Schlage is a VERY respected name in locks/mechanical security. It's no Medico, but it's a huge step up. I'm a former locksmith.
Yes. The inner foam would become exposed and allow water to “sponge” it’s way into the board. It would gradually start rotting and becoming water logged and heavy.
If the board has removable fins there are locks you can attach to the fin box. Or you can get a couple of these tightening cable locks and attach them tightly on each side of the wide spot while connected to a longer cable lock so that they cannot be slid off.
Master Lock 8418D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 ft Long, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V1WP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VgifFbJTQWR2Y
I do the same. Loop it through the handlebars near the triple clamp.
I also feed the cable around the chin of my helmet, and avoid using the D rings on the strap because petty thrives will just cut the strap.
Masterlock Cable Lock Keyed Diff https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IN1PQ/
This is the way I handle robotic cells with failed door interlocks. The style I like to use is called Python Locks I think. Here is a link to an example on amazon.
I use these for my zipper locks most most and most people wouldn't know how to unlock these. I get these free from work is what I use at festivals to lock my bags.
Lucky Line 5” Twisty Lock Key Ring, Flexible Nylon Coated Steel Wire Loop, Corrosion-Resistant and Durable, Black, 5 Pack (8112005) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013WB8WBM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KJ7C67PY55XFQG4YHGN6
I use a 12mm chain and a kryptonite lock when I'm parking in sketchy areas. And I chain it to a pole or tree, whatever is available.
It's a pain to carry it, maybe you can leave it at work?
I had a u-lock and some theives made short order of it with a disc-grinder (I caught them just as they had finished cutting it and they simpley walked away. Freagin bolt was still hot when I touched it.)
So i bought a thick chain on Amazon and havenn't had a problem yet. U-Bolts arent great because they don't move around, making them easier to cut. This is the chain.
If you have to do it around a steel pillar. Then pair it with a chain that is of equivalent strength. https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-12mm-Noose-Security-Chain/dp/B00X6E0NO0/
Of course if you can you have a secondary lock and you leave the chain there. Because carrying around 7 pounds of chain is not ideal.
You want an adjustable cable lock. Commonly used for bikes and ladders. Cable has lock attached on one side, and slides through the lock on the other side. When it's locked, it can only be tightened, not loosened. You'll have to find a size that fits, or increase the hole size.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Cable-Python-Adjustable/dp/B0009V1WP2
Edit: this might be thin enough, but you would also need a padlock:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Steel-Cable-Lockout/dp/B0045Y0ONU
You want an adjustable cable lock. Commonly used for bikes and ladders. Cable has lock attached on one side, and slides through the lock on the other side. When it's locked, it can only be tightened, not loosened. You'll have to find a size that fits, or increase the hole size.
A beater bike is the way to go. I've found old 3 speed raleigh or ccm bikes attract little attention from opportunistic thieves. A shiny new bike of any kind will be a magnet for those types of people.
The more dedicated bike thieves that use angle grinders and bottle jacks probably won't waste time on an old 3 speed with rusty fenders and a bent wald basket on the front. U-locks can be pried open with a scaffold pipe so I use a (chain like this)[https://www.amazon.ca/Schlage-999461-Security-Chain-Cinch/dp/B00X6E0NO0/] and a small u-lock that is hard to get a big enough lever in the shackle. It's not perfect but I've yet to have my city bike stolen though I don't leave it on the street overnight, it goes grocery shopping, and out to the movies and whatnot in uptown.
Probably no one would ever steal one, but yeah, for $300, I lock mine to the power pole. I use that ring, and I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s for, with the cable lock in the link below. Takes about 30 seconds to lock or unlock. This isn’t the biggest cable lock around but there is no lock on earth that can’t be cut or broken with the big enough tools. Defeating this one would take some tools, a couple of minutes and some noise; someone walking by couldn’t just grab it - seems like the sweet spot to me.
I use a heavy motorcycle chain with a hard to cut padlock.
I use these. They work great.
