Best Cable & Chain Locks in 2020

BV 15FT Security Steel Cable with Loops, Braided Steel Flex Cable, Lock Cable 3/8 Inch, for U-Lock and Padlock Review:

This cable is reasonably convenient and effective to the extent possible - but NOTHING is perfect. The best you can really do is lock up the bike to a secure substantial structural element (pole etc.) with a smaller/tight U-Shackle lock combined with a cable or chain to loop through everything including the wheels and seat. If the bike is in a confined jammed up area, possibly with many other bikes, it will be harder to get tools physically onto the lock and cable/chain. Larger U-Shackle locks are more convenient than smaller ones, but are heavier and can more easily be twisted/tweaked/broken with large crowbars. Remember ANYTHING can be defeated, so don't leave the bike unattended any longer than necessary.

Given access, tools, a little time, and lack of effective Law Enforcement, ANY bicycle security equipment can be DEFEATED. Security cables can be CUT with a sharp, well-adjusted bolt cutters, locks can be SHATTERED with a sledge/hammer & freezing agent, high-powered cordless grinders can CUT/DEFEAT hardened chains and lock shackles. lock cylinders can be DRILLED OUT/punched out. The dirtier and uglier your bike is the less attractive to thieves it will be. Good luck.

Titanker Bike Steel Cable, Thick Security Vinyl Coated Flexible Steel Cable with Loop End (10mm, 12mm, 14mm) Review:

Let’s face it ... any security measure can be defeated, given adequate tools, time, and effort. That said, this cable looks like a low-cost way to make things reasonably difficult for the average thief. It is thicker and heavier than most similar cables, and available in much longer lengths. I’m using the 15 foot length, along with a 1/2” stainless U bolt and a Master padlock, to secure a couple bikes on my deck. I don’t think a pair of bolt cutters would get through this cable very quickly ... I imagine that an angle grinder would do the job, but that’s probably enough to cut through my lock, also. The next step up from this would be something like a Kryptonite lock and chain — at several times the cost.

Master Lock 8417D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 ft Long, Black Review:

Master Lock 8418D Python Keyed Cable Lock 6 ft Long Camoflage Review:

I purchased this lock to wrap up a couple bikes to a Bike Rack for a hitch while traveling. My rack is the common style hitch rack where the bikes hang from two bars.
This lock serves 3 purposes with one purchase!

1, it’s a very quick an easy way to lock up the bikes to the rack. It’s not Manhattan-proof since it’s just a cable, but it puts you at ease at the gas stations and restaurants. I was even able to protect all 4 wheels of 2 bikes by feeding the cable through.

2, it acts as an incredibly strong tie to make sure the bikes don’t come off the rack while driving. Major redundancy factor here, as you will not need any other cables or bungee cords. I also love the one-way lock mechanism. It allows you to really cinch up the bikes tighter than any rope knot.

And 3, Once you are at your destination, you can use the lock again as a normal bike lock when you are out for rides. It’s relatively light weight and can coil up tight enough to fit in a small under-seat bag.

Now, as a hitch security, I should mention that you should also have a locking hitch pin. Otherwise, someone could technically throw your entire rack with bikes into the back of a truck in under 30 seconds. And no, a threaded bolt with a nut does not count as a lock. You have just added 30 more seconds to the clock.

And the 6 feet cord is not exactly generous when it comes to using this to tie up multiple bikes, but for my purposes, it turned out to be the perfect length. I can tie 2 adult bikes, pushed tightly together against the back of my rack. There isn’t much cable to spare when doing this and I had to be creative with how I weaved it through, but I wouldn’t want the cable to be any longer unless I had more bikes. An 8 feet cable would be nice for 3 bikes.

I have engaged the lock and opened it about 50 times with no issues. Sometimes the key is little tough to unlock, but remember that we are dealing with a cam mechanism here, meaning the harder you pull, the tighter it gets. So have some finesse and don’t force anything and it will unlock smoothly.

Brinks 675-62701 Commercial 5/8" X 7' Braided Cable, Loop Ended Review:

I was looking for the strongest cable to secure my item. This fits the bill. Appears well constructed, with a 5,000# cut rating. Because of the thickness, and hence the strength, it is not very flexible. I did not feel that would be a problem but I did not realize I could not squeeze the 'locking loops'. I cannot make the loop ends narrow enough to fit through my required opening. I am reluctantly returning this item. I recommend this for anyone looking for 'more than the average' cable strength and rating. The coating around the cable appears to be adequate to protect your possessions.
But you must realize that strength comes with a loss of flexibility and that the loop ends will be large.

