Is it OK to use the end of a swivel for a drowning lock for beaver/otter? Or is the "L" shaped bracket the better option?

Unless your using 1/8 cable, trap swivels work fine.

And 1/8 inch cable is best to use on beaver and otter. 3/32 doesn't hold up well.
Tom

I used 3\32 with swivels with no issues as long as the anchor was solid.

But I've upgraded to machine chain and chain locks.

Im using 3/32 cable and use the swivels for locks. It has worked real well for me so far, but that 3/32 cable does get kinked up pretty easily. I dont run alot of beaver traps though so its not a big deal for me.

Better yet... go to drowning rods or long chain :p

Get an otter on 3/32--you may think of spaghetti,when you see that cable.Doesn't always happen,but when it does,you may switch to the heavier cable.
I went to 1/8 for coon,beaver and otter.I would rather be safe than sorry,and the larger cable lasts so much longer.
Tom

Couldn't you drill the hole in the swivel out just a little to fit 1/8" cable?

The key to using cable, whether it be 1/8" or 3/32", is to make sure the cable is taut after making your set and the terminal end has no chance of moving.

At one time I used the universal swivels as a drowner on 1/8" cable-not a problem. I have L locks on my drowners now. Larger critters will make the hole in universal swivels egg shaped in time. All I use is 1/8" cable.

I'd scrap the cable and go to chain, or drowned rods. If you're stuck on cable drill it out like ADC suggested.

On my line
1/8" 7x19 Stainless steel is what I make my drowners out of.
Also for extension cables. That I use to anchor traps and when I need more lenth to my snare/extension cable combo.

(Snares 5/64"x 40", 6/0 barrel swivel 3/32"x 78" 7x7 All Stainless Steel with copper ferrules)