# Chain that will withstand bolt cutters? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 8, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722 "2021-12-08T17:16:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/1 "2021-12-08T17:16:59Z")
This darling little iron bench was stolen off my front porch last night. It was chained with a heavy-duty (so I thought) bicycle chain. Bench and chain both gone. My neighbor across the street saw the episode at 4:00 am. She said the back of the guy’s pickup was full of loot. I guess he was Christmas shopping off of people’s porches. 😡 Yes, I did file a police report just FTR. (The police sergeant said thieves follow the amazon trucks down the street!) The bench was $100 ten years ago, so no great monetary loss. But it was cute and I liked it. So did my cat. [There are two pictures, so click on it.] [[Album] Bench ![](https://i.imgur.com/CUft1nv.jpeg?fb "Bench") ](https://imgur.com/a/mpz6tcA) I’d like to replace the bench and use a sturdier chain. This one looks promising. Apparently hexagonal links thwart bolt cutters. It’s ~$60, but I’ve got oodles of amazon rewards points. What say y’all? > **[OKG Maximum Heavy Duty Security Chain 2.6 ft x 15/32 inch 12mm Thick Hexagonal...](https://www.amazon.com/OKG-Security-Hexagonal-Motorcycles-Protection/dp/B08R5QL3QQ)** > > OKG Maximum Heavy Duty Security Chain 2.6 ft x 15/32 inch 12mm Thick Hexagonal Bike Lock Chain, 5.7 LBS, Cut Proof Hardened Alloy Steel Motorcycles Cinch Chain Ultra Protection (No Lock) - - Amazon.com ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/2 "2021-12-08T17:49:43Z")
The Vulcan-A bit pricey, but it is more than three times as long, and the claim that it is bolt cutter proof is backed up by a lifetime guarantee. > **[Amazon.com: VULCAN Security Chain - Premium Case-Hardened - 3/8 Inch x 9 Foot...](https://www.amazon.com/Vulcan-Case-Hardened-Security-Chain/dp/B07GJSZ86H)** > > Buy VULCAN Security Chain - Premium Case-Hardened - 3/8 Inch x 9 Foot (+/-2 Inches) - Chain Cannot Be Cut with Bolt Cutters or Hand Tools: Home Security Systems - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/3 "2021-12-08T17:51:28Z")
I do hope the cat didn’t get stolen too! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/4 "2021-12-08T18:10:20Z")
It doesn’t need to be long. I’m only going to use it to chain the bench to the porch railing. The three-foot one would be plenty. Kittycat is fine. I bring both kitties in the house at bedtime. I’m a fixture in the neighborhood, out with my flashlight just after dark, summerfallwinterspring, rounding up felines. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/5 "2021-12-08T18:29:04Z")
3 ft. for $49.99, then: > **[VULCAN Security Chain - Premium Case-Hardened - 5/16 Inch x 3 Foot (+/- 1.5...](https://www.vulcanbrands.com/vulcan-security-chain-premium-case-hardened-5-16-inch-x-3-foot-chain-cannot-be-cut-with-bolt-cutters-or-hand-tools.html)** > > Special hardening process makes this chain nearly impossible to cutSecure any motorcycle, trailer, bike or ATVSecurity chain is hardened to 63 rc at 10% depth and 50 rc in the coreSquare, case-hardened links fit perfectly in Viro locksCannot be cut... ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/6 "2021-12-08T18:39:59Z")
I suggest this stuff: [![](https://www.usni.org/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image/public/BJM-NH-ND-17-1_1.jpg?itok=8BuTuGK-) ](https://www.usni.org/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image/public/BJM-NH-ND-17-1_1.jpg?itok=8BuTuGK-) Bonus: The chain doubles as a bench. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/7 "2021-12-08T18:47:23Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > It doesn’t need to be long. In fact, the shorter it is, the better. If it’s long, it’s a lot easier to get a giant bolt cutter though it vs if they have to be reaching behind or under the bench because there’s no slack in the chain. Having said that, if it were me, unless this had become a big problem, I’d probably just grab a new chain (or what’s left of the original chain) and go with that. The fact that someone brought bolt cutters makes me think that a heavier chain will only mean they have to run back out to their truck to grab an angle grinder. Either that, or they’ll just cut the lock instead of the chain. You could check out LockPickingLawyer’s youtube channel. It’s mainly focused on picking locks, as you’d expect, but he’s also shown how easy or difficult certain chains are to break with various methods. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/8 "2021-12-08T19:06:08Z")
It’s very pricey, but supposedly the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit is among the strongest bike chains one can buy. > **[New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410](https://www.kryptonitelock.com/en/products/product-information/current-key/999485.html?type=bicycle)** > > The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 has a 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t hardened manganese steel, offering ultimate bike security in high theft areas. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.E](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.e/32/8932_2.png) [@Mr.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.E)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/9 "2021-12-08T19:29:07Z")
