How To Guide - Cam Locks

Lights, Cam Locks, Action!

Do you go for the square or the round head and what's the difference between a nut fixing and a snap-in fixing?

Our handy Cam Lock Guides cover everything from head shape to locking action so that you can make a well informed decision.

Got a Cam Lock conundrum that we haven't covered? Why not get in touch, we'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

Cam Lock Terminology

Parts of the cam lock.

A Nut
B Latch
C Body
D Head

 


How to Measure Cam Locks

Correctly measure your broken cam lock before buying a replacement to ensure your new lock will fit your application.

A Head Diameter
B Body Length
C Body Height
D Body Width
E Cam Length


Cam Lock Head Shapes

Selecting the correct head shape isn't just for aesthetics, if it is a replacement lock it often will need to be an exact match.

1 Round
2 Conical
3 Cylindrical
4 Square
5 Rectangular


Cam Lock Key Movement

It is important to select a cam lock with the exact same locking movement as the one it is going to replace.

1 90° clockwise
2 90°anti-clockwise
3 180° clockwise
4 180° anti-clockwise
5 90° clockwise
6 90° anti-clockwise
7 360° clockwise
8 90° clockwise
9 90° clockwise


Cam Lock Fixings

If replacing a broken cam lock it is advisable to choose the same fixing as the original, as different fixings suit different application materials.

1 Nut Fixing
2 Horseshoe Clip
3 snap-in

Cam Lock Maintenance

Cam locks today are designed to be very low maintenance however over time a build up of dust and dirt can start to have a detrimental effect on the internal locking mechanisms.

Often the best solution is a blast of compressed air, this can come from a compressor or alternatively a spray can, these can be found in most computer orientated stores.

You should not used a standard liquid based lubricant such as WD40, the wet oil mixes with the dust and clogs the mechanism up, if lubricant is required than a specialist dry graphite based products should be used.

View The range

Click here to view our comprehensive range of Cam Locks.