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The Versatility of Cam Locks

Cam locks are simple yet effective mechanical devices designed to securely fasten objects together. Consisting of a cylindrical base with a protruding cam, these locks operate by turning the cam to either engage or disengage the locking mechanism. Commonly made from durable materials such as metal or plastic, cam locks are renowned for their versatility and reliability in various applications. They are frequently utilized in cabinets, drawers, lockers, and other furniture pieces where quick and secure locking is essential.

Purpose of a Cam Lock

One of the primary purposes of cam locks is to provide a convenient and robust locking solution for cabinets and enclosures. Whether in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, cam locks offer a straightforward method to safeguard valuable belongings, documents, or equipment. Their straightforward design enables easy installation and operation, making them a popular choice for securing doors, compartments, and panels. Additionally, cam locks often come with keyed or combination options, allowing users to choose the level of security that best suits their needs.

Industries That Use Cam Locks

Beyond furniture and cabinets, cam locks find extensive use in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, marine, and aerospace. In these sectors, they serve as reliable fastening mechanisms for access panels, storage compartments, and equipment housings. Their robust construction and resistance to tampering make them ideal for ensuring the security and integrity of critical components. Whether securing sensitive electronics onboard a ship, locking toolboxes in a workshop or securing file cabinets, cam locks play a crucial role in maintaining safety and organization across diverse applications.

Security Level

There are many levels of cam lock security.  RA-Lock works with original equipment manufacturers and offers medium to high security cam locks.

Material and Key Types

A cam lock is made up of a lock shell/casing and lock. Most of these components are constructed out of nickel and brass. When it comes to key types, there are several options. Security wise, the level of difficulty to defeat the lock is:

  • Barrel key—Good
  • Vertical cut key—Better
  • Biaxial—Best

Dimensions and Types of Cam

Cam locks come in a wide range of dimensions, and various sizes are dictated by the application. All cam types come in their own standard lengths.

  • Cam Length A: No Length, 3/4″ (19 mm), 7/8″ (22 mm), 1″ (25.4 mm), 1-1/8″ (28.57 mm), 1-1/4″ (31.75 mm), 1-3/8″ (34.92 mm), 1-1/2″ (38.1 mm), 1-3/4″ (44.45 mm), 2″ (50.8 mm), 2-1/2″ (63.5 mm), 3″ (76.2 mm)
  • Cam Length B: No Length, 3/4″ (19 mm), 7/8″ (22 mm), 1″ (25.4 mm), 1-1/8″ (28.57 mm), 1-1/4″ (31.75 mm), 1-3/8″ (34.92 mm), 1-1/2″ (38.1 mm), 1-3/4″ (44.45 mm), 2″ (50.8 mm), 2-1/2″ (63.5 mm), 3″ (76.2 mm)
Here is a list of some common types of cams:
  • 0: No Cam
  • SU: Straight Cam Upward position
  • SD: Straight Cam Downward position
  • OUF: Offset Cam Up-Forward position
  • OUB: Offset Cam Up-Backward position
  • ODF: Offset Cam Down-Forward position
  • ODB: Offset Cam Down-Backward position
  • HUL: Hook Cam Upward position Left
  • HDL: Hook Cam Downward position Left
  • HUR: Hook Cam Upward position Right
  • HDR: Hook Cam Downward position Right
  • LU: L Cam Upward position
  • LD: L Cam Downward position
  • IV: Short Cam

Cam Stop

The cam stop can be just as important as the cam lock itself. The cam stop determines the rotation of the cam lock as well as whether the lock is key retaining or not. Key retaining means the key cannot be removed until the lock is returned to the locked position.

Benefits of Cam Locks

High security cam locks offer several advantages over standard cam locks, making them a suitable choice for securing valuable items or applications requiring a higher level of protection:

Enhanced Security

  • Pick and drill resistance: High security cam locks are designed to withstand sophisticated tampering methods like picking and drilling. They often employ features like stronger materials, intricate pin tumblers, and anti-pry mechanisms to significantly increase picking difficulty.

  • Key control: Many high-security cam locks come with restricted keyways, meaning unauthorized duplication of keys is significantly harder. This helps maintain control over who has access to the secured items or areas.

Durability

  • Material composition: High-security cam locks are often constructed from robust materials like hardened steel or brass, providing greater resistance to physical attacks, wear, and tear compared to standard cam locks.

  • Environmental tolerance: Some high-security cam locks are weatherproof and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor applications or environments with extreme conditions.

Additional Benefits

  • Key retaining: Certain high-security cam locks feature key retaining mechanisms, ensuring the key remains captive until the lock is returned to its locked position. This prevents accidental lock-ins and adds a layer of convenience.

  • Versatility: High-security cam locks come in various configurations and sizes, allowing them to be adapted to different security needs and applications.

While offering significant security improvements, it’s important to remember that even high-security cam locks are not invincible. For extremely valuable assets or maximum security requirements, consulting a security professional for a comprehensive security solution is recommended.

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