Concrete light poles have a recessed hand hole cover near the base that provides access to the internal wiring. The factory cover offers no real security — any thief with a wrench can remove one in under a minute and walk off with the copper wire inside.
The EMT 2-Bolt Flat Hand Hole Lock is built specifically for flat-opening concrete and aggregate poles from manufacturers including Ameron, USI, and Sky Cast — where the recessed hand hole bolts directly into the pole rather than using an internal bracket. The back plate secures to the pole with bolt 1, the top cover plate snaps over and conceals bolt 1 completely, and bolt 2 locks the top plate in place behind an integrated puck lock — no exposed hardware, nothing to grip or cut.
Material: Powder-coated or Annodized steel | Warranty: Limited Lifetime | In-stock items ship in 1 business day
⚠️ Don’t see your size? Custom sizes are available — call 480.745.3999 or email info@endmetaltheft.com
$369.99
Key Features
- Two-Piece System — Both Bolts Fully Concealed
The back plate and top cover plate work together to hide both bolts completely. No exposed hardware, nothing to grip or cut. - Flat Cover for Recessed Concrete Pole Openings
Seats flush into the recessed hand hole on flat-opening concrete and aggregate poles. Bolts directly into the pole’s existing threaded inserts — no bracket required. - Puck Lock Included — Shrouded Steel Housing
Blocks bolt cutter access to the shackle. Once locked, there’s no accessible entry point for thieves. - Heavy-Gauge Steel, Lifetime Warranty
Powder-coated for rust, corrosion, and UV resistance. Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects. - Installs in Minutes
No drilling, no welding, standard hand tools. Full instructions included. - Keyed Alike Available
One key for your entire site or fleet. Specify when ordering. - Custom Sizes and Colors Available
Need a different pole model or finish? Provide your opening dimensions and bolt pattern — or send your existing cover. Request a custom size here. - Made in the USA — Ships Fast
Manufactured in Phoenix, AZ. In-stock sizes ship in 1 business day.
Why Copper Thieves Target Concrete Light Poles
Concrete poles from Ameron, USI, Sky Cast, and similar manufacturers use a recessed hand hole design that requires a cover built specifically for that opening — a standard single-bolt cover won’t fit. As a result, these poles often carry worn factory covers that any thief with a wrench can remove in seconds. A single theft incident can run $1,000–$2,000+ to repair. One lock stops that.
How It Works
The 2-bolt flat hand hole lock is a two-piece steel retrofit cover for concrete and aggregate poles with recessed flat openings — no bracket required.
The back plate seats flush into the recessed opening and is secured with bolt 1. The top cover plate snaps over and conceals bolt 1 completely. Bolt 2 then locks the top plate in place behind an integrated puck lock — both bolts fully hidden, no exposed hardware, nothing to grip or cut.
Who Uses It
- Municipalities & Public Works — Secure concrete streetlight networks in high-theft corridors.
- Electrical Contractors — Purpose-built for Ameron, USI, Sky Cast, and similar concrete poles where standard covers won’t fit.
- Property & Facility Managers — Protect concrete pole perimeter lighting across single or multi-site portfolios.
- DOT & Traffic Departments — Harden concrete signal and roadway poles where theft creates public safety risk.
- Electrical Distributors — Stock SKUs matched to the most common concrete pole manufacturers in the field.
| SKU | Color | Pole Manufacturer | Opening Dimension Width × height of recessed opening |
Bolt Spacing Center to center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HL1-7/8X13R2 | Dark Bronze | Ameron | 1-7/8″ × 12″ | 11″ |
| HL2-3/4X9R2 | Annodized | USI | 2-3/4″ × 9″ | 8.5″ |
| HL2-1/2X11-7/8R2 | Annodized | Sky Cast | 2-1/2″ × 11-7/8″ | 11″ |
Custom colors available — contact EMT with your hex code.
