A review of the BOLT receiver lock featuring one key technology

For those who have not heard of the BOLT products before, their locks do not come with keys but rather, you code the locks to your car or truck so that there is no need to carry an additional key – your factory car or truck key operates the BOLT lock.

How the BOLT receiver lock (and all of the other BOLT products) works is surprisingly simple. When you open the package, you insert the desired key from your car or truck into the key hole and turn the key 180 degrees. After that, your new BOLT receiver lock is coded to your key and from there – it operates like any other receiver lock except instead of using a provided key, you use the key from your vehicle. This cuts down on the amount of clutter on your keychain while also removing one less tiny key to keep track of and it really is that simple.

One other complaint that I had with my previous receiver lock in addition to having to keep track of a tiny key was using that tiny key in cold weather. On a few occasions, I have had to change the hitch on my truck in sub-zero temperatures and that tiny, sharp edged key was quite the hassle to operate in the cold – especially after a few years of operation by the old lock. That traditional receiver lock came with a rubber dust cover that I used religiously but over time, the lock got harder and harder to operate. BOLT locks are built with a similar internal design to those locks found on the doors, trunk lid or tailgate locks of production vehicles and BOLT locks follow the exact same requirements that are expected of the locks on every new car and truck sold in the USA. This means that the BOLT receiver lock is just as resistance to dirt, dust and moisture as the exterior locks around the vehicle and to take the level of protection one step further - the BOLT lock also has a rubber dust cap that protects the cylinder from the elements.

Finally, the BOLT receiver lock has a massive head in which it houses the automotive grade cylinder so it is much easier to get ahold of than the tiny locking head on the previous name brand lock that I was using on my truck. I suspect that this - combined with the larger key – will make the BOLT receiver lock easier to use once Detroit’s cold winter weather hits.

The BOLT 5/8” receiver lock carries a retail price in the $38 range so it cost slightly more than my previous receiver lock but based on the simple fact that I can use my normal truck key to open the lock – the price is well worth the convenience.