padlock logistics on trains?

tacita

we had some discussion in another thread about safety for women on overnight trains. one poster questioned whether it would be necessary to padlock my bag under the berth despite that there's reputed to be a lock on the 1AC cabin door. nick made the very good point that if i wanted to leave the compartment briefly, or for a stroll, i might still wish to have a lock for my luggage.

now for my question: what size lock? i have a padlock with about a 1-inch metal u-bolt on it, fairly light, but steel. the handles of my bag are a very heavy duty fabric, very strudy, but thin enough to bunch into the lock's u-bolt. that just leaves the question of how big the bar (or whatever it is) to which i need to lock it. if it's much larger than a 1/2 -inch diameter, i'll need either a chain or a bigger (and, hence, heavier), neither of which i'm keen on adding to my weight if can help it.

can someone enlighten me on the logistics of this?

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Barbara Martyn

Janice: We leave in two days for India. We got the TSA approved locks which have small "chains". All steel. Maybe they will suffice.

akt

This system is not meant to defeat professional thieves, who don't have time to chase after casual tourists. It is aimed at casual opportunists: porters, cleaning staff, people on/off the train, who may take advantage of your absense or inattention. So really any lock will do. The important thing is not to lose the key yourself, which I have seen happen. :-)

From what I remember you also need a chain; it loops thru your bag's handles and something under your seat, and then you lock the two ends. You can get it in India too.

Nick-H

Correct. There are steel-wire loops under the seats.

Janice, if your 1" lock doesn't open if you hold it one hand and pull hard on the thingy --- then it is fine. You don't need any bigger.

I think Steven, in another thread, compared the chain you need to that used for flushing the loo. That's what you need.

Now, speaking of which, have you studied the thread on train toilets?

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cyberhippie

Padlock's fine Janice, the chain can be bought at the train station!!

capt_mahajan

and the sinks therein

akt

Janice, A few rules:

When you have the choice, put your suitcase under the berth as far away as possible from the walking corridor.

Keep windows closed even when it is possible to open them.

The most dangerous moments are when the train is at a station, including just before arrival and as it begins to depart. There is a lot of distracting commotion, people getting on and off. Smart thieves also know that if they jump off the train as it is leaving, nobody is likely to follow them. :-)

Another stressful experience is trying to keep up with your porters. They tend to run as if they are in a sporting event. So urge them to remain with you, but also try to remain with them.

tacita

as per the OP, i'll be in 1AC; this is not an issue.

capt_mahajan

The porters always have a brass tag with a number attached to their forearm. As the spooks say, memorise the number :-)

It looks like he is escaping with your bag, but he is just going fast because a) it is easier with a heavy load on his head and b) he wants another customer asap after he is done with you

tacita

choices, choices!

tacita

this is where i got confused about the logistics. if there's a steel-wire loop, why does one need a chain. can't i align the loop with one of the ubiquitous handles on my bag and put the lock around both side-by-side?
just when you think you're fully prepared, along comes another research area! (actually, i saw some pix and went no further!) i imagine the worse and then figure it'll be worse still. shall i pack some latex gloves?

cyberhippie

Loops are sometimes missing or your luggage is situated that you need the chain to fasten to a loop.
Remeber there's usually other luggage under the seat too, as such the choices of getting your bag under the seat might require that chain!!

Nick-H

It is a small loop.

Take the chain (or buy there...)

The train toilet research I think you can make a practical!

tacita

thx, CBH and nick. one chain - check!

capt_mahajan

attached photo of 1st ac compartment.

There will be a loop under the lower bunks for your luggage thing. Incidentally, I have never used a chain, or had anything stolen, but its wise to do so.

edit: that thing at the end is a sink!