Master Lock 8418D Python Keyed Cable Lock, 6 ft Long, Black Review:

I purchased this lock to wrap up a couple bikes to a Bike Rack for a hitch while traveling. My rack is the common style hitch rack where the bikes hang from two bars.
This lock serves 3 purposes with one purchase!

1, it’s a very quick an easy way to lock up the bikes to the rack. It’s not Manhattan-proof since it’s just a cable, but it puts you at ease at the gas stations and restaurants. I was even able to protect all 4 wheels of 2 bikes by feeding the cable through.

2, it acts as an incredibly strong tie to make sure the bikes don’t come off the rack while driving. Major redundancy factor here, as you will not need any other cables or bungee cords. I also love the one-way lock mechanism. It allows you to really cinch up the bikes tighter than any rope knot.

And 3, Once you are at your destination, you can use the lock again as a normal bike lock when you are out for rides. It’s relatively light weight and can coil up tight enough to fit in a small under-seat bag.

Now, as a hitch security, I should mention that you should also have a locking hitch pin. Otherwise, someone could technically throw your entire rack with bikes into the back of a truck in under 30 seconds. And no, a threaded bolt with a nut does not count as a lock. You have just added 30 more seconds to the clock.

And the 6 feet cord is not exactly generous when it comes to using this to tie up multiple bikes, but for my purposes, it turned out to be the perfect length. I can tie 2 adult bikes, pushed tightly together against the back of my rack. There isn’t much cable to spare when doing this and I had to be creative with how I weaved it through, but I wouldn’t want the cable to be any longer unless I had more bikes. An 8 feet cable would be nice for 3 bikes.

I have engaged the lock and opened it about 50 times with no issues. Sometimes the key is little tough to unlock, but remember that we are dealing with a cam mechanism here, meaning the harder you pull, the tighter it gets. So have some finesse and don’t force anything and it will unlock smoothly.

Master Lock 719D 3' Long x 3/16' Diameter Cable with Integrated Laminated Steel Padlock Review:

Bought this to secure our new RV surge protector. It is the same lock sold by the manufacturer of the surge protector at like nearly half the cost. It's a bit thin and will not stop a determined thief, but it will cause them to have to make a commotion or whole bunch of racket to try and make away with it, which is exactly what you want it for. There's no current, conceivable way to make an iron clad lock down solution for this sort of thing (yet), and sure there are strong, thicker cable locks out there, with no other real benefit other than maybe doubling the time it takes someone to hack through it.

The lock itself is pretty light weight and small as well, and in fact I would have liked to see that part a bit beefier, but this could be an economics of the product sort of thing. In other words, you get what you pay for, and they do make on with both a meatier cable and lock that is very similar. My only concern with that one is the cable being too thick to get through the lock loop or the door hinge on most RV power pedestals. So I stuck with this one for now.

Time will tell how the whole things holds up to the elements, I might update this at some point in the future as it gets some weathering and age on it.

-1 Star for the lock itself being pretty light weight for a Master Lock product

Master Lock Cable Lock, Python Adjustable Keyed Cable Lock, 6 ft. Long, 8413DPF Review:

These are thick and heavy duty. They will basically secure almost anything if almost any weight. The only problem with them is that if you cinch them within 6" of the lock, they are almost impossible to open.

(I have purchased hundreds of products at Amazon.com. I have never received a product at a free or discounted price in return for a review as of this date. I write reviews to help others decide whether a product suits their needs as hundreds of reviewers on Amazon.com have done for me.
Criteria for my reviews:
5 stars- The item matches the photo and description of the item and fulfills the functions it was advertised to fulfill.
I remove one star each for 1) items not fulfilling their intended purpose and/or 2) items being significantly deficient in one or more areas.
I remove one star each for 1) items not fulfilling the purpose advertised and/or 2) items being significantly deficient in one or more areas.)

Master Lock 8114D Set Your Own Combination Bike Lock, 6 ft Long, Black Review:

I really like the bungee locks like this since they are so much easier to wrap around things like a light post or tree when a bike rack isn't available. Also, the less keys I have the better so combination is totally the way to go. This style still has the potential of being clipped compared to a U-lock but if your bike is relatively cheap I suggest this over a U-lock. Have been using for two years now. Seriously though, if your bike is worth over like $200 then just get a U-lock, otherwise this is a great purchase.