PunchPlug™ and LockCap™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
General questions
1. What's the difference between the PunchPlug™ and LockCap™ ?
With the PunchPlug™, the door lock and actuating rod are actually removed from the door, and the PunchPlug™ plugs the hole left in the handle when the lock was removed. This works as a visual deterrent so that when the thief looks at the handle next time, he sees that the lock is missing and hopefully will move on. PunchPlug™ installation requires getting inside your door cavity to remove the lock and rod and install the PunchPlug™.
The LockCap™ provides a visual deterrent and makes it more difficult for the thief to force something into the lock. The lock remains in place, so if you ever need to use your key to get in, you can pry the LockCap™ off to unlock your vehicle.
2. Which one should I get?
If you want maximum security, then remove the lock and use the PunchPlug™. If you don't want to remove the lock, or don't want to remove your door panel to get to the inside door cavity as is required for PunchPlug™ installation , then get the LockCap™. The LockCap™ is easy to install, looks good and provides some visual deterrence.
PunchPlug™ specific FAQ's
1. Why remove my door locks?
We've heard from many customers that they have had the locks on their vehicle damaged several times, and they are sick of it! These customers are the ones who asked us to provide a "plug" for their door handle so they can get rid of the lock(s) altogether. The idea is, by removing the lock, the temptation for the thief to attack the lock is also gone.
2. Should I remove the locks from every door?
At most, you have a lock cylinder on each front door. Some vehicles come from the factory with a lock only on the drivers door. Obviously, if you leave a lock available on one door, there is an opportunity for a thief to go after that lock to get into the vehicle. If you've experienced more than one theft or theft attempt, it is probably wise to get rid of every lock cylinder.
3. If I remove the locks, does that stop the thieves completely?
Unfortunately, no. Removing the lock will encourage some thieves to go somewhere else. Others prefer to pry in under the door handle at the seam where the body metal meets the handle and get at the inner door rods that way. With the lock cylinder gone, one rod is gone, but there are others inside the door that are still vulnerable. We recommend installing a Jimmi' Jammer® when you install the PunchPlug™ for added security.
4. How do I get in the vehicle when the key lock is removed?
Assuming you have a remote key fob, just use that like you probably do anyway. If your vehicle has the keyless entry pad on the door handle, that will still work to get in also. If you don't have a remote lock/unlock feature, have one installed. Any dealership or stereo and alarm retailer can do this for you at a reasonable price.
5. Are there any drawbacks to removing the locks from the doors?
If your vehicle were to have some electrical problem that prevented the electric lock actuators from working, then that could be a problem. Fortunately, this is an unlikely event. Even if your vehicle battery were so weak that it couldn't start your vehicle, there would still be plenty of juice left in it to work the lock actuators. If your key fob battery were to go dead, put a new one in and you'll be good to go. Bottom line is that it is unlikely that you would have a failure serious enough to keep you out of the vehicle.
6. Do I need to replace the door handle to install a PunchPlug™ ?
That depends on the damage done to the handle in the theft attempt. If the outside of the handle isn't damaged, then you can probably install a PunchPlug™ without replacing the handle. When a thief "Punches" the lock into the door, the backside of the lock holder is normally broken. In this case, the PunchPlug™ can normally be installed without replacing or fixing the handle. Worst case you can use a little epoxy, such as JBWeld, to adhere the PunchPlug™ in the handle.
7. Is this solution better than replacing the front handles with rear door handles? (Common practice on Super Duty trucks.)
Not so much better as it is a lot less expensive! A new handle will run at least $70, while our PunchPlug™ kit is normally way less!
8. What about color matching the PunchPlug™ to my colored handle?
The standard
PunchPlug™ finish is textured black paint. If you have a different colored handle, it is easy to repaint the PunchPlug™ to match your handle. This can normally be done with spray paint from the hardware store. If you have an uncommon color, get factory touch up paint from the dealership or an automotive paint store.
LockCap™ specific FAQ's
1. Does the LockCap™ provide security or just looks?
Both! The security value is as a visual deterrent. When a thief is used to punching locks into doors, the first thing he looks for is the face of the lock. Then, he may force something, such as a screwdriver, into the lock and twist. This action either strips out the lock on the inside, or breaks the lock holder portion of the door handle. Either way, the lock can then be moved and the door opened. With the LockCap™ in place, the thief will need to determine if there is a lock in place, then decide how to best get in. The hope is they see something they're not used to, and rather than spend any time messing with it, they move on.
2. How hard is the LockCap™ installation?
Not hard at all. No tools are required, so anybody can do it. The kit comes with a small package of specially formulated RTV adhesive that won't run or drip, even on a vertical surface such as a lock face. Just put some RTV on the
LockCap™, and press it in place over the lock. Takes 2 min max! Let it sit for 30 min and it's ok to drive. Cures to full strength in 24hrs.
3. What if I need to remove the LockCap™, can I put it back on?
In the unlikely event that you need to remove the
LockCap™, use a pocket knife or other thin tool to pry the LockCap™ off. The special adhesive remains pliable, so it is easy to peel off if some sticks to the lock. When you are ready to put the LockCap™ back on, just use the same adhesive to put it back on.
4. What if some of the adhesive gets into the lock?
As long as your lock has the little door that closes after you pull your key out, the adhesive will not migrate into the lock. If that little door is missing, just cover the slot with a little piece of tape before applying the adhesive. There is very little risk of the special adhesive getting in the lock, and even if some did, it is a soft compound when dry, so it wouldn't affect the lock operation.
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