Technically, a title like this belongs to Cap @ Stop Buying Crap. However, I am going to borrow it for the time being to address the issue of “The Club” - a steering wheel locking device.
I had been toying with the idea of reinforcing (I say “reinforcing” because the car already has an engine immobilizer) our car’s security. After briefly analyzing a few products, I finally decided to get the relatively inexpensive steering wheel lock ($40). A variation of this steering lock (and it’s placement on the steering wheel) is shown in the image below.
The device boasts of “solid steel hooks for greater security”, but according to me the biggest weakness is the lock-and-key system - irrespective of how “solid” the steel body is. And, any security system is always broken at it’s weakest link.
Anyways, I intend to use the lock as a “deterrent”, more than as a solid device to prevent theft. Given two cars, one with the lock and other without it, a *casual* thief will always go for the one without the lock (or that’s what I think). Plus, the damn thing is highly visual. Perhaps, intimidating enough for wannabe car thieves who are not yet all that sophisticated.
Just bought some crap .. or not?
For $40, it’s cheap crap anyways. 
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Actually, the issue with weakness in a steering wheel lock often isn’t the lock itself, but the actual steering wheel. Depending on the type of steering wheel you have, many can simply be cut and the steering wheel lock easily removed.
But you are right, most thieves will go for the car that is easiest.
I was going to say the same thing crazypumpkin said. A guy with a set of cable cutters can just make two easy cuts on the steering wheel itself and slide the club off.
It’s as you said: If they want the car, they’ll get the car. At the very least, it might scare of your casual thieves while psychologically making you feel better.
Can you see yourself actually getting the thing out and setting it every single time you park the car and get out?
I guess I have to have more info before I judge. What kind of car? What year? In terms of home/work what are your parking situations? A $40 security measure is worth about $38 max. If you live in a “safe” neighborhood and drive a Pinto you just blew $40. I have found that my biggest automotobile security measure is to drive used and not at all sexy cars that are good on mileage and get me from work to home dependably. Also I don’t keep anything inside the car in view. And I never upgrade the stereo system. That’s why God invented iPod shuffles.
My thoughts are along the same lines as Kit’s. I’ve been driving Lincoln Town Cars all over the country for decades and never had one stolen. Even in a city with sky high crime rates where I had no off-street parking, I never had a problem. It seems to me that thieves tend to target certain makes and models. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, that information is often published - so you can find out if your car is in high demand. I’m of the opinion that, unless you frequent neighborhoods where all cars have to fear for their hubcaps, car theft is not high on the list of things to worry about. On the other hand, if you actually do use it every time you leave your car, then $40 is not at all too much to pay for peace of mind.
Golbguru,
If it gives you peace of mind, it’s worth the cost
I’ve never had my car stolen. However, I’ve never owned a top ten stolen car model, which it seems like you may.
Crazypumpkin: “Actually, the issue with weakness in a steering wheel lock often isn’t the lock itself, but the actual steering wheel.” - yup, I figured that our eventually; apparently, experienced guys can cut through the wheel in less than a couple of minutes.
Bamatone: Actually yes, at least till now we have been using it religiously - it takes about 10 seconds to snap it in place, so what gives.
Kit and Rebecca: Last year, more than 100 cars were stolen in this city of less than 100,000 people. The theft rate is far less than the national average ~ but it’s not among the lowest. Toyota Corolla ranks moderately in the list of most stolen cars, and newer models are targeted lesser than older models - so probably my 2005 model is not in the “hit-list”. But you never know. :).
Kit: “Also I don’t keep anything inside the car in view. And I never upgrade the stereo system. That’s why God invented iPod shuffles.” - that’s some good advice right there to discourage break-ins.
Super Saver: Like you say it, I am probably paying $40 for the peace of mind rather than the lock itself.
I (and most people I know) have had various cars broken into several times, but none stolen. My uncle’s truck was stolen once, and it was recovered by the police in fully-stripped condition. Seats, carpet, etc. were taken.
So, personally I don’t worry about it too much. I am far more worried about my car being broken into than stolen. So I make efforts to not have anything valuable visible, and/or to make the inside of my car look “junky” (scattered newspapers, random t-shirts, etc.) like maybe I wouldn’t have anything worth stealing inside.
Anything helps so it’s not totally useless. Just like everything else, of course there is a way to break this just like every other type of protection.
I guess I have one for the “peace of mind” thing too. It just seems like a good deterrent to have instead of the car just looking “open” although I know (and as some have said) that if a thief REALLY wanted the car they would get it.
I think its worth the $40 investment and it doesn’t seem so much of a hassel having to set it everytime you get out of the car - once you get used to it.
Studies show that these do deter thieves from stealing your car, but do nothing to decrease overall car theft (obviously not your concern). As a result, people who do not use them have a higher chance of their car being stolen. Thanks for raising my car insurance rates
A simple cut in the steering wheel and The Club is gone… The Club does not deter thieves at all…
Better off to buy something like the Viper (see below link where I got mine) that can not be removed after cutting steering wheel. In addition, it has a protective plate that prevents airbag from being stolen or steering wheel from being removed. Features High Security lock on it also.
A club is good for:
1) Divorce cases where you think your errant spouse is going to drive off with your car while you are at work.
2) Grounding your teen-aged child who got arrested for smoking Pot, and think it’s a bum rap.
Basically, it’s another key for you. Remember, you are liable for any damage done by this vehicle. If the possession of car keys gets out of control, use the club.
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