The Working Principle of Cam Locks

There are different ways to secure cabinets, lockers and other enclosures. For example, you can use a padlock or you can use a cam lock. Cam locks are usually preferred over padlocks because they are concealed. You can install a cam lock inside the housing. It doesn't stick out from the front. What exactly are camera locks and how do they work?

What is the cam lock?

Cam locks are L-shaped locking mechanisms used to secure cabinets, lockers, and other enclosures. They consist of two main parts: a cylindrical key nut and a tongue rod (also known as a cam). Once installed, you can lock the case by inserting the key into the front section and turning it.

The working principle of the cam lock

Although there are different types of cam locks, they all work in a similar way. The cam lock is mounted directly on the front of the housing. The front of the cam lock will remain flush with the front of the housing where it is mounted.

Locking and unlocking cam locks requires the use of a key. When the key is placed in the cam lock and turned, the orientation of the tongue rod changes. Turning the key will cause the tongue rod to drop to one side or to rise vertically. When dropped to the side, the tongue rod will lock the housing. On the other hand, when the tongue rod is vertical, the housing will be unlocked.

How do we choose cam locks? The following tips are the ones you should know.
When choosing a cam lock, we should consider the material. Different cam locks are made of different materials. Zinc alloy is commonly used in making cam locks. The term "zinc alloy" means any metallic material consisting of zinc and at least one other metal. For example, brass is a zinc alloy commonly used in the structure of cam locks.

If you plan to buy multiple camera locks, you may want to make them the same as the key. The same key means that the same key can open all the camera locks. Whether you order a half-dozen or 100 cam locks, you do not need to use multiple keys. You can use the same key to lock and unlock all camera locks.

While most camera locks require the use of a key, some do not. They are called keyless thumb rotary cam locks. They are designed to prevent the front of the cabinet and housing from opening. They do not prevent theft. Still, some people prefer keyless thumb rotary cam locks because they are very convenient to use.