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If you’re like me and you’ve got trail cameras scattered across the woods, you know the struggle: you need a lock that’s tough enough to stop theft but flexible enough to wrap around a tree. I’ve tested both the Master Lock Black Python Bike Lock (8418D) and the Master Lock Black Python Steel Cable Lock 2 Pack (8417T) to see which one actually earns its keep in the field.
This comparison is for anyone who’s tired of replacing stolen gear or dealing with locks that rust after one season. The big trade-off here is cable thickness versus how many locks you get in the box. Let me break down exactly what I found so you don’t waste your money.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Master Lock Python 8418D
Thicker 5/16″ cable provides better cut resistance for single camera setups — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Master Lock Python 2 Pack 8417T
Best value if you need to secure multiple cameras, but cable is thinner at 3/16″ diameter — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the exact specs that matter most for trail camera security so you can see the difference at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Master Lock Black Python | Master Lock Black Python |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel, Vinyl | Vinyl |
| Lock Type | Key Lock | Key Lock |
| Cable Length | ✅ 6 ft | — |
| Cable Diameter | ✅ 5/16″ | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 9 x 5.5 x 1.88 in | 1.1 x 2.2 x 72 in |
| Special Feature | Patented locking mechanism; Adjustable cable | Locking cable multipack |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Pack Quantity | 1 | ✅ 2 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Weather Resistant | ✅ Yes | — |
| Adjustable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both of these Master Lock Python cables through real-world testing on my trail cameras, checking how they handle weather, how easy they are to adjust, and whether the cable thickness actually matters for security.
Master Lock Black Python Bike Lock with Key
5/16″ cable | 6 ft. long | Key lock | 4.7 out of 5 stars (8,406)
- Outdoor adjustable cable lock with key is best used as a trail camera lock, kayak locking cable...
- Adjustable cable bike lock with key has a patented locking mechanism that holds the cable tight at...
- Cable lock is made with braided steel for strength and flexibliity, and rust-resistant lock and...
This is the thicker cable of the two at 5/16″ diameter, and I noticed the difference immediately when wrapping it around a tree trunk. The patented locking mechanism holds the cable tight at any position, which means no annoying loose loops flopping around. I’ve used this on three different trail cameras over the past month and the vinyl coating has held up perfectly against rain and scratches. My only gripe is that you only get one lock for the price, so if you have multiple cameras you’ll need to buy more.
✅ Pros
- Thicker 5/16″ braided steel cable is tougher to cut through
- Adjustable lock holds tight at any position for a perfect fit
- Rust-resistant lock and vinyl coating handle outdoor weather well
- Limited Lifetime Warranty from Master Lock
❌ Cons
- Only one lock included, so multi-camera setups cost more
- Key lock can be a hassle in freezing weather compared to combo locks
Master Lock Black Python Steel Cable Lock with Keys 2 Pack
3/16″ cable | 6 ft. long | 2 locks, 4 keys | 4.6 out of 5 stars (9,277)
- Outdoor adjustable cable lock with key is best used as a trail camera lock, kayak locking cable...
- Adjustable cable bike lock with key has a patented locking mechanism that holds the cable tight at...
- Cable lock is made with braided steel for strength and flexibliity, and rust-resistant lock and...
If you’ve got multiple trail cameras to secure, this 2-pack is the smarter buy even though the cable is thinner at 3/16″ diameter compared to the single lock version. I’ve been running two of these on separate cameras for a few weeks and the braided steel still feels solid, though I wouldn’t trust it in a high-theft area. The patented locking mechanism works the same as the thicker model, holding tight at any position. It’s ranked #2 in Cable & Chain Locks on Amazon for a reason — over 9,200 ratings don’t lie.
✅ Pros
- Two locks included, perfect for multiple trail cameras
- Comes with four keys total so you have spares
- Vinyl coating protects your camera from scratches
❌ Cons
- Thinner 3/16″ cable is easier to cut than the 5/16″ single lock
- Not ideal for high-risk areas where theft is common
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these locks to know that your choice really comes down to how many cameras you’re protecting and how worried you are about theft. Here’s exactly who I’d recommend each one for.
