Lock's that work underwater?

[teameverest]

Is anyone aware of locks that work underwater and where I can find them. I am a geocacher who will be placing an underwater cache and might include a lock to chain it to a heavy object to keep it on the bottom.

Anyone know of underwater locks or if master locks will do?

 

[NJScubaDoc]

I had no idea what the heck you were talking about so I googled it and boy does that sound like fun! A global scavenger hunt? Who would of thought! If your concern is the security of your cache then your best bet for a lock would be one made entirely of stainless steel parts to prevent corosion. But then my question is how do other people remove the cache? If your just concerned with keeping your item on the bottom then you might considered just making the container negatively buoyant (a few weights will take care of that no problem)

hope this helps!

PS...welcome to scubaboard!

 

[rockjock3]

Is anyone aware of locks that work underwater and where I can find them. I am a geocacher who will be placing an underwater cache and might include a lock to chain it to a heavy object to keep it on the bottom.

Anyone know of underwater locks or if master locks will do?

If you follow the rules of geocaching then you probably won't be allowed to post one underwater. There has to be a reasonable chance that any geocacher in the area can access the cache. Having to be SCUBA certified doesn't really give every geocacher in the area a reasonable chance at finding the cache. Also not having a boat, since keeping the GPSr dry, beyond about 30-40fsw (with the proper bag) is sort of an unfair requirement. People are not supposed to have to use any special equipment to locate/retrieve the cache (other than the GPSr).

 

[ScubaSixString]

If you follow the rules of geocaching then you probably won't be allowed to post one underwater. There has to be a reasonable chance that any geocacher in the area can access the cache. Having to be SCUBA certified doesn't really give every geocacher in the area a reasonable chance at finding the cache. Also not having a boat, since keeping the GPSr dry, beyond about 30-40fsw (with the proper bag) is sort of an unfair requirement. People are not supposed to have to use any special equipment to locate/retrieve the cache (other than the GPSr).

Not true. As with all things, the rules of the game you play might be different. But geocaching.com SPECIFICALLY mentions underwater caches

"Where are caches found?

The location of a cache can be very entertaining indeed. As many say, location, location, location! The location of a cache demonstrates the founder's skill and possibly even daring. A cache located on the side of a rocky cliff accessible only by rock climbing equipment may be hard to find. An underwater cache may only be accessed by scuba. Other caches may require long difficult hiking, orienteering, and special equipment to get to. Caches may be located in cities both above and below ground, inside and outside buildings. The skillful placement of a small logbook in an urban environment may be quite challenging to find even with the accuracy of a gps. That little logbook may have a hundred dollar bill in it or a map to greater treasure. It could even contain clues or riddles to solve that may lead to other caches. Rich people could have fun with their money by making lucrative caches that could be better than winning the lottery when you find it. Just hope that the person that found the cache just before you left a real big prize! "

http://www.geocaching.com/faq/

That being said, you'll be responsible for maintaining the cache, so keep that in mind. Also, GPS units don't work all the well underwater....as in not at all. And depending on where you're located, currents can make instructions like go to these coordinates and then swim at 245 degrees, useless. Distances are hard to determine underwater also.

And then you have the problem of your cachers having to retreive the thing underwater, bring it up (probably), sign the logbook, take it back down, and replace it.

I think its a good idea, but might be a little difficult in practice. If you do do it, make sure you mention that scuba gear is required in the description of the cache.

 

[WVDiver]

I have thought of doing this often but was afraid that the approver would deny it. If it works out for you let me know.

You could make it like a virtual cache and have people email you pictures of themselves from a certain place, maybe holding a sign that you have chained and locked to something. There is no real need for the log book with this kind of cache and under the rules of Multi-Cache (Offset Cache) the coordinates would only need to get you to the entry spot with written directions or clues from there.

I hadn't seen the caption that Scuba Six posted but according to that it certainly makes it seem doable, although there are not a lot of details to go with it. Just the same, I would suggest sending an email out the GEO-Gods and asking some questions before you "dive" into this one. It would be a shame to do all the work and then not be able to post it.

 

[Chad Carney]

No experience with geocaching but have seen lots of attempts to secure things underwater.

What will work longest would be anchor chain and shackles. Generally only wreck divers carry tools.

Locks will rust away real fast.
So will anything welded, regardless of the material. Aluminum grid doors on valve encasements to the LA to FL gas pipeline didn't last but a few months. (Pretty funny watching Goliaths swimming in and out of them.) Welded doors on railroad boxcars fall off in just weeks.

Have fun!

Chad

 

[Rick Murchison]

In fresh water most any high quality well greased lock will last for years. In salt water you may get a couple of weeks out of the best.
Rick

 

[immersed]

I've not used any, but a couple of adhesive companies are making "marine" epoxy which they claim you can apply underwater. You could cut a link in half and epoxy it back together or do something with an aluminum rod or the like.

 

[pickens_46929]

Is anyone aware of locks that work underwater and where I can find them. I am a geocacher who will be placing an underwater cache and might include a lock to chain it to a heavy object to keep it on the bottom.

Anyone know of underwater locks or if master locks will do?

Small Pelican Case secured with Zip-tie...

 

[rockjock3]

Not true. As with all things, the rules of the game you play might be different. But geocaching.com SPECIFICALLY mentions underwater caches

Well, they have changed that since last I checked long ago. Well then, go for it. I do agree that it will be difficult as well though. Not only placing, but having anybody able to retrieve it. Good luck if you are successful.