If you’re looking for the best type of cam lock to suit your needs, or simply want to know more about how they work, you’re in the right place. Here’s your extensive guide to cam locks.

What Are Cam Locks?

Cam locks are one of the most popular types of locks used, due to being both simple and affordable to use. The cam lock consists of two parts – a metal plate, called the cam, and a barrel, typically 20mm in length. The cam is attached to the edge of the barrel, and ultimately rests inside whatever it is you are locking, whereas the barrel rests on the outside. The barrel’s threaded body means that nuts can be used to secure them on to sections of furniture. From lockers to pedestal cabinets, cam locks provide great security, giving peace of mind at a great price.

How Do Cam Locks Work?

Cam locks work by turning a key that has been inserted into the lock-face either 90 or 180 degrees clockwise, which rotates the cam as the key is turned. The cam latch is secured on the inside of whatever it is you are locking, rotating as you lock and unlock the device. In order to unlock, the cam lock unlatches itself once the key is turned anti-clockwise, ultimately opening whatever piece of furniture the device is on.  

What Are Cam Locks Used For?

There are many different types of furniture that cam locks are used for, with different reasons as to why we may wish for possessions and valuables to be kept safe and secure. One of these reasons includes ensuring that items are not only kept protected, but available to certified personnel only, so that unauthorised individuals can’t get to specific pieces of equipment or apparatus.

For instance, cam locks are used for securing panels that hold electrical items, as well as being fitted onto display cabinets, doors and windows. Cam locks are also particularly popular in workplace environments, used for office cabinet locks, filing cabinets, lockers and desk drawers that hold confidential and important records.    

How Do You Install A Cam Lock?

One of the many reasons as to why cam locks are so popular is because they’re really easy to install. There aren’t any specialist tools or equipment needed, as the locks are typically secured with either a horse-shoe clip or a fixing nut. Alternatively, cam locks can sometimes be fitted with a snap-in fix, making it even easier to install.

How Do You Open A Cam Lock Without The Key?

Keys are needed to open cam locks, which is what makes them so secure. They can also work with master key systems, which is useful for lockers and cabinet locks in schools for example, when multiple people need access.

If using a key isn’t the approach for you, there are other variations of the lock available such as coin return locks and digital locks, where a key is not needed.

Can You Undo Cam Locks?

At some point you may want to move or undo your cam lock and fix it to another piece of furniture - this is easily done.

How you undo a cam lock will depend on how you secured it in the first place. If screws were used, you simply need to remove the screws once the lock is open, using a screwdriver. If a clip was used to fix the cam lock onto the furniture, a flat-headed screwdriver can be used to pry the clip away, pulling the bolt tab off the rear of the lock.

What Types of Cam Locks Are There?

Due to their popularity, there are different variations of cam locks available including RPT cam locks and combination cam locks. Combination cam locks can provide added security and protection to your belongings, needing a digit code (usually 3 or 4 digits) to unlock them, often with a key override.