Cam Locks are a type of commonly used Lock for many applications such as lockers, safety boxes, cabinets, and drawers. Because of this there are many different types and sizes of Cam Lock and this can make identifying them tricky.

Duffells stock a wide range of cam locks, which can be found here:

VIEW ALL CAM LOCKS

 

This guide will help you identify which type of cam lock you need, how to correctly measure the cam lock, and the key types available.

 

Cam Lock Head Shapes

The below illustration shows the various cam lock head shapes Duffells stock:

 

Method Of Fixing Cam Locks

To help identify the cam lock you need or are replacing, you will need to know the cam locks fixing method. 3 of the most popular methods are shown below:



Measuring your Cam Lock

There are 6 key measurements to take when identifying your cam lock, these are shown below:

 

Cam Movement

The cam lock turning degree is also important, most cams turn either 90 degrees or 180 degrees. 

Cam Lock Turn degrees

 

Key Types

Once you have identified the type and size of cam lock you require, it's time to start thinking about which key type you need. Depending on your or your customer's requirement, there are 3 key types available:

KEY TO DIFFER

Each lock has its own key number requires its own key to open.
                               

KEYED ALIKE

All locks are supplied on the same key number, these keys would be universal to this key number and open all locks.


MASTERED

Each Lock is supplied on its own key number and requires its own key to open the lock however the suites master key would open all of these locks. An example of where a master key could be required is a workplace where employees would have their own Key to open their Locker and Management would have the master in order to open any locker if required.

 

Key Retention 

Another variable to consider is whether the cam lock is required to be key retaining, and if so, in which position. For example, cam locks intended for use on lockers will often be key retaining, when in the unlocked position. This helps to prevent key theft or loss and helps identify vacant lockers. other cam locks may not feature key retention in any position. 

 

Removable Cams 

The majority of standard body cam locks will feature a straight, flat ‘cam’ when supplied. These are usually removable and can be replaced with a variety of cams for different purposes, such as longer cams for bigger backsets, cranked cams for reaching backward or forwards from the lock to meet the keep, and numerous designs of specialist cams.

In most cases, these cams fix to the lock by way of an 8mm square hole punched into the cam which locates over the square drive of the cam lock. Don’t be surprised if the cam has an 8 point star hole instead of a square one, this simply allows it to be located over the square drive in either the straight position or a 45-degree offset position. The cam is then fixed in place by a screw and washer.

Often on locks with unusually shaped cams, it is easiest to buy a suitable replacement lock body and swap the cam over to re-use the existing one. We do sell some of the more common cam options individually, such as those on the links below: 

https://www.duffells.com/cam-lock-std-straight-cams-8mm-star-punch.html 

https://www.duffells.com/cam-lock-std-cranked-cam.html 

 

The TSS key to differ cam locks are all pre-mastered on the MK92 system. This is the same key series used by Lowe & Fletcher. Simply purchase part number MK92 to allow your cam locks to operate under a master key.

They are also available keyed alike and all cams are now supplied with a spiked washer, this useful addition helps secure the cam lock into place when fixing to any wooden application.

Click here to view the TSS Round Face Nut Fix Cam Lock Range.