Since it looks like you have a concrete porch another option is to get a bench that can be bolted down and secure it directly to the concrete with anchor bolts. Even without tamper-resistant bolts a thief will be reluctant to spend the time wrenching on anchors when they’re looking for stuff they can remove quickly with cutters. The problem is ultimately anything you do can be defeated by a persistent enough thief, all you can do is present them with a target that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Edit: An additional thought, buying a fancy chain may well further entice a thief, who might think overcoming someone’s expensive defenses to be glamorous. Tediously unscrewing four anchor bolts is comparatively less glamorous. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/10 "2021-12-08T19:29:10Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I’d probably just grab a new chain (or what’s left of the original chain) and go with that. > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Bench and chain both gone. * * * * * * I’d like to increase the deterrence factor a little bit. IF I even decide to replace the bench. I don’t often sit on the front porch because of mosquitoes. And I have three of those plastic Adirondack chairs there, too. Not worth stealing. > [@Mr.E](#): > > The problem is ultimately anything you do can be defeated by a persistent enough thief, all you can do is present them with a target that’s more trouble than it’s worth. That is my thinking. BTW also in the neighborhood last night a guy (probably the same guy) stole a mailbox that was BOLTED into concrete. Probably just regular bolts. The person who posted that on Nextdoor said the bolts were just unscrewed. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/11 "2021-12-08T19:39:34Z")
> [@tofor](#): > > I suggest this stuff: That looks expensive. But if you could find some tiny little men and stand them next to a normal chain, it would _look_ like that and deter the thieves. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/12 "2021-12-08T20:55:36Z")
The question is, if you toughen the chain, what’s the next weakest part of the set up? You could come home to a missing bench and destroyed porch railing. I think the idea of bolting it down is good. If not that, then consider bolting down something (with tamper resistant bolts) to chain it to. The porch railing looks much weaker than that chain. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/13 "2021-12-08T22:08:52Z")
My current thinking is that I’m not going to bother to replace the bench. I might change my mind… ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/14 "2021-12-08T22:32:17Z")
> [@Mr.E](#): > > Edit: An additional thought, buying a fancy chain may well further entice a thief, who might think overcoming someone’s expensive defenses to be glamorous. Tediously unscrewing four anchor bolts is comparatively less glamorous. aircraft control cable (for cutting resistance)? Leaving it as an exercise how to cut it to the right length yourself and form the proper eyes on the ends. Possibly more trouble than it’s worth? Note, if you are ever not home and therefore cannot hear the noise, the thief can always grind through a heavy chain or other metal. My bicycle was stolen last week… ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/15 "2021-12-08T22:38:19Z")
I’d float the idea of electrifying the chain and bench at night, but then we’re back to the hardened mailbox dilemma still scrolling out elsewhere on the board. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/16 "2021-12-08T22:49:33Z")
Is it too obvious to suggest a motion detector and camera? ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/17 "2021-12-08T23:25:38Z")
If I wanted to be able to have a functional bench that I would be comfortable knowing was all but theft proof, I would be tempted to cut out a couple of trenches in the sidewalk and then imbed a stainless steel Z channel or hat channel such that one of flat edges is flush with the concrete. Then, have a bench custom fabricated out of steel – a high school student taking an into welding class could do it for a pittance. Make sure the feet are wide and thick and use something thick and heavy like ¼ inch angle iron or tube stock. Then weld the bench to the imbedded steel in the concrete. Don’t tack it, instead make sure to run the bead all around each foot. If someone wants to take off with my bench, I’d make them work for it. But that might be overkill. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/18 "2021-12-08T23:30:14Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I guess he was Christmas shopping off of people’s porches. My guess is he took the bench so he could get a couple of dollars from a metal recycling place. If that’s the case, a wooden bench wouldn’t be as attractive. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/19 "2021-12-08T23:50:50Z")
Hell, I’d have given him the money. 🙄 I can never keep cash in my purse because I wind up giving it to homeless people and panhandlers. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722/20 "2021-12-08T23:53:58Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > My bicycle was stolen last week… Damn. Sorry to hear that. > [@susan](#): > > I’d float the idea of electrifying the chain and bench at night A good idea, but sometimes neighborhood kitties like to jump up there. > [@Pleonast](#): > > Is it too obvious to suggest a motion detector and camera? I just ordered one. When I made the police report the sergeant was disappointed that I didn’t have a picture from a porch camera. > [@Lancia](#): > > But that might be overkill. I like the cut of your jib. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-that-will-withstand-bolt-cutters/955722.md?page=2)