What Is the Cam Lock and How Does It Work?

There are various ways to secure lockers, cabinets and other enclosures. For example, you can use a padlock or a cam lock. Cam locks are usually more popular than padlocks because they are concealed. You can install a cam lock inside the cabinet so it doesn't stick out from the front. What exactly are cam locks and how do they work? 
  
Cam locks are L-shaped locking mechanisms for securing lockers, cabinets and other enclosures. They consist of two main parts: a cylindrical keyway nut and a cam strip (also known as a cam). Once installed, you can lock the frame by inserting the key into the front section and turning it.
 
How does the cam lock work?
 
Although there are different types of cam locks, they all work in a similar way. The cam lock is installed directly on the front of the chassis. The front of the cam lock will remain flush with the front of the housing on which it is mounted.
 
The working principle of cam locks 
 
A key is required to lock and unlock the cam lock. In turning the key inside the cam lock and turning it, the direction of the cam will change. Turning the key will cause the cam to fall to the side, or cause the cam to rise vertically. When it falls to the side, the cam locks the cabinet. On the other hand, when the cam is vertical, the cabinet is unlocked.
 
How to choose cam locks?
 
When choosing a cam lock, we need first consider the material. Different cam locks are made of different materials. Zinc alloy is a common material for cam locks. The term "zinc alloy" means any metallic material consisting of zinc and at least one other metal. Brass, for example, is an alloy of zinc, which is commonly used in the construction of cam locks.
 
If you are going to buy multiple cam locks, you might want to make them keychain alike. The same key means that the same key will apply to all cam locks. Whether you order half a-cam  cam locks or 100-cam cam locks, you will not have to keep up with multiple keys. You can use the same key to lock and unlock all cam locks.
 
While most cam locks require a key, others do not. They are called less thumb-cam cam locks and are designed to prevent the front of the cabinet and enclosure from opening. They do not keep the theft out. Still, some people prefer less thumb-cam cam locks because of their ease of use.