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203 BOLT SEAL
Our high security bolt seal has been designed to defend sea, air and rail freight and cargo containers, truck doors and storage units.
The term “high security” means that it conforms to international export and import standards and it is ISO/PAS17712:2013 compliant. These formidable seals are subjected to stringent quality control tests.
The Seals Online bolt seal range has an ABS plastic coated probe body and lock bush. The bolt is manufactured from galvanised steel, with an average tensile strength of +/- 1300kg. The operating length is 49mm from bolt head to lock bush base. The bolt head is 18mm (ISO compliant), the shaft is 8mm in diameter and the lock bush is 21,5mm x 34,4mm.
The plastic coating on the probe body and lock bush are molded as a pair, and these high security bolt seals are then laser marked with identical prefixed and consecutively numbered serial numbers.
203 Bolt seals come standard in pastel yellow colour. The 203 Bolt Seal sports a special anti spin feature that prevents a friction attack. They are not reusable and are destroyed during breach.
THE ANATOMY OF A HIGH SECURITY BOLT SEAL
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SEALS DISPLAYED IN THE IMAGES BELOW ARE FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT REFLECT THE SEALS ONLINE RANGE.
Image 2: Anatomy of the average bolt seal
The average high security bolt seal has two parts. The seal is comprised of a singular bolt head that is fixed to the shaft. This is known as the probe body.
The lock bush, or locking body contains a snap ring that forms the bolting mechanism once the shaft is inserted into the lock bush, effectively slotting the bolt firmly in place.
Once applied, the probe body can not be separated without destroying the seal itself.
The ability to recognise a healthy barrier seal makes it is easier to identify signs of tampering in a seal that has been compromised and shine light on the various ways in which it can be manipulated and attacked
HOW TO INSPECT A BOLT SEAL BEFORE REMOVAL
Image 3: Inspect the locking body
Image 4: Check the lock bush base
Prior to unlocking the container, a comprehensive inspection of the locking body needs to be performed.
Check the head, shaft and bottom for signs of drilling, cutting, restamping or glueing. Make sure there are no marks and search for any abrasions and rough surfaces that may indicate an attack. It is advisable to have another sample of the high security bolt seal to use as a comparison, as this will quickly highlight any discrepancies.
Compare the bottom of the bolt to a sample of another seal. Use some force and leverage to see whether it is a plug. Often the bush end is drilled out and ripped from the locking body to gain access to the snap ring and then replaced with a false bottom to hide signs of entry. This will quickly reveal signs of an breaching attempt.
APPLYING THE PULL TEST
Image 5: Applying the pull test
Image 6: Modified probe body
When checking the integrity of the bolt seal, pull down with roughly 15 to 20 kilograms of force. Twist the bolt from side to side to check the strength of the shaft, use a pair of pliers for extra leverage.
Criminals may modify a bolt seal ahead of time by filing down the snap ring landing to prevent secure coupling. Then with enough force the probe body can be separated from the lock bush, which is then replaced so that no signs of any disturbance is visible.
Thieves will sometimes use a tubing cutter to sever along the casting lines as a point of entry into the lock bush, this gives them access to the snap ring. The parts are then glued back together. Bolt cutters will destroy the bolt along a glue line, revealing the attack.
APPLYING THE SPIN TEST
Image 7: removable top
Image 8: removable lock bush
Spin the locking body several times in the same direction. If it stops, spin in the other direction. It should spin freely in both directions. Check to make sure the bolt head or lock bush does not detach. Use pliers to apply extra force.
Note: This step is also required with our Seals Online 203 high security bolt seals. However, if it spins, it is an indication of tampering as our seals have an added special anti-spin feature to prevent friction attacks.
INSPECTING THE SERIAL NUMBERS
Image 9: Check the alignment and spacing of the numbers
Image 10: Notice the original numbers filed off and restamped
Each high security bolt seal comes with its own unique set of serial numbers, these should coincide with the record in the manifest.
Look at alignment when inspecting the digits. Compare the margins and check the spacing of the numbers. Use a 5 or 10 power scope to magnify the area. Also look for scratches and discoloration to the body, it may reveal that the original numbers have been filed off and the high security seal has then been restamped in order to appear untouched.