The Standard Length and Size of Cam Locks

Cam locks can usually be found in cabinets, furniture kits, and desk drawers. They are simple to assemble and cost-effective. Topper Cam Locks is a leading cam lock manufacturer in China, specializing in designing and manufacturing cam locks for more than 20 years. Here we will list the length of cam locks and how to measure them. Learning more about lock sizes is convenient for replacement and installation.

What is a cam lock?

The cam lock is a common lock used to secure doors, lockers, safes, windows, cabinets, drawers, file cabinets, and other applications. It is also typically used in office file cabinets and desk drawers to protect your personal information and important documents. The cam lock is simple in construction but can provide extra security for valuable items. It consists of a base and a cam. The locking cam is a metal plate attached to the core of the locking device that rotates between 90 and 180 degrees when the key is inserted and turned.

Standard length and dimensions of cam locks 

Standard lengths of cam locks include 5/8", 7/8", 1-1/8"and 1-3/8".

5/8" cam locks: L=5/8", fits door thickness up to 3/8"
7/8" cam locks: L=7/8", fits door thickness up to 5/8"
1 1/8" cam locks: L=1 1/8", fits door thickness up to 7/8"
1 3/8" cam locks: L=1 3/8", fits door thickness up to 1 1/8"

How to measure the cylinder length of cam locks?

When you are replacing an existing cam lock or installing a new lock, you will need to remove the old one to take measurements and do standard door measurements. The length of the lock barrel can be measured correctly by threading. The width is measured by two flat points. The length of the cam lock is measured from the center of the hole to the end of the cam, starting at the back of the cam head and along the cylinder to the inner surface of the cam. Most of the cam locks are threaded all the way to the cam, meaning the difference between material thickness. The cylinder length is usually 1/4 "and the cylinder nut needs to be tightened 1/4" away.

More standard lock sizes
- Keyholes: it specifies the diameter of the hole for installing the lock body on the door. The current standard hole for most locks is 2-1/8". If you want to replace a lock with a smaller diameter hole, re-drill the door or find a custom lock barrel manufacturer to make a suitable lock.

- Lock distance: the distance between the upper and lower locks of the door, measured by the length of the center of the two holes. When boring bolt locks on doors, the spacing between the bottom lock and the bolt is generally 5-1/2 "and 6" from the center of the two holes. There are other lock spacing combinations for dedicated locks.

- Rears: the distance is from the edge of the door to the center of the keyhole. Standard backs are 2-3/8" and 2-3/4". Other options include 2" and 5". When replacing a lock, the back of the latch needs to match the hole drilled in the door.