Just wanted to let you know that I installed a locking handle on my roof bin from Southco (the manufacturer of the stock handle) The part # to order is 92-41-521 Clicky You can contact Southco at info@southco.com to find a supplier near you. The install took under 10 minutes, and the only part you use from the new locking handle is the handle itself, all of the original parts are re-used. Here is a quick install explaination:

1. Remove the first nut and lock washer holding the locking mechanism in and set parts to side (note how they go back together).



2. Remove the two small screws holding the handle onto the bin.
3. Pull the handle out of the bin
4. Remove second nut and spacer.
5. Remove third nut and lock washer, and pull housing off of handle.
6. Pull locking pin out of handle and set threaded bolt aside.



7. Disassemble new handle the same way you did the stock handle.
8. Re-assemble new locking handle using all the parts from stock handle, including the shorter bolt removed earlier (This is needed due to the original bolt being smaller and all original parts look to be stainless steel).
9. Re-install new handle the same way it was un-installed, also using the black gasket that was on the original handle.

You should now be done and have a new locking handle.

Does it come with a key?

I was unable to view the pix. However, I must admit...U R DA MAN! Thanks 4 the info

R U 4 real?

u have to fabricate the key TIERRA

5 trucks for you eist1, but somehow i cant give you trucks , nice mod

Yes, it comes with a set of keys...

ok...so how much did it cost. if its low enough i call and try to find a dealer. if the cost isnt too high ill put in the effort. good job finding this.

I found a site Website that is selling the 92-41-521 for $50.47 , or a different one 92-41-511 for $27.22, but not sure if this part number will work, might want to try emailing Southco at info@southco.com and see if the cheaper part number will work or they can point you to a supplier.

Got the pix working for anyone interested...

i found a supplier with the right part number for a little over 30 in austin.

Do they have an online presence or a number I could call. $50 is a bit steep, but $30 is resonable. I really want to lock that box so I can keep some of the recovery gear up there.

Can you get a group deal going? I'm sure there are a bunch of us who are willing to spend the $30 for this worthwhile investment.

If you guys need to gauge interest, I'd be in on a group buy. Just let me know

Hey beetlebailey can you shed some light on who you found in Austin? It would save me a little legwork.

I saw that Nappco Fasteners is a Southco distributor, but I thought I may check with Cothron Lock and Key as well.

Please let me know.

regards,

I'm not sure how much free time beetlebailey has, but I may be interested in helping on a group buy as a community service. I would do it at cost plus shipping. My guess is shipping would range from $5 on the low end to $7.70 on the high end for a USPS Flat Rate Box.

Once I hear from beetlebailey I will check with his source so see if any price breaks are available.

regards,

I am interested, so keep me posted.

Austin Hardware has the latches for $27. We use Austin Hardware for work they are good to deal with. Here is the link
http://www.austinhardware.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=432&pf%5Fid=3064

Nice write up with some good info - I would also be interested in group purchase.

Ah, ok, I see the difference between the $27 and $50 one. It's the grip range. The $27 might not work.

EDIT: I retract that statement. After re-reading the write up, since you only use the handle, the grip range would not matter as that would change when you put the stock guts on the grip. I am going to order the $27 one and I'll give it a shot and let you guys know what I find out. If it doesn't work out, then I'll be in for the group order.

sorry i havnt been around for replys. yes the link for the 27 dollar one is what i was talking about. i should have linked it in the first place. and as was stated, using the inners from the stocker should allow it. Im in the process of moving right now to dallas fort worth area so i dont know if i could help too much on a group buy. if willyswan would wanna do it id be down to help or at least add myself to the buy list. Im taking my dog to the vet tomorrow and packing house stuff. if willy could call and maybe work out something that would be cool. or are we all going to wait for muzikman to get it and give the thumbs up?

ok one thing to note is at the Southco website. if you look under the original posts link for the latch, youll see a PDF for product info. at the very bottom of the second(last) page youll see each part number. the one we have found is the 511 suffix while the one used in the write up is the 521. if you look at the chart, it looks like the handle of the 511 part number is a half an inch shorter. it might just be better to suck it up and find and buy the 521 suffix even if it is more expencive. since it is the stock length as we can see in the first photos in the write up. maybe muzikman can confirm what ive said if hes called the supplier, or maybe this will save him from buying a shorter version.

oh heres the link for the lazy bums to that PDF
http://www.southco.com/resources/literature/2-1-1.en.pdf

Count me in for the group buy as well.