How to Measure for the 2-Bolt System
This system bolts directly into the pole’s existing threaded inserts — no bracket. Fit depends on three things: the opening size, the bolt spacing, and the bolt specs. Here’s what to measure:
Measure the width and height of the recessed opening in the pole — this is where the back plate sits. Measure the full recess, not just the inner void.
Opening Width
Opening Height
Measure the center-to-center distance between the two bolt holes in the pole. Also measure the distance from the edge of the opening to each bolt hole — both horizontally and vertically. These measurements determine where the bolt holes are drilled on your custom cover plate.
Note the bolt diameter, length, and thread count from your existing hardware. The bolts thread directly into the pole’s existing threaded inserts — they must match exactly. If you’re unsure, send your existing cover with hardware and we’ll identify the specs.
Download the Hand Hole Measuring Guide → | Not sure? Call 480.745.3999 — we’ll confirm the right fit before you order.
Important: Bolt hole alignment is critical for this system. The cover plate holes must align precisely with your pole’s threaded inserts. Sending your existing cover with hardware to 1745 W Deer Valley Rd, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85027 is the most reliable way to confirm fit — especially for custom orders. EMT cannot correct bolt placement after fabrication.
Don’t See Your Pole Model?
Custom 2-bolt covers are fabricated to your exact opening dimensions and bolt pattern — same puck lock security, same powder-coated steel. Lead time is typically 6–8 weeks. Sending your existing cover with hardware is strongly recommended. Request a custom size →
What is a 2-bolt hand hole lock, and how does it differ from the single-bolt version?
The single-bolt hand hole lock uses an internal backing bracket that slides through the opening. A single center bolt then secures the cover from the inside. The 2-bolt hand hole system, however, works differently. It targets concrete poles where the hand hole sits recessed into the pole body and the bolts thread directly into the pole. Additionally, the 2-bolt system uses a two-piece design — a back plate that anchors to the pole and a top cover plate that locks over it. Together, they provide a flush, secure fit in poles where a bracket-based system won’t work.
How do I know if the 2-bolt hand hole lock is the right product for my pole?
If your poles come from Ameron, USI, or Sky Cast and have a recessed flat hand hole opening, one of the three stock SKUs above is likely the correct fit. If you are unsure of your pole manufacturer, however, contact us at 480.745.3999 or info@endmetaltheft.com. We’ll help you identify the right SKU or initiate a custom order.
Can I order a 2-bolt hand hole lock if I don’t know my pole manufacturer?
Yes — but a custom order will be required. Send your existing cover with hardware to 1745 W Deer Valley Rd, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85027. We’ll take all required measurements and fabricate a cover to fit. Alternatively, provide the measurements listed in the sizing section above, and we’ll confirm fit before fabrication begins.
How difficult is installation?
Installation is straightforward and typically takes under 15 minutes. First, secure the back plate to the pole with bolt 1. Next, snap the top cover plate over the back plate, concealing bolt 1. Then thread bolt 2 into the pole through the top cover plate and tighten. Finally, drop the puck lock over bolt 2 and lock it in place. Full instructions ship with every order.
Can I key multiple 2 bolt hand hole locks to the same key?
Yes — keyed alike options are available. A single key works across multiple locks on the same property or across an entire fleet of poles. Simply contact EMT when ordering to request keyed alike configuration.
What if a thief tries to cut the lock?
The puck lock sits inside a shrouded steel body that blocks access to the shackle by bolt cutters. Additionally, both bolts are fully concealed — bolt 1 sits behind the top cover plate, and bolt 2 sits behind the puck lock housing. While no lock offers absolute protection, the goal is to make your poles a harder target than unprotected alternatives nearby. Consequently, thieves move on.
How long will the 2-bolt hand hole lock last outdoors?
Heavy-gauge steel construction with a powder-coated finish effectively resists rust, corrosion, and UV exposure. Furthermore, every unit carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects. For best long-term performance, we recommend annual inspection as part of routine pole maintenance.
What is the lead time for stock SKUs?
