Another reason for you to hate Pilot
 

As if there weren't enough....

I stopped at a Pilot in Cambridge, OH last night to take a shower, and was met with something that has made me decide to act.

We all know that most of the truck stops sell those siphon devices, even though it is simply making it easier for thieves to steal fuel. They've been doing it for years. But what I saw yesterday made my blood boil. There, on the shelf, was a package which had just about every device needed to pick an automobile lock, with instructions on how to do it. The packaging boasted that you could pick a lock with ease. On the back of the packaging, it clearly stated "Manufacturer is not responsible for illegal use".

Why on earth Pilot would feel that having a device such as this on their store shelves would be acceptable is beyond me, but as of now I will no longer patronize any Pilot Travel Center until I have received notice that this device is no longer on their store shelves.

I have contacted Pilot, and I suggest you do the same. You can contact them here.

I also plan to contact all the trucking publications regarding this. When a truck stop puts its customers at risk by allowing items such as this on their store shelves, it is quite clear that even though they have never cared about those customers, now they want to cause harm to come to them.

Then hate Love's too. I bought the slim jim kit there for 9.99 or 19.99 (whichever it was).

Extracurricular activities??? :lol:

Not really, but I did open a helper's car door when he locked his keys in his car after a job last summer.

I sent a bill to Pilot for a new pair of Etnies when a pump malfunctioned in Wendover NV last month. I turned my pump on and the passenger side pump started spewing like a gusher and it wasn't even off the hook yet and the nozle was flipped up (off position). I also sent a bill for the truck wash, but I haven't hear back yet. management there was a joke and din't even apologize.

Just because they have those starter kits doesn't mean the user is going to be successful. The pro's(repo men and locksmiths) take years to hone their craft on how to get by each and every lock they come upon. I bet if I bought one of them gadgets I would cut my hands up on the first use and then throw it away. The pro's use very little tools, only a pick or two.

I have a homemade slim-jim but I don't use it for opening people's doors unless they are truly locked out. If I'm not sure of the person I offer to call the police since they also carry slim-jims and will gladly come open your door.

And how do you know this, hmmm? :wink:

Hell - I can open a locked car in about 30 seconds with a wire coat hanger.

Know what mommee? That the pro's only need 2 tools, from watching TV and repo men in person. :D

What really sucks about my homemade slim-jim is when I lock myself out and it's in my trunk. :oops: :lol:

Mr. Ford-

I believe you. :wink:

Re: Another reason for you to hate Pilot
 

They probably carry it because they sell them? I think it would be pretty unacceptable if they carried something they didn't sell?

Good luck Rev! I doubt they will take you very seriously? I mean you only run 40,000 miles a year so your not spending that much money with them anyways. :wink:

Unless you count me buying a coffee and a sandwich from Pilot's on occasion, they don't make any money from me either. I couldn't tell you the last time I pulled into a Pilot for fuel.

Does stopping to take a leak count as patornizing Pilot? Since that is all I do there :lol: . I have used Pilot ONCE to fuel at, and only once :twisted:

More and more police departments won't do this unless it is an emergency.

Just for the sake of argument...

On my very first attempt, I made a lock pick out of an old hacksaw blade, and for a month and a half, I was able to pick any lock I came across, or any ignition switch I wanted. Then, I found out that if the police find any of that on you without you being in the business, you can be in really big trouble. I destroyed it and have not made one since then. But, I have found out that the key from my screen door will unlock one of the old Freightliner cabovers. The ignition key from a Renault has been known to open a Freightliner door. I did that with the driver standing next to me. She would not believe it and made me go around the other side and open up the passenger's side too. And, at the yard, one day, I opened the door for one of the dispatchers when the police and a locksmith were both there and were not able to do so.

So, I'm afraid you are WRONG about the "years of practice" to hone their skills. I've worked with a man that had a locksmithing business. There is only one lock that can not be picked with relative ease. That is the one with the "DIMPLES" on both sides, and both edges of the key. Any duplicate MUST come from the factory. The rest only keep the honest people honest.

However, I DO NOT APPROVE of PILOT selling anything that will allow anyone to get past any security device.

I did, however, send PILOT an email stating that I would no longer buy any fuel from them if they continue to sell those devices.

Oh... Was I supposed to tell them that I NEVER fuel at a PILOT regardless??? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: 8)

I would rather light myself on fire than stop at a Pilot....

There are a few that I stop at on a fairly regular basis for a restroom/coffee/sandwich break:

New one at x5b, I-81, Hagerstown, MD (even though all those steps suck)
New one at x22, I-68, Grantsville, MD (again, the steps suck)

I won't get fuel at either, but they work for a quick stop.

Wind, the years they say comes right from their own mouths. It takes a few years of practice to know what keys will fit what and if no other keys fit, then what type of pick(s) are needed to line up the tumblers and how to move them. They don't already know what every lock takes, they know by practice just like you now know of a few locks that can take outside keys.

