Which is the best one piece lock out? I have been using a mini pro lock and slim lock. They work good. Just wanted to if I am looking over a better lock. I use them on cats coons coyotes fox. Lock then 32 inchs 5/64 cable inline swivel then 3/32 about 3 to 4 ft. I like that set up.

I Use both of those locks

Newts Lock, Slim Lock, Bullet Lock, Miniature Kieper Locks (which is what you’re using)


All 4 are great locks

If you're expecting the snares to dispatch your catch and can't use cam-locks.... Berkshire sure locks, Grawes bullet locks and BMI mini locks.

I know the snare wont most of the time. But it has on Bobcats. I just dont like a relaxing lock. I can use a cam lock in the water not on land. I have used sure locks too.

Sure locks and Grawes Bullet Locks will be the best non-relaxing one piece locks. The Sure Locks are way easier for me to assemble on a good loaded snare, to make it function fast and lock up solid. If you are using real good entanglement, a lot of the other locks work too but if its questionable the Sure Locks would be my first choice of positive locking, one-piece locks. They don't rely on a burr on the hole or tab of the lock to lock into the cable like most all of the others. Once that burr is worn a little they no longer lock as well. The BMI mini locks are just as good but smaller if you can find them they are actually my favorite one-piece lock but I'm not aware if they are even still available.

https://www.snareshop.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SLBMIMIN I guess they are still available. If you build your snares right these are terrific even on tough to kill coons with a deer stop.

I dont have to have deer stop if I am 19 yards or less from water. 20 yards or farther u have to have one. Crazy I had good luck with the mini pro and slim lock. I wished we could use a cam lock on land.

Southern snare has the BMI locks. The ones I call mini pro lock. Looks just like the BMI only black in color. I cant remember where I got them. I cant load a snare worth a hoot.

It's very easy. To load the snare, grab the lock with your left hand and about 7 -8 inches of cable with your right hand. Run this portion of cable, IN IT'S NATURAL WIRE CURVE, several times over a small round rod or screwdriver that has been clamped in a vise. Do not apply to much pressure on 7X7 cable or the snare will become kinked or twisted. The 1X19 cable will take a lot more pressure but you still need to be careful. Practice will teach you how much pressure is needed to provide either cable with a round loop that will close quickly when little pressure is applied to the bottom of the loop. As mentioned previously 1X19 will provide larger round loops than 7X7 cable.

In the following picture of a well loaded 1X19 cable snare, the loading is to the left of the lock cable attachment. Load the cable from the lock out, not the cable the lock runs over. This can be accomplished in the field with a pair of pliers or anything solid by rubbing the object, along the underside of the cable, from the lock out about 7-8 inches ALONG THE NATURAL LAY of the cable.

X2 - Here's a couple videos I made on loading them to help as well.

Thanks guys!! I try to load some somehow cable gets curl in it then. I am doing it the wrong way. I built some snares. But not loading them right.

You’re loading too hard.

If you want a 10” loop, load the last 10” of cable. Easy does it, you can do it a little at a time. Much easier to take it a little further than it is to undo what you’ve done.

Like I said in my post, Do not apply to much pressure on cable or the snare will become kinked or twisted.

I did it wrong. I applied to much pressure. That's what I am doing wrong. I get my 1x19 cable in I will try again. Thanks