Master Lock 8418D Python Cable Lock with Key, 1 Pack , 6' x 5/16" , Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V1WP2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_C8R12H6PZWPVB3P7VR3H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Masterlock Cable Lock Keyed Diff https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IN1PQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_P8XT7Q5HPVD5HWBXNH1M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Drill a small hole in the lid and the container. Make a copy of the keys. Hopefully after awhile they lose interest. If this doesnt work pay someone from craigslist the day of trash pickup to return their garbage back to their yard.
II have this one. I like that it has a loop on one end so you can cinch it up to something solid and then lock the end to your bike or vis versa.
A heavy chain to a tree or something else solid and a locking cover would be my recommendation.
And full coverage on that insurance policy.
I use one of these as an added line of defense.
Master Lock 8418D Python Cable Lock with Key, 1 Pack , 6' x 5/16" , Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V1WP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_52G00AN2K3CBJEZ7WJ61
personally haven't used anything by hiplock. just took a look at their chains, and the included locks don't seem that beefy. for reference, this is the schlage chain i use with separately purchased lock. big price difference for what is effectively the same thing. also, i can't say i recommend wearing something like that. definitely uncomfortable for more than 20 minutes at a time. i use a chain holder thing that attaches to the bottle cage mounts. it looks stupid as fuck but it's better than on-person for me.
Check this guy out: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X6E0NO0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's the same exact thing as the Kryptonite NY Cinch chain for a good bit less. You can use it in conjunction with a regular NY u-lock, or pick up one of the Kryptonite mini u-locks they sell and use that. Works great.
What I do is the following:
I have my entire keychain on one of these https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B013WB8WBM/
and its flexible enough that I don't have to remove the yubikey to plug it into anything. But if I ever need to remove it, its easy to do so.
I tried those Nite Ize S-Biner quick disconnects in the past for my bicycle key and the S-Biner broke
Naw, that’s a noose chain. It allows for a wider variety of locking situations.
On the theory that the main thing is to deter casual crimes of opportunity, I just carry one of those retractable cable locks. Light, compact, cheap, functional. Won't stop anyone with a wire cutter, and not intended for long-term parking, but adequate for a quick stop at a restaurant or store.
e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Combination-Assorted-4605D/dp/B000BD69G0/
I use something like this for my key ring. I've been using the same one for almost 10 years and I've never had it open unexpectedly. It's light, flexible, and easy to open.
I usually put it by my feet because I'm paranoid and afraid someone might take it, especially when traveling. I also prefer to do this so I won't forget about it.
For larger bags, I've also purchased cable locks on Amazon that will allow me to attach my bag to the railing. Note that it's not really super sturdy, it's really more of a deterrent.
This is what I got - https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Combination-Assorted-4605D/dp/B000BD69G0
Happened to me in Capreol last year. My Wifes Kayak. We had photos of it and plastered it all over facebook and i believe i posted it here as well. We ended up getting it back because we tracked it down ourselves and turned the heat up. Local law enforcement was a joke when it came to it. It was taken by some rather unsavoury people that have their hands in MANY dealings, which we reported to LEO's and they seemed to not give a shit. When we got it back, it was found in the bushed no more then 200m from their back yard....
As for ways to lock it up a simple cable lock should do. It can be put through the drain hole. Not fool proof, but still an inconvenience to anyone trying to steal it.
I have one like this that I keep in my pack: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-4605D-3-Foot-Retractable/dp/B000BD69G0 It's not much, but it prevents the quick "grab and run" kind of deal. It's more likely someone will see that and move on to the next bike.
I bought one of these back in 2014... Twisty Key Ring
Has never come apart in my pocket, is easy to add and take away keys and the keys don't bunch up too much in my pocket. Combining it with some type of carabiner for an external carry might be a good solution as well.
If you're worried about theft, I suggest the bungee to the back seat, plus a cable gun lock (padlock with a long flexible loop). Any sporting goods/firearm shop should have, here's an amazon one: https://www.amazon.ca/MasterLock-Keyed-Difference-Cable-Lock/dp/B0002IN1PQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462913102&sr=8-5&keywords=cable+lock