Technicals Cable Lock

A Detailed Look at the Features and Benefits of This Versatile Bike and Luggage Lock

The Technicals Cable Lock is a must-have accessory for anyone looking to secure their belongings, whether inside or out. This versatile lock can be used to protect everything from bikes and motorcycles to luggage, sports equipment, and more. Made of braided steel cable encased in a rugged PVC coating, the Technicals Cable Lock provides a high level of cut resistance while remaining lightweight and portable.

In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features of the Technicals Cable Lock and who can benefit most from using it. We’ll cover details like cost, available sizes, construction materials, locking mechanisms, strength and security level, weather resistance, ease of use, included accessories, customer reviews, and how it compares to similar cable bike locks on the market. Read on for the full scoop on whether the Technicals Cable Lock could be the right security solution for your needs!

What Is the Technicals Cable Lock Used For?

With its adjustable length and versatility, the Technicals Cable Lock has many great applications both indoors and out. It’s commonly used to secure:

• Bicycles – whether parked outside your home, at a bike rack, or another location
• Motorcycles and scooters – the lock wraps around the chassis or wheel
• Luggage and bags – keep your belongings safe while traveling
• Sports equipment – secure your gear at the gym or stadium
• Gates, fences, and storage sheds – versatile for property protection
• Construction and job site tools/equipment – protect investments on the worksite

Its adjustable length makes it easy to loop around oddly-shaped items thanks to the integrated slider. The Technicals Cable Lock is suitable for home, travel, work, and recreation security needs.

Where Can I Buy the Technicals Cable Lock?

This popular cable bike lock is sold at many major retailers that carry sporting goods, outdoor equipment, hardware, automotive supplies, and electronics. You can find the Technicals Cable Lock at:

• Walmart
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Academy Sports
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Canadian Tire
• REI
• Decathlon
• Sport Chek
• Harbors Freight Tools

It’s also available from numerous online merchants including Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Overstock, and the websites of the major retailers above. Compared to local stores, you’ll often find better prices buying the Technicals Cable Lock online.

How Much Does the Technicals Cable Lock Cost?

The Technicals Cable Lock is very affordable, especially when compared to more heavy-duty U-locks and chain locks. Prices typically range from $10-20 USD depending on the length.

On Amazon, for example, the 4-foot Technicals Cable Lock sells for $10.97 while the 6-foot version is priced at $12.99. The 10-foot extra long cable lock is $19.99.

These are very budget-friendly prices considering the quality materials and versatility of use. The value is clear when compared to similar cable locks that can run $20-40 based on length and features.

Periodic sales events and special deals from retailers like Walmart and Amazon can bring the prices down even lower. It’s worth keeping an eye out for discounts around major holidays and shopping days.

Is the Technicals Cable Lock Suitable for Securing Bikes?

The Technicals Cable Lock is one of the most popular and affordable options for securing bicycles. The adjustable cable length makes it easy to thread through wheels, around bike frames, and over/around poles and racks of different sizes.

Key advantages for using the Technicals cable lock on bikes:

• Long cable reaches easily around bicycles
• Lightweight and portable for transport
• PVC coating avoids bike finish scratches
• Resists cuts, hacksaws, and bolt cutters
• Deters opportunistic thieves with basic tools
• Rubber stoppers keep the lock firmly in place
• Keys can’t be removed until re-locked for convenience

While not as strong as a U-lock, the Technicals Cable Lock provides an adequate level of security for short stops and lower crime areas. It’s best used in combination with a U-lock for high-risk parking. The portability and price make it ideal for casual riders.

What Materials Are Used in the Technicals Cable Lock?

This cable bike lock uses a braided steel cable core enclosed in a durable PVC coating.

• The braided steel cable provides cut resistance and strength while remaining flexible.
• The smooth PVC coating resists scrapes/scratches and won’t damage bike/vehicle finishes.
• Rubber stoppers on the ends keep the lock firmly in place when looped through items.
• The lock cylinder housing is made of zinc alloy for weather resistance.
• The key utilizes nickel-plated brass for durability and resistance to breaking/bending.

High-quality materials are used throughout for security, strength, and longevity. Technicals offers one of the best-constructed cable locks at this affordable price point.

Does the Technicals Cable Lock Have a Key or Combination Mechanism?

The Technicals Cable Lock uses a traditional key mechanism rather than a combination or keypad lock.

There are pros and cons to each method:

• Keys – can’t be easily picked but risk losing them. Comes with 2 keys.
• Combos – no keys to lose but the code could be forgotten or guessed.

Many customers prefer keys since the codes on cheap combination locks can fail over time. The Technicals key-based system is smooth, reliable, and keys can be copied as spares.

Keys allow you to lock up and remove the key so it can’t be stolen. Overall they provide a good level of convenience and security.

How Long Is the Technicals Cable Lock?

