Hey there, looking for advice on how to stop a propane tank from being taken. My tank and grill are on a wooden deck, so I’m thinking about using large bolts to secure it instead of a cable lock.
The goal is to stop crimes of opportunity, so it doesn’t need to be unbreakable, just enough to make it hard for someone to take. I’ve got a few ideas, but I’d love to hear what you all think!
Maybe a lock-out/tag-out cover for the valve would work? Or even taking the valve knob off if possible, like how public water spigots often don’t have knobs.
Anything that makes it a bit more difficult for someone to take it might make them hesitate or not want to bother.
@Gray
They could steal it before realizing that the valve’s been tampered with, though.
You could try an unobtrusive chain that goes through a hole in the propane tank and also through the grill’s legs, then down through the deck, if the boards are spaced wide enough.
I get you don’t want a cable lock, but that might be a good way to secure both items at once while still being able to move them. Of course, if someone has a cable cutter, both could be taken.
@Shae
If the chain won’t fit through the decking, you could bolt an eye through it and use a nylon lock nut under the boards. Or, you might be able to drill a hole and lock it in place. Do people who steal stuff from backyards bring tools with them?
You could push the grill against the patio railing. Then, run a cable lock through the collar of the propane tank and lock it to a patio support or railing post.
You could use steel stock strap with holes, and run it through the gaps between the deck boards. Put a padlock through one of the holes, and they won’t be able to pull the strap out. Or, you could use bolts through the holes instead.
Both the grill and the tank could be secured. Propane tanks have handles, so be sure to use those; you don’t want to damage the valve or make it easier to loosen. You could use a U-bolt through a couple of deck planks, which would strengthen the lock-down, and then run a cable lock through it — a good bike lock would work.
Maybe add a motion sensor light, which would also be handy if you want to grill in the dark. I think a U-bolt with a chain or cable lock would be a solid option for balance between security and ease of use. You could cover it with a potted plant, but displaying the lock is often a good deterrent.
All you can really do is make it too much of a hassle for anyone to bother with. If they really want it, they might even cut the deck to get it.
Get four ‘L’ shaped brackets for the grill legs, bolt them to the grill, and use lag screws to attach it to the deck. Definitely use a bike cable on the propane tank too — it’s a cheap but effective deterrent. If you can cable both the tank and grill to the deck, all the better.
Just browsing and figuring out which ideas to support…