Uturn, I don't see why they wouldn't do it, all they need to do is check your ID vs the plates on the vehicle when they arrive to know if your BS-ing them. BUT, if it's a bad guy with bad intentions and you offer to call the police for them they won't stick around. If it is someone truly locked out of their car they won't usually have a problem with it unless they got something illegal in the car.

I guess you should boycott all truck stops that sell hammers also. They are 100% guaranteed to break into a truck and no directions are required.

Now the genius in Pilot's selling of such an item is that there are plenty of drivers who fail to think before slamming their door and running into the truck stop. They get back out to find they have locked all of their keys in the truck and are forced to go inside and try to find a solution. Like it was stated before the police normally won't come out for these kinds of issues so seeing such a device on the shelf seems like the perfect way to fix their dilemma. They pay around $20 for this item that may or may not get them into their truck then just like planned the goof ball does it again two weeks later and guess where his lock picking item is, in the truck with his keys. Now he buys another one. As far as the concern that the pilot is promoting theft then I would assume you think all hardware stores are too. The item is not sold with criminal intent just as a hammer isn't but both can very easily be used for bad if that is what the fool that bought it wants to use it for. I realize this probably won't be received very well but diesel fuel is used in arsons also, better quit buying the stuff.

I just wish they'd sell -- old fashion wire clothes hangers-- they work a lot better than those slim jims-- at least i never had any luck with them-- and do you know how hard it is to find a driver willing to part with a wire clothes hanger to help you out- if you ever lock yourself out of your truck.

Another great reason to love a Volvo. The only way you can lock yourself out is by locking the doors and then lose the keys.

You are missing the point entirely. :roll:

No Rev.Vassago, I am not missing the point. I obviously made a valid claim or you would have shown me this supposed point I am missing. You are assuming that everyone who purchases this device is planning on engaging in criminal mischeif. This is exactly the same as someone buying a pair of bolt cutters in a truck stop. They may be purchasing them to be able to break a bolt seal on their trailer when they arrive at the receiver. Now, on the other hand they may use these bolt cutters to cut the lock or seal on someone else's trailer so they can take items from that trailer. See it is the same as the slim jim argument. Since all major truck stops sell bolt cutters then by your moral standard (not wanting to contribute to criminal activity) we should boycott all major truck stop chains. So tell me how the bolt cutter argument is any different from the slim jim argument.

I already said you are.

Yes, it was a valid claim, but you are still missing the point.

I made no such assumption.

No, it isn't the same.

A bolt cutter has a legitimate use outside of a potentially illegal practice. A slim jim does not. What else is a slim jim good for than opening a vehicle door? This is why the manufacturer is forced to print "not responsible for illegal use" on the back of the packaging.

Perhaps eventually you will get the point that there is no legitimate reason for any truckstop to make an illegal activity easier by providing tools specifically designed for that illegal activity, as it only serves to put their customers in harms way. Somehow, I doubt you ever will.

How many do you need? I've got about 20 extras....I'd gladly part with one to help you out. My laundry people hang my shirts on wire hangers and I keep them to insert in the placard holders to keep the placards in, especially in rainy weather....so I always have spares... :D 8) 8)

Pilot SUCKS!!!

Prices on goods are a hoser, most don't have enough help, the bathrooms are filthy....and in general....well..you get the point.

And because you say so it must be the truth, that is slightly egotistical.

Look below, you are saying that the only use a slim jim has is to engage in illegal activity. Sounds like that is your assumption to me. If not you would realize that the person who buys a slim jim has the same chance of engaging in illegal activity as a person who purchases bolt cutters. The only difference is the slim jim gets them access to YOUR stuff where as the bolt cutters gets them access to SOMEONE ELSE'S stuff.

Please explain, it sure has a lot of similarities to me.

Really, a slim jim can only be used illegitimately. Please elaborate.

Exactly, opening doors is not an illegal activity.

No, the reason they put (not forced) that statement on the packaging is because of our over sensitized population that wants to sue or boycott something for the most silly of reasons.

So by making a claim that you doubt I ever will (get your point) makes your claim more valid how? See again you are claiming that the only use, or as you say it, "tools specifically designed" for illegal activity but you will not acknowledge that the same device can be used to open the locked door of a vehicle without it being an illegal activity. That goes right back up to where you say you made no assumption. Which is it, do only criminals buy slim jims or is it possible that legitimate people might use this device as intended by the manufacturer? The problem is you can't seem to make a stance, one statement you say "A bolt cutter has a legitimate use outside of a potentially illegal practice. A slim jim does not." then you say "I made no such assumption" when I said you think everyone purchasing this item plans to engage in criminal mischief. Then you say you doubt I will ever get the point. No kidding your point doesn't stay the same in one posting.