I am also in on a group buy.

Ok, I just ordered the 511 model. We'll see if it works. Even if the handle is a bit shorter, I wouldn't pay the extra ~$25 for 1/2". Even if this works, I would see about bulk pricing as their shipping cost for one is $11, which is a bit high.

we eagerly await your install and dare I say...pics?

Awesome. Once we hear from you how the 511 works, I will check on volume pricing. I have located three distributors I can try to get quotes from.

regards,

Count me in on a group buy.

I just got an email from them stating that the part is on backorder for 2-3 weeks. So I'll let you guys know when I get it.

It's now a race, which get's here first, the Shrock bumper or the locking handle?

Thanks willyswan

Nice job and great install.

So Music? Did it work?

Killer find on the handle

I am all for the group buy

Just let us know

Awesome find!!! I'm in for the group buy too.

count me in on a group buy too... and good find by the way

Count me in too. I don't need no one snagging my frosty Weisen Bier!

Bo out!

Hasn't got here yet. As soon as it does I'll put it on and let you guys know.

Im in on a group buy!
MC

Ok, the latch from Austin Hardware $ Supply got here today. Below are some pictures. The install was very simple, even more simple than eist1's install.

1. Remove nut and lock washer from handle.
2. Remove handle from lid by removing the two small screws on each side.
3. Remove nut and spacer from old handle.
4. Place spacer and nut on new handle.
5. Attach the new handle to the lid with the two small screws you took out (or with the two that are supplied with the new handle). (I used the rubber gasket that came off the old handle instead of the cork one that came with the new handle.)
6. Attach the rods with the mounts you removed from the old handle.
7. Replace the lock washer and nut and tighten them.

That's it, you now have a locking bin. I bought the S92-41-511 from Austin Hardware & Supply. You will need a 17mm socket/wrench and a 7mm socket/wrench. Total install time less than 10 minutes. It took me about 15 including taking the pictures.

What I got with the new handle:


The old handle:


What I used:


The difference in the two handles. The locking one is on th left (I was concerned that the new one was shorter, as you can see, it's identical):

Muzikman,

Great find on the cheaper version of the handle!! The reason I used the original parts, was that on the handle I got, the bolt was longer, but it looks like the bolt on the one you got was the same size. Also, the parts that are on the original are stainless steel, which might last a little longer. Great going....

I called them and now they want $30 for it and around $10 for shipping. A little pricy for what it is. Has anyone found other brands or solutions for this that are cheaper. I mean come on its just a stupid locking handle not rocket science.

I called too and pointed out that the website listed it for $27 so the guy on the phone gave it to me for $27... but we'll see if he makes up for it in shipping, or taxes. :rolleyes:

Personally, I think this is worth the $30. I think if someone would put together a group buy, you should be able to get it a bit cheaper and pay less in shipping. The handle should only cost $3 or so to ship via USPS.

I now have my recovery gear up in the bin and don't have to worry about someone just being curious and opening the bin and taking it all. Not that it would be all that hard to break into the bin, the hard part is actually getting up there to try and break into it. I used a step ladder to change out the handle as trying to stand on the slider and do it was a pain.

I just called and ordered mine. The guy said there would be a 7-10 day wait for them to get more in. I believe the price he quoted me (without shipping) was $30.25.

There is a local Southco distributor in town. I sent a note yesterday requesting a quote for 12 handles. I was quoted $30.10...I'm guessing this is list price and Southco probably raised their prices from the $27 price as of Jan. 1.

