Cam Locks: what are they?

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Cam locks are simple and affordable locking devices used on drawers, cabinets, and other furnishings. They come in various styles and finishes, but may not be secure enough for high-security applications. They can be operated with flat keys, tubular keys, or combination mechanisms. However, they are easy to break into and replacing lost keys can be difficult.

Cam locks are a type of hardware used to lock drawers, cabinets, and other furnishings. These locks consist of a base, which contains a keyhole, and a long tailpiece or tongue known as a cam. When a key is inserted into the base, the cam is rotated between 180 and 90 degrees. Depending on how the lock is installed, the cam will engage the lock striker in one position and be free of the striker when moved to a different position. Cam locks are among the simplest, most affordable, and easiest to install locking devices used today.

While cam locks are commonly associated with filing cabinets and desks, they are also used for a variety of other applications. These locks are found on electrical panels, trophy cabinets, and other types of displays. They can be used on mechanical access panels to prevent tampering and are also found in some older types of windows. Some school lockers are also secured with cam locks.

Cam locks are available in many styles and finishes to meet the needs of various applications. Larger, sturdier cam locks are more secure and can be used for larger furniture or high security applications. Mini cam locks are used in small paneling and other areas where space is at a premium. Standard steel or brass finishes are used for interior applications, while weather resistant materials such as galvanized or stainless steel can be used outdoors.

These locks are operated using flat keys, rounded keys or even combination mechanisms. Flat keys are typically rotated in the lock to rotate the cam, whereas tubular keys may need to be pressed or rotated. Combination mechanisms allow users to operate the lock without the use of a key and may be more convenient for applications such as school lockers or some filing cabinets.

While these locks offer a number of benefits, there are also a number of potential drawbacks that need to be considered. These locks are typically not as durable or secure as other types of locking devices and may not be sufficient for high security applications. They are typically easy to break into by drilling or using other lockpicking tools. Some high-security cam locks are designed to resist drilling and picking, but are more expensive than standard units. Finally, it may be difficult or impossible to replace the keys to a cam lock if they are lost or additional keys are needed.




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