Review: BOLT Receiver Lock and Pad Lock

[Josh]

Product: BOLT Receiver Lock (BLT7018438) and BOLT Padlock (BLT7017418).

Manufacturer: BOLT

What it is: BOLT locks utilize patented One-Key Technology enabling you to use your own truck key to open them. Their range of products include receiver locks, padlocks, cable locks, tire locks, and more.

Features/Specifications:

• Opens With Your Vehicle Ignition Key
• Works with late model Chevy, GMC, Buick & Cadillac keys
• Stainless Steel 5/8″ Diameter Shaft
• Fits Class 3, 4 and 5 Hitches (2-2.5″ square receiver)
• Weather Proof
• Auto Return Spring Locks Automatically When Key is Removed
• Double Ball Bearing Locking Mechanism
• Plate Tumbler Sidebar to Prevent Picking and Bumping
• Stainless Steel Lock Shutter to Keep Out Dirt and Moisture
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Cost: $44/$28 (receiver lock/padlock)

Review: The line of BOLT locks aims to take all those extra keys off your truck's key ring. And considering they are made by the same company that supplies the big three with keys and locks to begin with, we have high hopes for this product working as intended. But is it easy to calibrate? And does it work reliably? Come with us as we install and use a receiver lock and a padlock on Project Sierra.

Receiver Hitch Lock


Strattec, the world's largest automotive lock and key manufacturer, is the primary OE lock supplier to GM. Because of this they know the keys and locks for our trucks inside out.


Here's our receiver hitch lock, new in bag.


Unwrapped you can see the locks look good. Included instructions are clear and easy to follow.

As you can see in the video, calibrating the lock to our key was easy. All we had to do was turn the key one rotation counterclockwise and we were done. We then tested the key a few times and to our delight it worked flawlessly.



Here's our current setup. Notice how easy it would be for someone to steal the hitch ball and mount.


And now with the new BOLT lock! The receiver lock installed as expected on Project Sierra's hitch. This should make it A LOT less tempting for a would-be thief!


The pin is a little long for our class 3 hitch. Oh well.

Padlock

Now lets look at the padlock. This one came in the retail packaging which clearly states what the product is intended to fit on. Our padlock, model BLT7017418, is intended to work with keys from late model Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC's.


When you open it up you find that the lock has a protective rubber cover over the keyhole with a sticker identifying the keys it works with. Our 2011 GMC Sierra is a "GM B". We took that off using our key.


We are now ready to 'calibrate' the lock to our truck's key for a second time.

Again, to calibrate you simply insert and turn the key once. That's it. You're done.

Perfect fit and should deter someone from rolling away with the trailer.

 

How it works:

 

 

Conclusion:
Both products that we tested from the BOLT lineup were easy to calibrate and install. After a few days with the locks we are happy with their operation. We find the fit and finish to be on par or better when compared to other locks on the market. We like the high quality look and feel, and the red styling is a nice finishing touch.

We will continue to use these locks on Project Sierra in the coming months through a New England winter. Salt, dirt and grime will soon be an everyday part of these locks new lives. Are they up to the challenge? We will post an update on how they do.

Let us know if you you have any questions or comments about our install and review on BOLT locks.

This post has been promoted to an article

[Chris]

I put the 06 and prior versions to use in Vegas. So far I like both the receiver lock and pad lock. They were very simple to setup and it was nice to take a key off the ring. I am going to get some of their other products to eliminate more keys. I view these products as a must have now that I have started using them.

[Jsdirt]

I bought the receiver lock this summer after reading about it here. Best thing I ever did! Was sick and tired of trying to find the keys for it - now the truck key is the only key I need. Handled 12k lbs. of trailer and coal last month, and so far the lock mechanism is still smooth. So far, so good. Highly recommended.

[hollis092]

Im thinking of the receiver lock and maybe a cable lock too.

[Chris]

In time I will be picking up more of their products to use. Cable is not on my list, it may be on Zane's or Josh's

[EX-F150 owner]

I have the receiver lock, a cable lock, several pad locks and I'm ordering another receiver lock for the Wife's Enclave. Great way to reduce your keys. Hopefully they make another version of the padlock with a smaller shank, the current does not fit lockers that have recessed latches.

