Master Lock Black Python Steel Cable Lock with Keys, Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Trail Camera and Kayak Locking Cable, 2 Pack, 8417T

What it is and why I reached for it

I keep a rotating set of outdoor gear that needs to be tied down—trail cameras on public land, kayaks at the shore, a rooftop box during long road trips, and the occasional job box on site. I wanted something quick, adaptable, and reasonably secure against casual tampering without adding much weight or bulk. The Python cable lock hit that sweet spot: a simple, adjustable, keyed cable system that’s long enough to wrap around bulky items yet slim enough to thread through tight hardware.

This is the 6-foot, 3/16-inch version in black, sold as a two-pack. Each lock comes with two keys (four total). The cable is braided steel under a vinyl jacket, and the locking head is compact and rust-resistant. The headline feature is its adjustability: you feed the cable through the head and cinch it to any length, then lock it. No preset holes, no fuss.

Build and design

• Cable: 3/16-inch braided steel, vinyl coated
• Length: 6 feet (1.8 m)
• Lock body: compact, rust-resistant finish
• Color: black
• Pack: two locks, four keys total

The vinyl jacket is thick enough to protect paint on bikes, roof rails, and camera housings. The cable itself has good spring and flexibility, so it routes around corners and through narrow slots better than thicker security cables. The lock body is modestly sized—big enough to manipulate with gloves, small enough to tuck under a frame tube or behind a camera housing.

The overall impression is utilitarian rather than “heavy duty.” That’s by design. It’s not trying to be a hardened chain or a U-lock; it’s a lightweight, adaptable cable you can cinch tight for a clean, rattle-free setup.

Setup and adjustability

Using the Python is straightforward:
1. Thread the cable tip through whatever you’re locking (post, roof rail, seat stay, tree, D-ring, etc.).
2. Feed the tip into the lock head’s channel.
3. Pull to cinch until it’s snug.
4. Turn the key to lock.

Releasing is equally simple—unlock and press the release to back the cable out.

The adjustability is the best part. Traditional looped cables force your layout; here, you can tighten down to eliminate slack, which prevents rattling on vehicles and makes it harder for someone to slip tools under the cable. The 6-foot length gives plenty of routing options. If that’s too much cable for the application, I wrap the excess around the main bundle and pull it tight; the jacketed cable stacks neatly.

How I used it

• Trail cameras: The 3/16-inch cable threads through most camera brackets and mounts easily. I cinch around the tree and housing until there’s no play, which helps with stability and keeps curious hands at bay. It’s not a “theft-proof” system, but it prevents quick snatches and keeps the camera from being casually opened or relocated.

• Kayaks and roof racks: I run the cable through scupper holes or carry handles and around a fixed point on the rack. The adjustability lets me anchor two yaks across crossbars without loose loops whipping in the wind. The vinyl coating spares gelcoat and powder-coated racks.

• Rooftop cargo box: As a visual deterrent and secondary security measure, I route the cable through the interior mounting slots and around the vehicle’s roof rail. It tightens flush and doesn’t buzz at highway speeds.

• Tool and job boxes: I’ve used it to keep lids closed on rolling tool bags and to tie a small job box to a fixed point. It won’t stop someone intent on hauling the entire box away, but it absolutely keeps opportunists and curious kids from popping a lid.

• Motorcycle helmet and jacket: The length is handy here—thread through a sleeve and helmet D-ring, cinch to the frame. The coating prevents snags on liners or paint.

Security reality check

This is an opportunistic-theft deterrent, not a high-security solution. A determined thief with decent cutters can defeat a 3/16-inch braided cable. That’s not a knock on this particular model; it’s the physics of cable locks in this weight class.

Where it shines:
- Semi-secure environments where visibility, inconvenience, and a “this is locked” message go a long way.
- Secondary lockdown—paired with a stronger primary lock to add complexity and time to any theft attempt.
- Situations where adjustability and fit matter more than maximum cut resistance.

Where it’s not ideal:
- Leaving an expensive bike unattended overnight in a high-theft area.
- Long-term storage of high-value gear in public-facing locations without additional security measures.

If you need real cut resistance, step up to a thicker cable, a hardened chain, or a quality U-lock. If you need versatile tie-down with credible deterrence, this hits the brief.

Weather resistance and durability

The vinyl jacket shrugs off rain, grit, and UV well, and it protects contact points from abrasion. The lock body’s finish is genuinely rust-resistant; mine lived outdoors through wet weeks without any binding. That said, keyed mechanisms benefit from occasional maintenance. A quick spritz of a water-displacing spray after a soaking rain, followed by a light lock lubricant or graphite, keeps the cylinder smooth for the long haul. The cable jacket also cleans up easily with mild soap and water.

Ergonomics and keys

The lock head is easy to grip, even with gloves, and the key action is positive. The keys are small and pocket-friendly; I stash one on a key ring and another in the glove box. They’re not the burliest keys I’ve handled, but they haven’t bent or balked. You get four keys in the two-pack—nice redundancy. I labeled mine to avoid mixing sets in the field.

Length and diameter: the trade-offs

• 6 feet is generous. For compact jobs, you’ll have extra to manage, but wrapping the excess and cinching it down is quick. I’d rather have more than come up short when routing around a wide tree or spanning roof rails.
• 3/16 inch is the sweet spot for threading through trail-cam brackets, small mounting slots, and tight rack hardware. Going thicker would boost cut time slightly, but you’d lose the ability to pass through narrow passages. For my use cases, the 3/16 profile is exactly right.

Value of the two-pack

Two locks in the box means I can leave one in the truck and one in the shop, or run both when I’m locking multiple items in different orientations. Four keys give me enough spares to hide one, carry one, and still have backups. If you’re outfitting multiple cameras or tying down gear at different sites, the two-pack is just practical.

What I’d change

• A camo or earth-tone option would be welcome for stealthy trail setups. Black is versatile, but it can still catch a glint in bright sun.
• A slightly beefier key blank would inspire more confidence, even if the current ones perform fine.
• An optional shorter length (say, 4 feet) for minimal setups could cut bulk for dedicated single-item locks.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Eliminate slack. The tighter the cinch, the harder it is to insert leverage tools.
• Pair it. Use it with a heavier primary lock for high-value items or high-risk areas.
• Protect paint. Keep the vinyl jacket clean; grit trapped in the jacket can scuff finishes if you slide it around.
• Maintain the lock. A dab of lock lubricant a few times a season prevents sticky tumblers, especially after heavy rain or dust.
• Plan routing. Thread through multiple points on the item to prevent sliding off a single handle or rail.

Who it’s for

• Outdoor users who need to secure trail cameras, kayaks, and rooftop cargo against casual tampering
• Tradespeople who want to keep tool bags and small job boxes closed on site
• Riders who need a quick, flexible tether for helmets or accessories
• Anyone looking for a versatile secondary lock to complement a more robust primary

Recommendation

I recommend the Python cable lock for users who value versatility and convenience over maximum cut resistance. Its adjustable mechanism, flexible 6-foot cable, and protective coating make it a reliable, everyday deterrent in semi-secure environments. It’s quick to deploy, easy to cinch tight, gentle on finishes, and the two-pack offers straightforward value. If you routinely leave high-value items in high-risk areas, you’ll want a heavier primary lock or chain. For everything else—trail cams, kayaks, cargo boxes, job bags, and as a secondary lock on bikes—this is exactly the kind of simple, dependable tool I like to keep within reach.