Me....I solved the whole problem by carrying an extra key in my pocket, another one in my wallet....and I even have one hidden on the truck somewhere.....(just hope I can remember where if I ever need it :shock: 8) ) But I'll give you a coat hanger if you need one...... 8)

No, it's very egotistical.

That isn't what I said at all.

That is a very broad conclusion. Besides, I wasn't aware that Pilot sold bolt cutters....

I already did.

The only thing a slim jim does is open doors, legally or illegally. A bolt cutter (which Pilot doesn't even sell, so why are we discussing them?) has many different uses, other than opening doors.

As I already said, it is a potentially illegal activity.

They are obviously aware that their product is going to be used illegally, therefore they are attempting to protect themselves.

Sure it can. I never claimed otherwise.

Sure, a "legitimate" person might use the device. The only "intention" the manufacturer claims on the packaging is that it can open any door.

Sure it does. You are simply trying to compare apples to oranges by comparing a slim jim set, which Pilot sells, and the manufacturer obviously knows can and will be used for illegal purposes (hence the disclaimer), and a bolt cutter, which Pilot doesn't sell, which has multiple uses outside of opening doors.

I suppose next you will attempt to present a valid argument for why they carry siphon hoses....

So what do you mean with this statement?
No, it is a quite realistic conclusion since neither you or I can determine what each and every purchaser's intentions are. Check the pilot in Brazil IN if you need a pair of bolt cutters.

No, you didn't.

I beg to differ on the Pilot selling them but for the sake of your argument I am making a comparison and other truck stops sell them so it would be a potential reason for you to write a boyott letter to say the TA or Flying J since they sell tools used in criminal activity (bolt cutters). Bolt cutters do have a few uses and just like the slim jim kit it can be legally or illegally depending on the intent of the user.


And I am sure on the packaging of the bolt cutters there is a warning somewhere about being able to chop off a finger or at least do some form of physical harm. Does this mean the manufacturer of the bolt cutters assumes that they will be used to hurt someone rather than the intended purpose?

If you want to argue that then go ahead but you have failed to show me that selling a slim jim is proof that pilot promotes illegal activity. They are out to make money and the fact that you are not going to buy your hotdogs there anymore will have no negative effect on their business. The point is many things are sold by many distributors that can be used in an illegal manner so you will stay busy writing these letters if you want to go after them all. What is next, everyone that sells ski masks? Maybe the sellers of gloves or baseball bats.

I made myself quite clear. Hopefully highlighting it will help.

Obviously, the manufacturer has determined the intentions of some purchasers, since they are attempting to cover their asses.

No thanks. As I've already stated, I will no longer frequent Pilot. If I need bolt cutters, I will go to a hardware store and purchase a set of quality ones.

I already said I did.

Your point? TA, as far as I am aware, doesn't sell bolt cutters or slim jims. In the 11+ years I've been in the industry, I have yet to see them.


No, the manufacturer assumes people are stupid and will cut their own fingers off.

Gloves, baseball bats, and ski masks all have legitimate uses. Siphons and slim jims have no legitimate use at a truck stop as far as I am concerned. If Pilot is more concerned about making $20 a pop off a product that serves no legitimate use at a truck stop, then they can do without the $70,000+ per year I spend on fuel.

And with all that you have stated you are trying to make the case that a slim jim has no potential (see I can do it to) use other then for criminal activity. The reality of it is it does. It can be used to unlock the door of a car that the owner locked his or her keys in. Again there is nothing illegal about that. This happens everyday but I guess you want every one to believe that there is a number of thugs that hang around a Pilot truck stop just waiting for shipments of slim jims to come in so they can purchase one and break into every truck in the parking lot. Unfortunately in my few years out here I have yet to see someone with the brass nuggets to actually spend any amount of time fidling with another drivers door, especially at a Pilot. There is really no driver's lounge at these excuses for truck stops so most driver are in their trucks, (probably not the best targets for theft) If you want to dislike Pilot, cool, but to say it is because they sell a $20 piece of metal used to unlock a door seems rather odd.

Before you go pounding your chest too hard, even if there is truth to this Pilot gains no where near $70,000 a year from your fuel purchase. If that is what you spend in fuel there I would assume after they buy it from the oil companies they make about $700 a year (about a penny for every dollar) from you so I guess they only have to sell 35 slim jims a year nationwide to off set your bold statement. But keep us posted and if Pilot goes out of business this year I will give all the credit to you.

It's quite clear at this point that you are clueless, and I certainly hope that nobody ever uses one of those lock picking tools on your truck.

You are right, no one has ever used a set of bolt cutters to break into someone's trailer. You win. Keep me posted on that shutting Pilot down thingy.

Does it really make you feel better that you found one grammatical error out of a couple thousand words? That just changes everything, not.

.


just trying to help..

Who ever said anything about trying to shut Pilot down?

Again, clueless. :roll: