Saved my tailgate from getting stolen using a $8.40 part!!!

Can anyone tell me what this guy did on his cables...... ?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WNYrF3cSoU

 

I’m not understanding the original post.

How did you know someone tried to steal it?

 

You could tell because the first thing you do when you want to take your tailgate off it to take off the cables and then lift to remove the tailgate. When the tailgate was opened by my girlfriend in the morning someone had taken off both cables and the tailgate dropped all the way down because the cables had been removed..

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-2015-tacoma-tailgate-lock.428094/page-17#post-13185176

 

If you have a long screwdriver one way to use just a regular hose clamp is to position the head so that you have to be under the truck to access it. Good job OP, great success story!!

 

maybe, maybe not. thieves are constantly making the risk v. reward calculus when choosing a target. You can change that calculus quite a bit by adding the need for tools and more importantly..time.

 

Yup thats what i did, You have to REALLY try to take the hose clamp off

 

I think I'm gonna run to Home Depot and try this method first. The one on Amazon is $8.40 plus $7.00 shipping

Same size as the one linked in the OP I take it? Just a regular hose clamp?

 

The steel ring I put on mine was a piece of tailpipe tubing from O-Reilly's..... cut to length with a hacksaw and painted. I like the idea of following up by filling the screw sockets after installation!

 

Yup nothing fancy at all.

 

Absolutely correct. Anyone who thinks thieves don't walk around with the express intention of stealing stuff (with burglary tools in their pockets) is fooling themselves. The hose clamp is a good idea, and will deter some thieves. A lot of thieves come prepared for that eventuality, but the longer it takes them, the more uncomfortable the theft is. They want to be in and out, quickly.

 

I'm going to copy this guy and use
some JB Weld on the end of the screw.....
Number 3 on this post https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taco-tailgate-theft-deterance.16732/

 

But what happens if you ever DO need to take the tailgate off? i.e....if it gets hit or damaged and needs to be replaced....

 

I'll let the body shop worry about it I guess.......

 

Found a 2-pack for 4 and change

Koehler Enterprises EZ28BK EZ Clamp Blister Pack, 2 Piece (SAE Size 28, No Tools Required),purple,Small

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XAKHK2I/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

Hose clamps are a great way to deter theft, I use them too attach most things to my roof/bed racks. Makes removing them something of a pain but not too bad if you have a power drill.

Of course, any thief that really wants your tail gate just has to bring a power drill back to your truck and they can have it off pretty quick, but I doubt many would go to the trouble. Probably just move on down the street to the next Tacoma.

edit: just saw that these are special key hose clamps, even cooler...I'll have to look into those

 

I saw this in 2014 on TW, so the day before I picked up my new 2015 I had already bought the hose clamp. First mod for me.

 

I bought this for a recent trip to California, came back with my tailgate still on
https://www.amazon.com/SaBellCo-2005-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-Tailgate/dp/B01HBZDOI6

 

Op, thanks for the Amazon link. Will have mine in 2 days!
Loving my prime membership for taco parts

 

I am also looking at this in case they come back with the tool..... I'm getting all paranoid now LOL.
It will only work for 2005-2015 Tacomas.
http://www.jimmijammer.com/Product, GK.htm
http://www.jimmijammer.com/GK description, 200810.htm
Video of them installing on a Ford truck. Not sure if it works the same. It's costs $30.49

Gate Keeper Tailgate Protection Tacoma 2005-2015 Trucks

https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Tailg...68&sr=1-2&keywords=gatekeeper#customerReviews