popNlock

bigtruck21 · July 7, 2003

installation designed to be easy but to get it to work right hard

rating 3/10

Got the popnlock free from truckgadgets with a tonneau purchase. I spent about an hour on it which was way too long. What I found is that it attaches with only 1 bolt. I'm glad I didn't use the optional 1 way screw to put it in because I had to take it off about 4 times! The tighter you screw the bolt, the further it wants to suck it in to the handle assembly. When it gets too far in, it dislodges the tailgate handle upward. All the locking mechanism does is fit inside the hollow part of the tailgate handle (the part your fingers go into) and prevents the tailgate handle from being lifted all the way. If it gets too far sucked in, it gets stuck on the back part of the handle which is why it's so tight to turn the lock. I actually had grooves in my plastic tailgate handle from turning the lock. So I "modified" the locking bracket to help it clear some. You can't modify it too much or it won't stop the handle from being lifted. If you have it too tight, it won't fit in the middle of the handle and cannot lock. If it's too loose, it also won't stop the handle from being lifted because the popnlock will shift with the handle. So I had to play with modifying it and setting how tight the one bolt is to get it to work right. I ended up keeping it too tight to work smoothly because it works better that way, but I've found it displaces the handle upward and out because the popnlock wants to go inside and behind when too tight. To get it to operate smoothly, you have to put force on the tailgate handle (down and in) and it pops into place. Now the lock can be moved with ease. Hopes this helps everyone. It's really designed to be installed easy instead of functioning well. I'm glad I got it free. Will only stop opportunistic/soft core theives.

Victory Red · July 7, 2003

Wow man. Are you sure they sent you the right lock for your truck? I bought one and had it installed in minutes. No troubles at all with the fit or function. The only thing I don't like is the bolt that holds it in doesn't match the other two stock bolts.

gmcjoe · July 7, 2003

Those locks work great unless you are like me and open your tailgate daily.

I started selling the Gate Keeper, a tailgate anti-theft device a few months back - check it out if you like

http://www.trucktechniques.com

It still allows your tailgate to open and close freely, but prevents someone from walking off with it.

Joe

bigtruck21 · July 9, 2003

Yeah, its the right one. They are pretty much universal. It fits right, but you need it bolted extra tight (so it doesn't move) but than makes the handle get pushed up which causes the locking mechanism to bind on the back of the handle. If you have it on loosey goosey, it worked fine, but I could still open the tailgate by pulling up hard on it because it would shift.

Victory Red · July 9, 2003

It still allows your tailgate to open and close freely, but prevents someone from walking off with it.

Unless they have an allen wrench handy.

All this stuff is great for keeping honest people honest, but if someone really wants your tailgate (or your whole truck for that matter) they are going to get it.

gmcjoe · July 9, 2003

It still allows your tailgate to open and close freely, but prevents someone from walking off with it.

Unless they have an allen wrench handy.

All this stuff is great for keeping honest people honest, but if someone really wants your tailgate (or your whole truck for that matter) they are going to get it.

That is true. Same goes for car alarms, the club and such, they are all deterrents.

People stealing things, like tailgates, want it to be quick for the most part.

OKLAGMCRUISER · July 9, 2003

Those locks work great unless you are like me and open your tailgate daily.

I started selling the Gate Keeper, a tailgate anti-theft device a few months back - check it out if you like

http://www.trucktechniques.com

It still allows your tailgate to open and close freely, but prevents someone from walking off with it.

Joe

I like this concept, but it doesn't keep someone from stealing your aftermarket or '03 tails...

RealTruck · December 22, 2003

Dear bigtruck21,

Truck gadgets sells / gives out bully locks and make their own power locks. The Pop N Lock brand should have the logo on the lock itself.

Here is what the lock should look like if it is a pop and lock brand keyed tailgate lock. Usually they take only minutes to install.

Frank S · December 22, 2003

Dear bigtruck21,

Truck gadgets sells / gives out bully locks and make their own power locks. The Pop N Lock brand should have the logo on the lock itself.

