Factory hood lock

[Texbaz]

From what I have read locking latches are just a hold over from older jeep model hood latches that would unlock by themself.
I've ordered two different locking hood latches and 1. They are easily defeated by simply pulling on them my 2 year old grand son could easily break them.
2. Most require the key to be left in the lock when unlocked cause they can't be removed.

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[ShadowsPapa]

From what I have read locking latches are just a hold over from older jeep model hood latches that would unlock by themself.
I've ordered two different locking hood latches and 1. They are easily defeated by simply pulling on them my 2 year old grand son could easily break them.
2. Most require the key to be left in the lock when unlocked cause they can't be removed.

Mine allow key removal in either locked or unlocked mode. In other words, they function as normal latches when not locked - no key in cylinder.

Yes, I could probably break into them, but not without some damage along the way.

But then, I can get into pretty much any hood latch or lock mechanism anyway, including cable types - break the grill, reach the cable, pull hard and so on. I could likely get past the Bolt lock as well, but the point is - slow 'em down, prevent even a percentage.
If someone wants something, they will get it. But you will prevent the "casual thefts".

 

[MaximusTX]

I got these ones for mine. They aren't perfect but they were the best ones I could find. If someone really wants to open the hood they still could but it will at least still provide some security measures.

Hood Latches Lock for 2018-2024 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL 4XE Gladiator JT Aluminum Locking Hood Latch Safety Catch Kit Replacement

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I got these ones for mine. They aren't perfect but they were the best ones I could find. If someone really wants to open the hood they still could but it will at least still provide some security measures.

Hood Latches Lock for 2018-2024 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL 4XE Gladiator JT Aluminum Locking Hood Latch Safety Catch Kit Replacement

For some reason, I sort of like the industrial solution look.

 

[Hootbro]

Cheap theft deterrent:

/sarcasm

I would argue it would just as equally invite someone to break in looking for guns.

 

[MPMB]

I would argue it would just as equally invite someone to break in looking for guns.

annnnnd that's the joke.

 

[Chasm]

Cheap theft deterrent:

/sarcasm

 

[Dummy SALAPA]

On my 21 I had a Lasfit pneumatic lock, it worked great but it went with the trade in. Lasfit doesnt make one for 24 and up so I went for the Bolt on my new Rubicon. I only had to cut one branch in the Grille. You can hardly even notice from distance that its there.

 

[JTGuy]

With the hood latch locks how much body and hood damage will they do to break them?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

With the hood latch locks how much body and hood damage will they do to break them?

Hang on, I'll run out and see just how badly I have to damage my hood and fender area to force the hood open and take pictures....................

 

[Texbaz]

Most scum bags stealing your truck won't even open the hood, no need too.
Most break the glass on the rear window or passenger side.
Then rip out the glove box, access the star connector at the very front connection, so they are on the high and low. Only takes a minute.

The hood is really for the average crack head or slimeball looking to just do harm or steal your battery.

I like the hood lock for the battery security. If your worried about them damaging the hood don't put it on.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The hood is really for the average crack head or slimeball looking to just do harm or steal your battery.

I like the hood lock for the battery security. If your worried about them damaging the hood don't put it on.

Yeah, pretty much it.
If it's to guard a battery - you have to weigh the costs of damage vs. a lost battery.
It will keep casual crack-heads out who come equipped only with cable cutters but for serious thieves, it might only slow them a bit.

I don't lock mine most of the time, would lock it only in certain areas. Mine, I can leave them unlocked if I want and they work like any other latch. But they aren't robust, either.

 

[Texbaz]

Wait I may have miss understood are talking about the OEM hood Latch our vehicles come with and swapping those out for the locking style?

If that is your question I didn't read good enough sorry. Like I said in my other post it literally takes zero effort to overcome the OEM style that have a little tab, zero.
I purchased a set, installed then broke it by just pulling back on the plastic latch.

If you find some metal ones they might be more robust. And all that breaks Is on the ones I purchased was the lock and the little tab.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Hang on, I'll run out and see just how badly I have to damage my hood and fender area to force the hood open and take pictures....................

I did that for you. I thought it was unlocked when installing it and the hood latch broke into a bunch of pieces, bending the entire latch mechanism. No damage to hoot or fenders though

 

[Camaroboi13]

Wait I may have miss understood are talking about the OEM hood Latch our vehicles come with and swapping those out for the locking style?

If that is your question I didn't read good enough sorry. Like I said in my other post it literally takes zero effort to overcome the OEM style that have a little tab, zero.
I purchased a set, installed then broke it by just pulling back on the plastic latch.

If you find some metal ones they might be more robust. And all that breaks I the ones I purchased was the lock and the little tab.

Same here. The locking latches are so weak it’s embarrassing. Best case scenario the thief sees a locking hood latch and moves onto the next Jeep.

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