The lock actually helps with that. The little square black pipe, which is pretty much invisible, is replaced by a larger silver-colored tube. It is much easier to insert the rod into that hole than it is to get the socket to fit over the little square black pipe. The lock is like the locking lug nuts: its a keyed nut that is all the way at the far end of the tube, protected from the elements by the tube. Of course, if the tube rusts, or if the cotter pin that holds the whole thing to the winch rusts, then you are in trouble.