Good way to lock systainer?

joshl_1995

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Joined
Mar 3, 2025
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11
Hello Everyone,
I'm just wondering if anyone has a good way to lock their systainers? I know just locking it means the whole thing could just be taken, however that isn't exactly what I'm after. I'm more wanting a way for opportunist and "un-approved" people getting access to my tools. Opportunists are self explained, though "un-approved" people are those who are like, I need a drill "oh I'll just use this real quick while he's not here", or while my tools are at my work shed, restricting my colleagues from using my tools while I'm either off sick, or over a weekend another co-worker coming into the shed and using them.

To be honest, it's actually mainly to prevent un-authorized use of my tools, not that I don't trust people, but more I just want to know who is using then by simply asking me, because we all know if someone uses your stuff and damages it majority of people wouldn't own up to damaging an expensive tool.

Anyway, so I'm just wanting a way to lock up some systainers, mainly the corded ones and the systainers that contain my batteries, my work uses Festool sanders, so they could just use the plug-it cord at work (so I want to lock up my corded tools) and lock up the systainer containing my batteries (no one else uses Festool at work, only the corded sanders, so the best they can do is check out the tools, but no operate them).

Here are 2 options I thought of, but I figured I might ask other people first to see what anyone has done.

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How many systainers are you wanting to lock up?

If it were a single stack, you may be able use a ratchet strap around the whole stack. Just figure out a way to padlock the strap mechanism to only need one lock for the entire stack.
 
I'd just lock up the shed...mission accomplished. There's nothing wrong with saying no.  [smile]

I also have a hard time doing it but sometimes that's what needs to be said.

You have to consider the source, some will use the tool and clean it after use, some will simply use the tool and some will just destroy the tool and not realize they destroyed it. How do you guard against simply having a good tool fall into the hands of a poor user?

I've always judged it on a person by person basis and when you can't be there to judge the person...the lock on the shed does it for you.
 
That's fair. However I work for someone, where my tools are mainly kept, I'd rather leave them there locked up then have to bring them home every night.

I do mainly judge it by how the person treats their own stuff, the based off how much they spend on their own products. So for example I'd cringe at the idea of one of the apprentices I work with using my tools, but even then. I don't even want most of the qualifieds I work with using them
 
I have mine in a dedicated, enclosed shelf.  If I were worried about security, I would mount a steel strap on a hinge and use a hasp and a padlock. 

If I had several stacked, then I would use a vertical strap and lock all at the same time. 

Locking a single Systainer seems counter to logic.  Go ahead and lock it.  I’ll simply pick it up and walk off with it. 

The only thing that would work is to lock the station (location) and not the Systainer.
 
I know exactly what you mean. I am in the same situation, my tools are at work. I have a large mechanic style tool chest, for the smaller things. It contains the stuff that is most likely to get "used" in the same way you described. It is lockable, and I do lock it every night, when I leave.
However, those smaller items are hardly the most valuable. Since that is not my primary concern, I don't do anything to lock them up. It would be a daunting task, it my case anyway.
I essentially rely on the cameras and let it go at that.
At one time, I considered a mechanism to block the pullouts from opening, which would keep people out. That seemed like it would create more work for me than anything, since a real thief would figure out a way around it anyway. Signs saying keep your hands off and cameras are probably the best.
Given the warning, most people will oblige.
 
Unfortunately a lockable cabinet wouldn't work in my situation due to my tools always going from shed to on-site (mostly on-site) and funny enough my boss would be one of the culprits using them. So if he used them and something happened he would come up with an excuse to not show me the cameras.
 
I did not check to see what the cost of this system is, but it seems like it would work.

(Once you get past the annoying solar panel sales guy.)
 
that could be an option

Packard said:
I have mine in a dedicated, enclosed shelf.  If I were worried about security, I would mount a steel strap on a hinge and use a hasp and a padlock. 

If I had several stacked, then I would use a vertical strap and lock all at the same time. 

Locking a single Systainer seems counter to logic.  Go ahead and lock it.  I’ll simply pick it up and walk off with it. 

The only thing that would work is to lock the station (location) and not the Systainer.
 
That just looks funny as, but kind of cool.

Packard said:
I did not check to see what the cost of this system is, but it seems like it would work.

(Once you get past the annoying solar panel sales guy.)
 
Out of curiosity, does anyone make a child-proof lock for Systainers?  In fact, a child-proof lock for any power tools?

I don’t hear about accidents with children and tablesaws (for instance), but the possible outcome is too horrible to consider. 

If I had children in my house, I would probably add a combination lock to the basement.  Kids would have no real reason to be in my basement. 

Strangely, the only power tool I own that has a “key” is my Rigid table top belt sander.  In my mind, far less dangerous than my table saw, band saw or circular saw. 
 
Packard said:
Out of curiosity, does anyone make a child-proof lock for Systainers?  In fact, a child-proof lock for any power tools?

I don’t hear about accidents with children and tablesaws (for instance), but the possible outcome is too horrible to consider. 

If I had children in my house, I would probably add a combination lock to the basement.  Kids would have no real reason to be in my basement. 

Strangely, the only power tool I own that has a “key” is my Rigid table top belt sander.  In my mind, far less dangerous than my table saw, band saw or circular saw.
People using potentially dangerous tools as part of their daily lives - think homesteaders,farmers - tend to do the exact opposite.

They teach their children about the danger and to respect the tools.

They understand well it is not only impractical, that no lock will stop an un-educated (of the dangers) child, but mainly that understanding the risks and dangers around, how to manage them, is one of the most valuable lessons a child can get into its life.

Sure, there are reasons to lock-out parts of a home. To lock-up the power board for the shop, etc. But the use case is not to protect "the children of the house". It is to protect any guests and/or visitors from being stupid. You protect your children from dangers by teaching them, not by isolating them.*)

*) of course, a 2-3 year old is a different matter. Needs oversight at all times, basically. But a 4-year old child is both already smart-enough to bypass locks and to be able to rely on its own judgement, if educated beforehand. The problems appear when (lazy) people lie to kids about "dangers" early on (think 2+ yrs) ... such kids learn to not believe their parents when they get older (think 4+ yrs) and just flatly ignore any safety guidance. Parents are horrified, act as if the kids were stupid etc. Problems ensue. But that is more of a "city-dweller" type problem .. I have yet to see this in kids raised in "culturally DYI" environments.
 
I think Lee Valley is closing out keyed locking latches for the original style Systainers.

Those Sys-AZ drawers can be fitted with locks that could slow somebody down if they wanted to pick up and walk off with some Festool stuff. Happens to guitar players who turn their backs in clubs all the time.
 
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