[clarks2001]

I have the Bolt tailgate handle/lock and it functions like the factory locking tailgate one does. I originally bought another brand that you wedge under the handle and all that but fitment was garbage at best took it back to 4wheel parts and they couldn't get it to work either so they offered the Bolt system in trade and they installed it for free. So I paid like $40 and probably added like $200 value to my truck. I might get the hitch lock eventually.

[Josh]

Since this is related, I'll leave this here. BOLT locks won Popular Mechanics Editor Choice at SEMA.

BOLT® GARNERS POPULAR MECHANICS EDITORS CHOICE AWARD AT SEMA

Coupler Pin Lock Deemed "Best of the Best"

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - BOLT® locks from STRATTEC® Security Corporation earned a Popular Mechanics Editors' Choice Award at this year's Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) convention in Las Vegas.

BOLT earned the award for its new Coupler Pin Lock, which fits couplers from 1/2-inch to 3 3/8-inch, making it suitable for numerous hitched applications. Designed with no exposed shackle, the Coupler Pin Lock is exemplary of the entire BOLT line, which is engineered to ward off even the most aggressive attempts at picking or breaking, and stand up to extreme climates and conditions.

Popular Mechanics editors, who cruise the SEMA show each year seeking out "the best of the best," were impressed with BOLT locks' patented one-key lock technology, which enables any number of BOLT locks to be programmed to a single vehicle key, reducing the number of keys drivers must carry to keep vehicles, tools and equipment secure.

"We're delighted the Popular Mechanics editors recognized the innovative features and rugged design of BOLT locks," said BOLT National Sales Manager Erika Garcia. "The Coupler Pin Lock is the latest release but our line is continually growing, with exciting new products already in the works."

The BOLT lock line includes everything from padlocks, receiver and cable locks to spare tire, toolbox latch and tailgate handle locks. BOLT is available for most Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler/Jeep and General Motors vehicles on the road today, including 2014 GMC Sierras and Chevrolet Silverados with center cut keys.

BOLT locks come with a limited lifetime warranty. Find a BOLT retailer by using the zip code finder, www.boltlock.com/retail-finder or purchase from the BOLT website at http://www.boltlock.com/shop. BOLT locks are also available at Summit Racing Equipment, 4-Wheel Parts stores, Quadratec, Auto Value, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Lordco Auto Parts, Action Car and Truck Accessories, and Canadian Tire retailers. For more information, visit www.boltlock.com.
About STRATTEC Security Corporation

STRATTEC® Security Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive locks, keys and related access control products, and is the primary lock supplier to Ford, GM and Chrysler. STRATTEC's history in the automotive business spans 100 years. For more information, write to 3333 West Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53209; call 414.247.3333; or visitwww.boltlock.com.

[Stex]

Thanks Josh. This will help. I will leave my old one key lock set up on my old sub and this for the truck. No more back and forth with the locks. I have two receivers hitches. Wish Undercover would go to this on their locks.

[Chris]

It is an option thru that company

 

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk Pro

[Bassboats]

I've had BOLT locks on my truck since they hit the market. Nice having hitch, toolbox latches, cable and padlocks all working off my GMC Sierra's ignition key.

[EXSlider400]

Thanks Josh. This will help. I will leave my old one key lock set up on my old sub and this for the truck. No more back and forth with the locks. I have two receivers hitches. Wish Undercover would go to this on their locks.

Or fold - a - cover since I purchased from GM with my truck as a GM accessory...

[randylindae]

I am really impressed by this Bolt Receiver Lock and I will be purchasing one soon.

[newdude]

I picked up the side cut key ones and they are very nice products.

[Mad Max]

Thanks to all for this info. I just ordered one for my centercut keyed 2014 Silverado hitch pin. Didn't want any more keys to deal with. If it works well will be replacing all my locks with these. A little pricy but if quality made and long lasting - Cool!