One of the best features of this lock is the adjustable length thanks to the integrated slider. The Technicals Cable Lock comes in three standard size options:

• 4 feet
• 6 feet
• 10 feet

The longer 10-foot version provides maximum locking flexibility and is able to wrap around multiple bikes/items at once.

However, the shorter 4-foot and 6-foot models are more compact and easier to transport. Choose the lock length based on your specific needs and usage.

Having an adjustable length cable is extremely convenient for locking around objects of different sizes. It’s far more versatile than fixed-length cable locks.

How Strong Is the Technicals Cable Lock?

This lock provides a decent level of cut-resistance and strength for a cable lock in its price range. The braided steel cable is difficult to cut through with hand tools like hacksaws and bolt cutters.

However, the Technicals Cable Lock can be compromised by an experienced thief with enough time and heavy-duty tools. It’s best suited to lower crime areas and short duration stops.

While not the strongest, it does have some key strength advantages:

• Braided steel cable is cut-resistant
• PVC coating protects inner cable
• Thick 10mm diameter deters casual theft
• Lock cylinder has anti-drill, anti-pick design
• Rubber stoppers keep cable taut

The Technicals lock rates about 6 out of 10 in terms of overall strength and security level. It’s strong enough to deter crimes of opportunity, but additional locks are recommended for high-risk areas.

Is the Technicals Cable Lock Weather Resistant?

Yes, the Technicals Cable Lock is designed to withstand outdoor weather exposure. Here are the key components that keep it operating smoothly rain or shine:

• PVC cable coating resists moisture corrosion
• Zinc alloy cylinder housing avoids rust/decay
• Rubber stoppers are waterproof and expand when wet
• Key cylinder has rubber gasket seal
• Durable nickel-plated brass key won’t tarnish or rust

The lock can stand up to rain, snow, moisture, dust, and dirt without issue. Proper lubrication is recommended every so often if regularly exposed to precipitation. But overall it’s built to securely function through all conditions.

Can the Technicals Cable Lock Be Used for Securing Luggage?

The versatile Technicals Cable Lock is definitely suitable for protecting luggage and bags while traveling.

The adjustable cable is long enough to thread through zipper pulls, wrap around handles, and connect multiple pieces of luggage together. This deters thieves from grabbing and dashing with your belongings.

Wrap the cable around fixed objects for added security. Use it on your luggage at:

• Airports when checking bags or stepping away
• Hotels to secure belongings in your room
• Rental properties and vacation rentals
• Around the ship on cruises and sea travel
• Baggage areas at buses/trains during transit

Since the cable is coated, it won’t scratch or damage your luggage. Take advantage of this flexible, affordable option for keeping bags secure in transit.

How Easy Is It to Use the Technicals Cable Lock?

One of the top benefits of the Technicals Cable Lock is how quick and convenient it is to setup and use. Here are some of the user-friendly highlights:

• Adjustable cable length customizable to your needs
• Coated cable smoothly glides and won’t kink when looping
• No combination dialing, just simple key unlocking
• Rubber stoppers keep the cable taut with no adjustments needed
• Locking mechanism automatically secures when key is removed
• Keys can only be removed once fully locked again
• The spiral coil design avoids tangled messy cables
• Compact size collapses for easy storage and transport

Within seconds you can pull out the cable, wrap it around your items, insert the key to lock, and you’re secured. Usage is hassle-free and the lock provides visual theft deterrence.

Does the Technicals Cable Lock Come With a Mounting Bracket?

Yes, one of the included accessories with the Technicals Cable Lock is a plastic mounting bracket. This allows you to conveniently store the collapsed lock on your bike frame when not in use.

Simply attach the bracket to your bike (usually under the seat or top bar) using the provided screws. Then, you can quickly slide the lock in and out of the bracket as needed.

This keeps the cable lock from dangling and getting tangled during transport. It also makes it easy to access when you reach your destination.

The low-profile bracket securely stores the lock out of the way without rattling or bouncing around. A nice added value accessory.

What Are the Customer Reviews for the Technicals Cable Lock?

Having sold thousands of units, the Technicals Cable Lock has garnered very solid customer reviews across retailers. Here is a summary of the key feedback:

• Great value bike lock for the affordable price
• Adjustable length is convenient for locking flexibility
• Lightweight and easy to transport or mount on bikes
• Locks and keys work smoothly and reliably
• Provides decent security for low risk areas
• Would purchase the lock again after years of use
• Useful for locking up a variety of items (guitars, gates, ladders, etc)
• Nice feature set compared to similar priced cable locks
• Tough enough to deter crimes of opportunity
• Quality exceeds expectations relative to the low price point

Critical feedback focused on the lock being compromised by power tools (expected) and wanting an optional combination lock version.

But overall an extremely positively reviewed cable lock providing great utility and value.

