Abstract: A self-locking wire seal includes a body in which one end of a wire is fixedly secured. The free end of the wire can be inserted through the hasp of a lock. The free end of the wire is then inserted through a channel in the body of the seal. The wire contacts a locking mechanism which automatically prevents the retraction of the wire out of the channel defined in the body. The locking mechanism may comprise a spring which engages notches defined on the wire. The notches may be defined by using a concentrically laid spiral wound wire. The spring flexes out of the way of these notches when inserted, but grips the wire when attempts are made to retract the wire from the body of the seal.

Abstract: A cable lock includes a security insert to help prevent tampering with the internal components of the cable lock. The security insert may include a pair of side panels oriented generally parallel to each other and an end panel oriented generally perpendicular to the side panels. The security insert fits between an inner and outer member which are both made of relatively soft metal, such as aluminum or zinc casting. The security insert is made of a harder material, such as steel, which is resistant to drilling. The security insert surrounds a locking mechanism that may include a disc positioned on an angled incline.