Stock SKUs ship within 1 business day from our Phoenix, AZ, facility. Custom orders, however, require approximately 6–8 weeks from the time of order confirmation.
Who makes this product?
End Metal Theft manufactures the 2-bolt flat hand hole lock at its Phoenix, AZ, facility. Furthermore, EMT specializes in theft-prevention products for commercial and municipal electrical infrastructure — designed by tradespeople and built for the field.
Compatible Applications
Built for concrete and aggregate light poles with recessed flat hand hole openings where bolts thread directly into the pole. Stock SKUs cover the three most common concrete pole manufacturers in the field.
Pole Types
- Ameron concrete poles — SKU HL1-7/8X13R2 fits a 1-7/8″ × 12″ recessed opening
- USI concrete poles — SKU HL2-3/4X9R2 fits a 2-3/4″ × 9″ recessed opening
- Sky Cast concrete poles — SKU HL2-1/2X11-7/8R2 fits a 2-1/2″ × 11-7/8″ recessed opening
- Other concrete and aggregate poles — Custom fabrication available. Sending your existing cover with hardware is strongly recommended.
Common Environments
Streetlights & roadway · Parking lot & area lighting · Sports fields · Campus & healthcare · Retail perimeter · Industrial & warehouse · DOT & traffic signal · Highway & freeway · Transit corridors · Parks & recreation · Airport perimeter
Not the Right Fit?
If your pole uses an internal bracket system rather than bolts threaded into the pole, see the Flat Hand Hole Lock or Flat Hand Hole Lock Heavy Duty. If your pole has a curved or round body, see the Curved Hand Hole Lock. Not sure? Call 480.745.3999 or request a quote.
The 2-bolt flat hand hole lock installs in minutes using tools you already have on the truck. No drilling, no welding, no specialty equipment required.
What’s Included
- Steel back plate (powder-coated dark bronze)
- Steel top cover plate (powder-coated dark bronze)
- Two stainless-steel bolts
- Integrated EMT puck lock with 2 keys
Tools Required
- Socket wrench or adjustable wrench
- Puck lock key (included)
Installation Steps
- Remove the existing cover. Unscrew and remove your current hand hole cover and hardware from the pole.
- Position the back plate. Place the back plate over the hand hole opening, aligning the bolt holes on the plate with the threaded inserts in the pole.
- Secure the back plate. Insert bolt 1 through the back plate and thread it into the pole. Tighten with a socket or adjustable wrench until the back plate sits firm and flush in the recessed opening.
- Snap on the top cover plate. Place the top cover plate over the back plate. The top plate snaps into position, concealing bolt 1 completely.
- Secure the top cover plate. Insert bolt 2 through the top cover plate and thread it into the pole. Tighten with a socket or adjustable wrench until the top plate sits firm and flush against the back plate and pole.
- Engage the puck lock. Drop the puck lock over bolt 2 and lock it in place with the included key. Bolt 2 is now fully concealed with no exposed hardware.
Important Notes Before Installing
- Confirm your SKU before installing. The bolt holes on the cover plate must align precisely with the threaded inserts in your pole. If the bolt holes do not align, do not force the installation — contact us at 480.745.3999 before proceeding.
- Concrete and aggregate poles only. This product threads directly into the pole. It does not use an internal backing bracket. If your pole requires a bracket-based system, order the Flat Hand Hole Lock Standard instead.
- Tighten both bolts evenly. Tighten bolt 1 and bolt 2 to equal tension. Uneven tightening can cause the cover plate to sit off-center or create gaps around the edges.
- Keyed alike installs. If you ordered keyed alike locks for a multi-pole deployment, verify all locks share the same key code before installing across your site.
- Do not overtighten. Tighten each bolt until the cover sits firm and flush. Overtightening can strip the threaded inserts in the pole.
Need Help?
A full assembly guide is available for download on our Resources page. If you run into a fitment issue or have questions during installation, call us at 480.745.3999 — we’re happy to walk you through it.