Locking bars and arming up!

[beast]

well as johnno has said ALL robots must have a locking bar if we are going down that route including yours craig make sure your wheels don't move the body as that is your weapon

I still think its dangerous pulling bars out of a loaded bot

[pressure]

As has been said:
Release the gas slowly, let the robot settle then remove the locking device.
The locking device should be designed such that if there is a miss fire during removal it cannot be thrown or harm the roboteer.
A cord attached to the locking pin is the safest way as you are some distance from the robot.
Pressure mk3 was locked in the closed position (it did miss fire a couple of times and worked), the mk4 is locked open.
Having used both methods I feel locked closed is safer.
I don't think chains wrapped around a flipper or axe are ideal, if there is a miss fire a length of chain makes a nasty projectile!