A lock sleeve houses the workings of a locking mechanism and secures an object in place. It is used in various applications, such as an automobile’s ignition lock, a lathe’s tailstock, a front door’s locking mechanism, and electrical systems. Lock sleeves can be made of metal or plastic and may have protective covers or weatherproof capabilities.
A lock sleeve is a device that contains the inner workings of a lock or provides the means to secure one object to another. The tumblers and lock barrel or barrel fit inside the lock sleeve. There are different assemblies of locking sleeves for many different applications, but they all serve a single function: to house the workings of a locking mechanism and to secure an object in place.
An automobile’s ignition lock sleeve is typically cast from aluminum. The sleeve houses the ignition switch and resides within the steering column. The lock sleeve contains machined grooves and notches into which the ignition switch secures with snap rings. If the sleeve begins to show signs of wear, the ignition switch will start to stick and the sleeve will need to be replaced.
Many machines employ the use of a locking sleeve. The movable tailstock on a lathe incorporates a locking sleeve into the tailstock. The handle that grips the tailstock and loosens it so it can be slid up and down the lathe frame passes through the sleeve lock. The lock in this particular application encompasses the workings of a mechanism that slots tightly against the frame of the lathe.
The sleeve in a front door, such as the front door of a house, contains the locking mechanism. This type of sleeve is typically formed from stamped metal and rests within the handle assembly. The lock sleeve contains the tumblers and internal mechanism of the door locking mechanism and provides a perfectly sized container for the assembly to operate.
Locking sleeves are also a complex part of some electrical systems. An automobile’s rear light connector plug assembly involves the use of a locking sleeve to mount the plug to the vehicle’s hitch. The harness passes through the lock sleeve and is connected to the plug. The plug is then inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting bracket for the plug connector. The sleeve is then pressed firmly against the bracket and the plug connector is slid into the sleeve. The sleeve is pin tightened and effectively wraps the assembly to the mounting bracket holding it in place.
There are many uses for a lock sleeve, but they all serve a basic function. Some sleeves are made of metal while others are made of plastic. Depending on their intended use, some may have protective covers or weatherproof capabilities.
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