen key in your pocket but if like me that's not a problem PM me if you're interested.

 

[John Armstrong]

On the TT Zegas, I used velcro on the pannier and padlock to stop the rattle.

Not as engineered as yours though

 

[VAL. H.]

How long would it take you to get your waterproofs out when it starts to rain?

I like many others use my panniers every day, opening them sometimes several times each day, sometimes not for a few days.

What you've come up with is a good idea and very simple, I've done similar myself at times for a temporary get you by. But just how is it going to be to live with long term?

Val.

 

[THE DOCTOR]

How long would it take you to get your waterproofs out when it starts to rain?

I like many others use my panniers every day, opening them sometimes several times each day, sometimes not for a few days.

What you've come up with is a good idea and very simple, I've done similar myself at times for a temporary get you by. But just how is it going to be to live with long term?

Val.

I only use my panniers when touring. I use my CBR600 or Renault Clio for everyday use.
My touring riding gear is waterproof, I keep a pair of overpants in my topbox in case of heavy downpours which may cause rain to penetrate my pants at the knees & enter my boots.



This will work well for me - just thought I'd post it to help others.
I've not bet my family's future income on this idea!

 

[swissrob]

Hi Doc - the hi-locks and nuts are imperial so this should be noted right?

 

[Nick Marshall]

you must be joking!

Just bought a great set of 'ARD Cases' from redcap & I'm very happy with them.
Well, initially I was happy until I mounted them, put padlocks on the latches & was greeted with a cacophony of clanging that would put a campanologist to shame every time I moved the bike.

I came up with this...

I use a non-hex headed bolt with a compression nut.
This means the nut is a tight fit when assembling so will not work loose.

When fitting the nut you need an allen key inserted into the tail of the bolt to stop the bolt spinning.

This means any opportunist thief attemping to tackle this bolt would need the correct sized spanner & allen key (a socket would be no good 'cos you need to hold the bolt tail with the allen key)

A padlock can be easily opened with one swift blow.

What d'yer think?

I can supply 4 bolts 4 nuts & 8 nylon spacers or 2 bolts 2 nuts & 4 nylon spaces if you have a hinged lid.
You'd need to supply your own spanner & allen key. (I'll supply details of correct sizes.)

OK, you've got to carry a small spanner & allen key in your pocket but if like me that's not a problem PM me if you're interested.

better idea

get them welded shut..

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

On the TT Zegas, I used velcro on the pannier and padlock to stop the rattle.

Me too. I have the TT topbox and use velcro.

Pluck