How Does the Technicals Cable Lock Compare to Other Cable Locks?

The Technicals Cable Lock stands up well when compared to competitors like Master Lock, Wordlock, XZSUN, and Stoplock.

Key advantages of the Technicals lock include:

• Lower cost for the quality
• Smoother steel cable gliding
• More durable PVC coating
• Longer size options (4ft, 6ft, 10ft)
• Secure zinc alloy cylinder housing
• Includes mounting bracket
• Better weather resistance
• Positive locking key mechanism

Similar cable locks from other brands cost nearly twice as much without providing the same feature set and construction. The Technicals lock outpunches its weight given the budget-friendly price.

It lacks the extreme cut resistance of titanium/combination hardened steel cables. But it provides great basic protection for casual users.

Is the Technicals Cable Lock Lightweight and Portable?

At just 0.55lbs for the 4-foot version, the Technicals Cable Lock is extremely lightweight given its durable construction. And the design is very portable-friendly:

• Compact lock collapses into a short 18-inch size
• Fits easily in backpacks, bags, saddle bags
• Lightweight doesn’t weigh you down when transporting
• includes a frame-mounting bracket for bikes
• Smooth cable won’t tangle or make a mess
• Only gets lighter as you size up longer versions

While strong enough to protect belongings, it avoids being bulky and won’t weigh you down. The portability makes it ideal for transport and storage in all situations.

Can the Technicals Cable Lock Resist Cutting and Tampering?

This steel cable lock is definitely cut-resistant against basic hacksaws, wire cutters, and small bolt cutters. The braided steel cable surrounded by the tough PVC coating prevents easy slicing.

However, given enough time and effort, the Technicals lock could be compromised by large bolt cutters, pipe cutters, or cordless power tools. Like all cable locks, determined thieves with heavy duty tools can potentially cut through it.

It provides good resistance against basic hand tool attacks. But those looking for the highest level of cut-proof security may need a tougher lock like a U-lock or thick chain lock.

It’s great for quick stops but not recommended for high crime areas overnight. Supplement with a U-lock if your bike will be unattended for long periods.

What Is the Warranty for the Technicals Cable Lock?

Technicals provides a 1-year limited warranty on this cable bike lock. The warranty covers the lock and keys against defects in materials and workmanship.

If any malfunction or failure occurs with normal use within 1 year of purchase, Technicals will repair or replace the lock free of charge. Just contact customer support and provide proof of purchase.

Warranty exclusions include damage from improper use, alterations, general wear and tear, weather exposure, and theft/vandalism.

Overall the 1-year warranty demonstrates the brand’s confidence in the construction quality and longevity of this affordable cable lock.

Does the Technicals Cable Lock Come with Spare Keys?

Yes, the Technicals Cable Lock includes two nickel-plated brass keys with every lock. The two keys use the same cut profile.

Having an extra backup key is essential in case one gets lost or broken. You never want to be stuck with a locked cable and missing key.

Technicals even offers affordable replacement keys for sale just in case both included keys are ever misplaced.

It’s also handy being able to give a friend/family member the spare so they can access the lock if needed without having to track you down. The pair of included keys adds convenience and preparedness.

Is the Technicals Cable Lock Suitable for Outdoor Use?

This cable lock is built for both indoor and outdoor use due to its weather-resistant design. Here are some examples of suitable outdoor applications:

• Locking bicycles, motorcycles outside
• Securing ladders, construction tools on job sites
• Protecting backyard gates, sheds, and fences
• Keeping sports equipment safe at parks/fields
• Locking grills, patio furniture in your yard
• Traveling with luggage, bags outdoors
• Camping/hiking gear protection

The zinc alloy, rubber stoppers, PVC coating, and tight cylinder seal keep the elements out. Don’t worry about using it in rain, snow, dust, and other harsh conditions.

Just be sure to lubricate the lock every so often ifexposed to frequent precipitation over months/years.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Technicals Cable Lock?

The major retailers that carry the Technicals Cable Lock will occasionally offer sales, discounts, and promotions both online and in-store:

• Check Amazon for coupons and holiday sales events
• Sign up for email alerts from Dick’s Sporting Goods for 10% off deals
• Look for bulk/multi-pack savings at Costco and Sam’s Club
• Walmart rolls back prices several times per year
• Canadian Tire offers consistent savings for members

Buying more than one allows you to lock up multiple bikes/items and take advantage of bulk pricing.

You can sometimes save 20-40% off MSRP during major sales around Black Friday, Prime Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. The prices are already low but sales make it a steal.

In summary, the versatile Technicals Cable Lock provides an impressive range of security and convenience considering its affordable price point. For portable protection of your gear around town or while traveling, it’s hard to beat the value and utility of this steel cable lock. Just be aware of its limitations in high crime areas. But overall it delivers dependable peace of mind locking up your valuables for everyday use.