How to keep your wheels from getting stolen

Speaking of wheel theft, there is an interesting discussion on the Commute by Bike blog.
Wheel theft is a constant worry for Chicago cyclists. One very good option for  securing both wheels and a seat on many bikes are locking skewers. The ones we carry are made by PinHead Components.

Unlike a lock, chain or cable, the skewers are not another gizmo you have to carry with you and install each and every time. They simply replace the quick release wheel (and seat) skewers that came with your bike. Once installed, they can stay on your bike indefinitely, and don't require you to do anything.
These skewers are different from older ones that were known as "anti-scam cam", and from skewers that replace the quick release with a simple allen bolt. Both of these can be opened with ordinary tools available from any hardware store, or even with a set of pliers. Instead, the PinHead system replaces your easily-opened quick release levers with a small, streamlined, slightly rounded head, that can only be opened with a special tool you carry on your keyring. (You must carry the tool with you so that the wheel can be removed if you get a flat.)

Can these skewers be broken? Anything can be broken, given sufficient time, energy, tools and determination. Make no mistake, nothing is bullet-proof: not a New York Lock, not a chain, not a cable. They are all deterrents. However, I have had a set of skewers on my bike (PinHead precursors) for many years, and have never had either wheel stolen. Many of our customers here in Wicker Park report the same thing.
Because your wheels are protected, you can carry a small lock, such as the Kryptonite Evolution Mini to secure just the frame of your bike to a solid object. Although your initial investment is a little higher, in the end you save a lot of time, and avoid those situation when you are running late, and neglect locking your wheels properly.

Comments

[Kendall]

These "skewers" can only be opened with a special tool. Couldn't someone just buy one of these skewers and then use the special tool on your skewers to get the wheels (in theory)?

[Kendall]

Never mind, just checked the website and aw that each "key" was unique.

[Justyna]

Actually, it's a good question. There is a limited number of key combinations, and it is possible to get one close enough to another person's lock to be able to open in (in theory, of course).
As I said elsewhere on this site, no locking method is completely foolproof. They are all deterrents, and I happen to think this is a pretty good one.

[scott]

I know you said you only carry PinHead locking skewers, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on others. I'm thinking particularly about Delta Hublox Anti-Theft Skewers. Cost is an issue here, but it's not worth saving $10-$20 if the compromise to quality and security is too great. Note, however, I don't anticipate parking my bike in highly vulnerable locations. Thanks.

[Justyna]

I do not have first hand experience with the Hublox, but they seem like a very similar idea to the Pinheads. My main reservation is that the head of the skewer sticks out more, so it could potentially be grabbed and snapped more easily with a tool of some sort.
However, any such device is merely a deterrent. It makes your wheel less likely, but not impossible, to steal. If you plan on parking in places where security is less of a problem, you should be OK.

[scott]

Excellent. Thanks. Admittedly, though, the PinHead key looks so much cooler.