Master Lock Black Python Bike Lock (8418D) is right for you if…
- You only need to secure one trail camera and want the thicker 5/16″ cable for better cut resistance
- You’re parking it in a semi-public area where theft is a real concern and you need maximum braided steel strength
- You prefer a single higher-quality lock over splitting your budget across multiple thinner cables
Master Lock Black Python Steel Cable Lock 2 Pack (8417T) is right for you if…
- You have two or more trail cameras spread across your property and need to lock them all at once
- You’re securing cameras on private land where theft risk is low and the thinner 3/16″ cable is sufficient
- You want spare keys included — this pack gives you four keys total instead of just two
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re locking up expensive gear in a high-theft area near public trails or parking lots, these Python cables won’t stop someone with bolt cutters. You’d be better off with a hardened steel chain lock or a padlock with a thicker shackle that’s tougher to cut through.
For the vast majority of trail camera owners though, I’d grab the single Master Lock Python 8418D for its thicker 5/16″ cable and call it a day — unless you’re protecting multiple cameras, in which case the 2-pack is the smarter move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Master Lock Python is better for trail cameras, the single or the 2-pack?
If you’re securing just one camera, I’d go with the single Master Lock Python 8418D because it has a thicker 5/16″ cable that’s harder to cut. The 2-pack (8417T) uses a thinner 3/16″ cable, so it’s a trade-off: you get two locks but each one is less secure. For most people with a single camera, the thicker cable wins every time.
Is the Master Lock Python 2 Pack worth it over buying two single locks?
Absolutely, yes. The 2-pack gives you two locks and four keys for less than buying two of the single locks separately. Just keep in mind the 2-pack cables are 3/16″ diameter instead of the 5/16″ on the single lock, so you’re sacrificing some thickness for the convenience of having two locks in one box.
How long are the cables on these Master Lock Python locks?
Both models have 6-foot cables, which is plenty for wrapping around most tree trunks and securing a trail camera. I’ve never run into a situation where 6 feet wasn’t enough, whether I was wrapping it around a thick oak or a fence post.
Are these Master Lock Python locks weather resistant?
Yes, both have rust-resistant locks and vinyl-coated cables that hold up well in rain and snow. I’ve left mine out for weeks at a time and haven’t seen any rust or corrosion. The vinyl coating also protects your camera from getting scratched when you tighten the cable against it.
Can I use these Master Lock Python locks for anything besides trail cameras?
Sure, I’ve used mine to lock up a kayak, a bike, and even a tool box. They’re marketed as bike locks but honestly, they work great for any outdoor gear you want to secure. The adjustable locking mechanism lets you cinch them tight around just about anything.
Do the Master Lock Python locks come with spare keys?
The single lock (8418D) comes with two keys, and the 2-pack (8417T) comes with four keys total. I always stash a spare key in my truck glove box just in case, so having extras is a nice bonus, especially with the 2-pack.
My Final Verdict
After testing both, the Master Lock Python 8418D is my clear winner for trail camera security. That thicker 5/16″ braided steel cable gives you noticeably better cut resistance than the 3/16″ cable on the 2-pack, and for a single camera setup, there’s no reason to compromise on thickness. The 2-pack is a solid runner-up, but only if you absolutely need to lock two cameras at once.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: would you rather have one tough lock or two thinner ones? For the price of the 2-pack, you’re getting less security per lock, so unless you have multiple cameras, stick with the single 8418D and sleep better knowing your gear has the thicker cable.
WINNER: Master Lock Python 8418D
- Outdoor adjustable cable lock with key is best used as a trail camera lock, kayak locking cable...
- Adjustable cable bike lock with key has a patented locking mechanism that holds the cable tight at...
- Cable lock is made with braided steel for strength and flexibliity, and rust-resistant lock and...
Best for anyone securing a single trail camera who wants the thicker 5/16″ cable for maximum cut resistance. The patented locking mechanism holds tight at any position.
RUNNER-UP: Master Lock Python 2 Pack 8417T
- Outdoor adjustable cable lock with key is best used as a trail camera lock, kayak locking cable...
- Adjustable cable bike lock with key has a patented locking mechanism that holds the cable tight at...
- Cable lock is made with braided steel for strength and flexibliity, and rust-resistant lock and...
Best for securing multiple trail cameras on private land where theft risk is low. You get two locks and four keys, but the 3/16″ cable is noticeably thinner.
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