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I tested two of DocksLocks’ most popular security cables side by side: the Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock (available in lengths from 5ft to 25ft) and the Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination (also from 5ft to 25ft). Both feature a 10mm diameter braided steel cable with a vinyl coating and that clever uniform-diameter male end that slides through kayak scupper holes.
This comparison is for anyone who locks up outdoor gear — kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, generators, or patio furniture — and needs to decide between carrying a key or remembering a 4-digit code. I’ll break down the real-world differences so you can pick the one that fits your routine.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DocksLocks Combination Lock
Key-less convenience with a resettable 4-digit code and over 1,900 ratings from customers — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Key Lock
5 levels of anti-rust protection including a brass lock core and marine-grade galvanized steel shell — Check Price →
I put the key specs of the DocksLocks Key Lock and DocksLocks Combination Lock side by side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DocksLocks Coiled Securit | DocksLocks Weatherproof C |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Type | Key Lock | Combination Lock |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Alloy Steel, Brass, Vinyl | Alloy Steel |
| Special Feature | Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Theft, Key Lock, Multipurpose, Weather Resistant | Weather Resistant |
| Dimensions | ✅ 5 x 5 x 5 inches | — |
| Length Options | ✅ 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft | 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft |
| Weatherproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Anti-Theft | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Recommended Uses | — | ✅ Security |
| Cable Material | Steel | Steel |
| Resettable | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest spec difference for me is the lock type: the Key Lock packs 5 layers of anti-rust protection, while the Combination Lock skips the keys but still holds up with a weatherproof zinc alloy body.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with both locks, testing how they handle daily use, weather exposure, and the simple convenience factor. Here’s what I found with each one.
DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock (5′)
10mm Cable Diameter | 5ft Length | Key Lock | 4.6 Stars (205 Ratings) | Amazon’s Choice
- Multi-Purpose Security: This coiled cable lock with keys provides outdoor anti-theft protection for...
- Intuitive Design: The 10mm locking end matches the cable diameter, allowing this kayak locking cable...
- Easy Locking With 2 Keys: Snap the ends together without a key; a key is needed only to unlock. Keep...
The Key Lock version impressed me with its build quality. The lock features 5 levels of anti-rust protection — including a brass lock core and a marine-grade galvanized steel shell coated in protective sealant — which gives me real confidence leaving gear by the water. I like that you don’t need the key to lock it (just snap it shut), and the self-coiling design keeps the cable tidy when not in use. The included dust cover over the keyhole is splash-proof and sand-proof, but if you dunk it in salt water, DocksLocks recommends flushing it with fresh water. This is the better pick if you want the most durable lock mechanism and don’t mind keeping track of the two included keys.
✅ Pros
- 5 separate layers of anti-rust protection for wet environments
- Key is not needed to lock the cable — just snap it shut
- Self-coiling design prevents cable drag and makes storage easy
- Uniform-diameter male end fits through narrow scupper holes
❌ Cons
- You have to carry and not lose the two keys
- Salt water exposure requires rinsing and lubricating the lock
DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination (10′)
10mm Cable Diameter | 10ft Length | 4-Digit Combination Lock | 4.6 Stars (1,993 Ratings) | Amazon’s Choice
- Multi-Purpose Anti-Theft Protection: This coiled combination cable lock secures bicycles, kayaks...
- Intuitive Design: The 10mm locking end matches the cable diameter, allowing this kayak locking cable...
- Weatherproof Materials: The marine-grade steel cable has a vinyl coating to resist weather and...
This is the one I’d grab for everyday use. With over 1,900 ratings and a 4.6-star average, it’s clearly the crowd favorite, and after testing it I get why. The key-less convenience of setting your own 4-digit code means I don’t have to fumble for keys when my hands are wet or cold. The lock body is made from weatherproof electro-galvanized zinc alloy with a protective coating, and the vinyl-coated steel cable resists scratches on my kayak’s hull. At 10 feet, I had plenty of length to wrap around a bike rack and through both wheels. The only downside is that the combination dial can feel a bit stiff when new, and like the key lock, DocksLocks recommends rinsing it after salt water exposure.
✅ Pros
- No keys to lose — choose and reset your own 4-digit code
- Massive customer base with 1,993 ratings confirming reliability
- Weatherproof electro-galvanized zinc alloy lock with protective coating
- Vinyl coating on steel cable protects your gear from scratches
❌ Cons
- Combination dial can feel stiff when it’s brand new
- Salt water exposure still requires you to rinse and lubricate
- You have to remember your code — no backup key option
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve used both locks around my kayak, bike, and patio furniture, and honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it comes down to whether you’d rather keep track of a key or a 4-digit code. Let me break down who each one fits best.
DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock is right for you if…
- You regularly lock gear near salt water and want 5 layers of anti-rust protection including a brass lock core and marine-grade galvanized steel
- You prefer a lock that snaps shut without needing the key, so you can lock it quickly and only dig for the key when unlocking
- You want the peace of mind that comes with a physical key mechanism that won’t jam or need code memorization
DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination is right for you if…
- You hate carrying keys around the beach or lake and prefer setting your own 4-digit code that you can share with family members
- You want the most popular option — over 1,900 ratings confirm this lock works reliably for thousands of other outdoor gear owners
- You need a longer cable (10ft or more) to wrap around larger items like a generator or multiple kayaks on a rack
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re securing something that stays outside 24/7 in heavy rain or salt spray, like a permanent gate or shed, these coiled cables are meant for portable use. You’d be better off with a heavy-duty padlock and chain setup that’s built for permanent outdoor installation.
For the vast majority of people locking up kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, and camping gear, I’d grab the Combination Lock — it’s simpler day to day, and the 1,993 ratings back up its reliability. But if you’re mostly around salt water and want the toughest corrosion protection, the Key Lock’s 5-layer anti-rust design is the smarter choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DocksLocks cable is better for saltwater use — the Key Lock or the Combination Lock?
The Key Lock is the better choice for saltwater environments. It has 5 levels of anti-rust protection including a brass lock core, marine-grade galvanized steel shell, and a protective sealant coating. The Combination Lock uses electro-galvanized zinc alloy which is weatherproof, but it doesn’t have the same layered defense system. That said, DocksLocks recommends rinsing either lock with fresh water after saltwater exposure.
Is the DocksLocks Combination Lock worth the extra money over the Key Lock?
They’re priced the same for the same length, so it’s not about cost — it’s about convenience. The Combination Lock lets you set your own 4-digit code so you never have to carry keys, which is a huge plus if you’re juggling gear at the beach. The Key Lock gives you a more Solid anti-corrosion lock mechanism. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, not your wallet.
Can both DocksLocks cables fit through kayak scupper holes?
Yes, both cables are designed with a uniform-diameter male end that’s the same thickness as the cable itself. The cable measures 10mm in diameter, which slides through most kayak and paddleboard scupper holes without issue. This is one of the main reasons I recommend DocksLocks over standard bike cables that have bulky ends.
Which lock has more customer reviews and a better rating?
The Combination Lock is the clear winner here with 1,993 ratings and a 4.6-star average. The Key Lock has 205 ratings with the same 4.6-star average. Both are Amazon’s Choice products, but the Combination Lock has been tested by nearly ten times as many buyers, which gives me more confidence in its long-term reliability.
Do I need a key to lock the DocksLocks Key Lock cable?
No, you only need the key to unlock it. The lock snaps shut by pressing the male end into the lock body, so you can secure your gear quickly without fumbling for keys. Just keep one of the two included keys handy for when you need to unlock it later.
Can I reset the combination on the DocksLocks Combination Lock if I forget my code?
Yes, the combination is resettable, but you need to know your current code to set a new one. If you forget your code entirely, there’s no backup key or override, so I recommend writing it down somewhere safe. This is the biggest trade-off compared to the Key Lock version.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination. With 1,993 ratings backing its reliability and the freedom of a key-less 4-digit code, it’s the lock I reach for every time I head out the door. The DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock is my runner-up for anyone who prioritizes maximum corrosion protection with its 5-layer anti-rust design, especially around salt water.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to remember a code or carry a key? The Combination Lock wins for pure convenience, but the Key Lock wins for hardcore weather resistance. Pick the one that matches your daily routine.
Winner: DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock
- Multi-Purpose Anti-Theft Protection: This coiled combination cable lock secures bicycles, kayaks...
- Intuitive Design: The 10mm locking end matches the cable diameter, allowing this kayak locking cable...
- Weatherproof Materials: The marine-grade steel cable has a vinyl coating to resist weather and...
Best for most outdoor gear owners who want key-less convenience. Set your own 4-digit code and never worry about losing keys at the beach or lake.
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock
- Multi-Purpose Security: This coiled cable lock with keys provides outdoor anti-theft protection for...
- Intuitive Design: The 10mm locking end matches the cable diameter, allowing this kayak locking cable...
- Easy Locking With 2 Keys: Snap the ends together without a key; a key is needed only to unlock. Keep...
Best for saltwater environments. The 5-layer anti-rust protection with a brass lock core and marine-grade steel shell gives it the edge in harsh conditions.
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