Tubular Lock Cover Upgrade

I have to say that I've been pretty happy with my new tubular compartment locks since I installed them last March (click here to read the complete article on the ordering and installation instructions). They've performed flawlessly and provide additional peace of mind for my tools and equipment. The only issue I've encountered with the new locks is dirt and dust intrusion while driving on unpaved trails and mountain roads (the problem has occurred only with the rear compartments not those found on the sides). Fortunately, the folks at Industrial Lock and Hardware now offer a new, flip-up dust cover to prevent this from happening again.

Installing the new dust covers was incredibly easy.  Like the tubular locks, you don't need to possess locksmith level skills to install them. Remember the caveman reference in my original article? The same applies here, too. To install the cover, you'll need to remove the tubular lock and re-install it with the new cover in place. The only recommendation I would make is to ditch the old black rubber gasket before installing this cover as the mounting does add a small amount of depth to the lock and cam which may impact how snug the cam sits against the inner lip of the storage compartment. The pics below show the final installation for the rear compartments.

Dust cover with the spring-loaded cover pulled back.

Rear storage compartment showing the installed covers.

Sideways mounting of the new dust cover.

The new lock covers look great and provide a terrific barrier against dirt, dust, snow, ice, and moisture and at only $3.50 a piece, they're well worth the cost and effort to install. So if you had any reservations before about buying tubular locks because of dirt or ice intrusion concerns, then worry no more. These lock covers not only work well in protecting your locks, but they'll also look good doing it.