Here is what the lock should look like if it is a pop and lock brand keyed tailgate lock. Usually they take only minutes to install.

That's what I have on my 2000 ZR2 and it fits and works like a charm.

silverado3500 · January 15, 2004

It still allows your tailgate to open and close freely, but prevents someone from walking off with it.

Unless they have an allen wrench handy.

All this stuff is great for keeping honest people honest, but if someone really wants your tailgate (or your whole truck for that matter) they are going to get it.

Two words....Loc-Tite Red...that stuff will make that bolt d@mn near impossible to get out.

louistruckster · May 9, 2004

I got a free Bully lock for my 01 silverado from truck gadgets when I bought an Access cover from them and it went on in 5 minutes. works great. I like the OEM look.

torx · March 15, 2006

installation designed to be easy but to get it to work right hard
rating 3/10

Got the popnlock free from truckgadgets with a tonneau purchase. I spent about an hour on it which was way too long. What I found is that it attaches with only 1 bolt. I'm glad I didn't use the optional 1 way screw to put it in because I had to take it off about 4 times! The tighter you screw the bolt, the further it wants to suck it in to the handle assembly. When it gets too far in, it dislodges the tailgate handle upward. All the locking mechanism does is fit inside the hollow part of the tailgate handle (the part your fingers go into) and prevents the tailgate handle from being lifted all the way. If it gets too far sucked in, it gets stuck on the back part of the handle which is why it's so tight to turn the lock. I actually had grooves in my plastic tailgate handle from turning the lock. So I "modified" the locking bracket to help it clear some. You can't modify it too much or it won't stop the handle from being lifted. If you have it too tight, it won't fit in the middle of the handle and cannot lock. If it's too loose, it also won't stop the handle from being lifted because the popnlock will shift with the handle. So I had to play with modifying it and setting how tight the one bolt is to get it to work right. I ended up keeping it too tight to work smoothly because it works better that way, but I've found it displaces the handle upward and out because the popnlock wants to go inside and behind when too tight. To get it to operate smoothly, you have to put force on the tailgate handle (down and in) and it pops into place. Now the lock can be moved with ease. Hopes this helps everyone. It's really designed to be installed easy instead of functioning well. I'm glad I got it free. Will only stop opportunistic/soft core theives.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

bigtruck the handle bolts should only be tightened to 18 ft lbs.

HotdogMB · May 11, 2006

installation designed to be easy but to get it to work right hard
rating 3/10

Got the popnlock free from truckgadgets with a tonneau purchase. I spent about an hour on it which was way too long. What I found is that it attaches with only 1 bolt. I'm glad I didn't use the optional 1 way screw to put it in because I had to take it off about 4 times! The tighter you screw the bolt, the further it wants to suck it in to the handle assembly. When it gets too far in, it dislodges the tailgate handle upward. All the locking mechanism does is fit inside the hollow part of the tailgate handle (the part your fingers go into) and prevents the tailgate handle from being lifted all the way. If it gets too far sucked in, it gets stuck on the back part of the handle which is why it's so tight to turn the lock. I actually had grooves in my plastic tailgate handle from turning the lock. So I "modified" the locking bracket to help it clear some. You can't modify it too much or it won't stop the handle from being lifted. If you have it too tight, it won't fit in the middle of the handle and cannot lock. If it's too loose, it also won't stop the handle from being lifted because the popnlock will shift with the handle. So I had to play with modifying it and setting how tight the one bolt is to get it to work right. I ended up keeping it too tight to work smoothly because it works better that way, but I've found it displaces the handle upward and out because the popnlock wants to go inside and behind when too tight. To get it to operate smoothly, you have to put force on the tailgate handle (down and in) and it pops into place. Now the lock can be moved with ease. Hopes this helps everyone. It's really designed to be installed easy instead of functioning well. I'm glad I got it free. Will only stop opportunistic/soft core theives.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

bigtruck the handle bolts should only be tightened to 18 ft lbs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have one on my 05 Sierra and it went on in 5 minutes and works great. But my buddy put one on his 03 Silverado and he had to modify the locking tab too. Must be a slight differece in the two.