Anyway, I sent him back a note laying out the situation...we are a bunch of tightwads trying to upgrade our Xterras and asked if there is a volume at which he will cut us a break on price.

I will let you know what I hear.

regards,

So here is the deal:

Of course, it would be a taxable sale, so the net prices would be $23.27 and $20.57. 50 pieces is a pretty big nut. Sounds like a lot of work to save 9 bones.

If the handle assembly weighs under one pound, it can probably be shipped USPS in a padded envelope for under $4.

For less than 50 parts, my net price with tax will be $32.58. Say $36.50 with shipping.

Any suggestions on what we should do?

regards,

I only paid $40 including shipping for mine straight from Auston Hardware, so you would only be saving $6 and you would either have to front the money or find 50 people who would be willing to pre-pay. But then again, I already got mine, so my opinion really doesn't count.

I'm interested, but for ~$10 difference, way too much time/effort to make it worth it, in my opinion at least. I'll likely direct order it closer to spring, when I'd likely be installing it.

A little help for us dumb folk. As far as the handle rotation, I am not sure what is meant by clockwise vs. counterclockwise. I know what the terms mean; I am just not sure in "handle talk" what's what, as obviously the stock handle goes both clockwise and counterclockwise depending on if you're latching it or unlatching it. What would be the correct version to get? And the grip range is generally the distance from the handle to the locking mechanism? or to the latching hardware? I gather from Musikman's post that the griprange for the handle around 30 bones is the one I want?

Hello,

At this point I am pretty confused. I know that the handle turns counterclockwise to unlatch, but am not certain if "counterclockwise rotation" means rotation to latch, or rotation to unlatch. Could someone please clarify?

Also, I am willing to wait until a group buy gets to 50. Count me in if a group buy is feasible.

I am willing to wait to see if we can get enough for a group buy. Count me in if there is enough interest!

I agree. The product is too cheap to warrant such effort; however, I do question the $10 shipping cost that Austin Hardware demands. My impression of companies that make money by grossly inflating shipping costs is one of unscrupulousness.

I should add that I purchased the item despite the shipping cost. Small price to pay for a more secure location for my recovery gear.

yes...
can someone that already did the install please
clear up which handle to get??
the clockwise vs. counter-clockwise handle..

and also i notice there were 3 different
grip ranges...
which one is the correct one to get also.

thanks

I too would be in on the group buy if we get enough intrest. Otherwise... where agan can I order it myself? (I know, too lazy to scan the posts)

I'd be in for the group buy too. I hate giving $10 shipping for an item that only cost $4.00 to ship. It's the principal. I just think that there has to be other places that sell these things at a more reasonable price. Hell, couldn't the handle be replaced by one of those locking truck topper handles or something. I mean this is not rocket science this is just a handle.

I'm interested in the group buy as well.

Ok, after doing a few minutes of research, something I probably should have done at the beginning. I figured out what I bought, why it works and what certain terms mean in the world of latches.

The correct locking handle is the Southco 92-41-511 . This is the clockwise rotating, .63-.75 grip range handle.

I got mine from Austin Hardware . It cost me $27 + $11 shipping. I got in in about 3 weeks from the time of ordering (it was backordered). The installation instruction I posted above are accurate for this handle.

Grip Range: http://www.southco.com/resources/literature/2-1-1.en.pdf This PDF file shows what the grip range means. Witht he Xterra latch this is not important as you use the spacer and nut that comes on the factory handle.

Clockwise -vs- Counter Clockwise: This is the direction to latch. Since the X's handle counter clockwise to open and clockwise to close, you want a clockwise handle.

Links used in this post:
http://www.southco.com/product/part.aspx?pid=11917
http://www.southco.com/glossary.aspx#G
http://www.southco.com/resources/literature/2-1-1.en.pdf
http://www.austinhardware.com/product.as...PRQXQ3L4EA7712D

That should about cover it.

Wow, thanks Musik, great summary

I did a little internet searching and just got this today....

"Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting info@clancey.com! Per your request below, the
price for p/n 92-42-511 is $51.11 each for one piece. The lead time is one
week. Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting info@clancey.com! Per your request below, the
price for p/n 92-42-511 is $51.11 each for one piece. The lead time is one
week. The price for 25 pieces would be $30.67 each. The lead time would be one week for 12 pieces (which the factory has in stock), the balance would be 3 weeks. FOB: Chicago, IL. We accept Mastercard, Visa and AmEx. Please
advise how you wish to proceed.

Thanks for your inquiry,

Kate Clancey
Clancey Company
9280 Barton
Overland Park, KS 66214
Ph 800-747-7405
Fax 800-273-4508


What do you guys think? I can ask about bulk shipping. Is this cheaper?

That would be no cheaper. As I paid $27+shipping for just one. It sounds like they are trying to sell you the latch with the longer grip range. See my post above about which one actually works.

I just got word. The shipping would be about $14 total for 25 pieces.

Ok so if they ship to my house how would you all get yours?

So we are talking $31.00 each for 25 shipped to me in Vermont, (this seems to be a little cheaper) then I figure I can ship em (can't be more than 3-5 bucks) or entice you guys to come get em from me ...

Does this sound doable? I need 24 more people to commit. Who is in?

Musikman,

Clicking on your link for Southco 92-42-511 in your post, gives me the Southco 92-41-511 which specifies that it is clockwise to latch. So, is Southco 92-42-511 which appears to be counterclockwise to latch, and specified in your post the wrong one? It seems as if it should be Southco 92-41-511.

Please clarify, and thanks.

Fixed, sorry, typo.

I'm working on finding a distributor in Southern California. When I find one, i'm planning on buying a bunch of these and then sending them out to the rest of you if you don't already have one or one on the way. I don't mind putting up the money 'cause I know these will sell like hotcakes if i'm left with some that don't have a home to send them to. I do alot of business on eBay I don't have a problem with putting up the money and i'm completely fair on shipping them out. I'll get word back into the board as soon as i've got a way to get them ordered.

B.

Musikman, you've been unbelievably helpful and knowledgable. You rock!

B.

Hey Musik, hopefully this isn't me being dense, but I'm just trying to make sure I buy the right part.

We're looking to get the 92-41-511 Clockwise latching handle, right? That is what all the discussion seems to come to, but the link you provided to Southco is confusing (you're link says "92-42-511" but it goes to the "92-41-511" page).

Just trying to stay sane

Oh, and thanks again for all your foot-work on this, it's an essential mod as far as I'm concerned.

That is odd, that is the 2nd time I fixed that problem. It's now correct.

The thanks should go to eist1, he was the one to figure out that there even was a locking handle for it.

I said to heck with it and ordered from Austin Hardware shipped to a Commercial Address.

$36.24 total

Great find and great info, guys. I contacted Southco's Michigan distributor ( ECPH ) for a quote as well, both for one unit and for a dozen. I'll post the info when I get it.

I ordered mine from the Southco website and it was here in 3 days. I don't know if saving $3 is worth waiting to you or not. It was a smooth process online, FWIW.

Yep, I got mine a while back, ordering was smooth.

I haven't installed it yet, waiting for some of the chill in the air to go away first

Well, no word yet from the Michigan guys. I tried to get a price from the Southco site, but after I registered, I got an e-mail that said basically I don't have a big enough order ($5000!) nor an account history. B Slater and Buley, am I looking in the right place, or do you guys have access by virtue of your workplaces?

Of course, I can always go through Austin Hardware, too, but I thought it would be good to find a local supplier if possible.

I just ordered through Austin Hardware...why spend the time to save a few more bucks.

Bought the locking handle a couple of months ago, finally got around to installing it today. Thanks for the instructions and photos, eist1 -- it was a breeze!

when I emailed the company about the price they recognized my companies name in my email adress. I guess my engineering company has an account with them. I got 20 dollars off.