Need lockable case recommendations for expensive equipment.

[fuzzybabybunny]

My home was recently broken into and burglarized but I was lucky to have all of my camera and work equipment in my car that day while working. I think I need to get more serious about locking up my expensive equipment when I'm not using it. I'm thinking about getting a case that can lock shut, and then chaining that case to an immovable object in the house or in my car when I'm out and about.

The house burglars were in a huge rush and didn't carry any bolt cutters or even screwdrivers with them, so I think a locked case chained to something structural in the house would be effective. My car is tinted and most car thieves are also the dash and grab type, so that case chained to some protruding metal object of the car frame should work to deter most people.

I'd like the case to be able to carry maybe 3-4 camera bodies, 4 smaller lenses, and some other random stuff.

I've thought about Pelican cases but I think they're overkill. They're kinda expensive too. All I really need is a metal/durable case that locks, and which I can chain to an object. I don't necessary need something that's waterproof and can be thrown out of a helicopter.

 

[Leros]

I don't necessary need something that's waterproof and can be thrown out of a helicopter.

One day, you'll be jumping out of a helicopter into a lake and you'll regret that decision.

 

[jlee]

How much do you plan on spending?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

How much do you plan on spending?

The equivalent Pelican case is $300. Hopefully much less than that for basically a sturdy box that I can lock.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I'm thinking... what about a large steel surplus ammo box?

 

[sdifox]

buy a safe and bolt it to the floor

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

buy a safe and bolt it to the floor

Need it for the car as well. Due to my job at any time I could have thousands of dollars worth of gear in my car.

 

[mmntech]

I'm thinking... what about a large steel surplus ammo box?

I have a small one I use to store my batteries in for my RC helicopters. For cameras, don't know.

What about something like this. They're used for RC radio transmitters but should fit a DSLR and lens if you take the latter off the former. Foam is perforated to shape your own inserts. Has luggage style locks.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXLJ7&P=ML

 

[sdifox]

Need it for the car as well. Due to my job at any time I could have thousands of dollars worth of gear in my car.

get a strongbox for the car.

 

[Greenman]

Get one of these and bolt it to the floor.

http://www.jobsitestoragebox.com/knaackclassicstoragechestmodel2032.aspx

 

[IronWing]

Check out police supply stores. There are some very good lock boxes designed to be mounted in cars for locking up guns and ammo.

 

[mizzou]

buy an old GE fridge and convert it to a safe if you want something cheap

 

[IronWing]

Buy the biggest box of maxi pads Costco sells. Throw out the pads and store your camera stuff in the box.

 

[Specop 007]

Wait a minute, I'm confused. You admit you have expensive cameras. You admit you've been the victim of theft and yet you come out and say you dont want to spend much money?

That makes no sense. No sense at all. If its worth protecting its worth protecting right.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd use an ammo box. Bolt it to the floor, and put a padlock on it.

 

[DayLaPaul]

A Pelican case ain't stopping shit. If someone burglarizes your house and sees a chained up Pelican case, you really think that's going to save your stuff? Stop half assing it and get a real safe.

Also, leaving your valuables in your car when you're not around is a baaaaaad idea. Before you spend any more money, you need to think this through a little more.

 

[herm0016]

ammo box would work.

i got one of these for travel with a 7d and lenses. works great and is similar in construction to a pelican case.

http://www.amazon.com/BOLTON-TOOLS18...ref=pd_cp_hi_2

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Your best bet is two strong boxes, one for the car, one for the house. Both bolted to the car/floor in a secure manner. A portable box that locks is pretty useless. Steal the box, break it open later.

 

[Zebo]

A Pelican case ain't stopping shit. If someone burglarizes your house and sees a chained up Pelican case, you really think that's going to save your stuff? Stop half assing it and get a real safe.

Also, leaving your valuables in your car when you're not around is a baaaaaad idea. Before you spend any more money, you need to think this through a little more.

Pellican and a chain would stop anyone without bolt cutters I think. You can't break handle off which chain can go through and you're not cutting it open with a knife. For portability like OP wants, car and house, it's a cost effective solution. Not even a safe is full proof. A logging chain and a pickup and I'll have any safe inside of 10 min. all you want to do is slow them down so they move on and pelican does that.

 

[HAL9000]

I've only just noticed that in american you call it being burglarized, whereas in english we call it being burgled... Interesting. I've heard that before but i didn't realise it was a real word.

 

[Zebo]

Seems to be. http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/burglarize

burglarize
Syllabification:

Entry from World dictionary
Pronunciation:/ˈbəːglərʌɪz/
(also burglarise)
verb

North American term for burgle

 

[HAL9000]

Seems to be. http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/burglarize

burglarize
Syllabification:

Entry from World dictionary
Pronunciation:/ˈbəːglərʌɪz/
(also burglarise)
verb

North American term for burgle

Yeah I just read up on it aswell... interesting

 

[Murloc]

Even though I had never heard it, burgle makes more sense actually, but I'm used to burglarize...

If you look at the root of the word it's like saying: someone was murderized last night.

 

[HAL9000]

Even though I had never heard it, burgle makes more sense actually, but I'm used to burglarize...

If you look at the root of the word it's like saying: someone was murderized last night.

Exactly. I was thinking the same thing. Uhoh I've been assaulterised.

 

[xchangx]

I have a Pelican 1510 which has 2 holes for locks and can carry all my gear (400 2.8, 70-200, 17-35 2.8, 2 bodies, flash and a tc). Plus it has wheels (one of the main reasons I got it)

You can get one of those safty cables from home depot and run it through the hole or through the handle.