Cam Locks
What is a cam lock?
Cam locks are a category of fastener most frequently used when building cabinets. A cam lock holds a cabinet together securely while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing exterior and are even usually invisible once the piece is finished. They add a huge amount of security to your home or workplace and keep your storage appliances safe from burglary. They also grant you privacy in shared living situations, where you might need to keep personal belongings away from prying eyes.
Whether you use security to protect your passport, chequebook, medicine or flammables, you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are safe and sound.
These cylindrical locks can be used in a variety of cabinet and furniture building and are commonly found in furniture kits. Almost anyone can quickly and easily construct furniture and cabinets thanks to cam locks.
Read moreHow do cam locks work?
Cam locks and locking systems are locking levers with a large range of uses. They can be used to secure office equipment, safety boxes, doors, lockers, and plenty of other things too.
They are usually inserted into the wooden frame and contain a metal tube with a hole in one side. This hole secures the tongue of the consequent bolt, usually around the joints for maximum security. Some types of cam locks can fasten the cabinet or furniture door completely for privacy, and as such require a key to unlock.
Why do you need a cam lock?
Cam locks are everywhere; they are one of the most universal locks on the market. They are designed for total security in cabinets, safes and more, and can easily go unnoticed due to their subtlety. When installed properly, cam locks are only externally visible by the round cylinder and keyway.
You may need to know that some cam locks only release the key when locked, whereas others can be removed whether locked or unlocked. You can also choose the options of keyed alike, key different or even master keyed cam locks.
With security needs constantly changing, there are new types designed from time to time, including our keypad locks that are operated by a mechanical keypad and code.
What type of cam lock do you need?
To identify what Cam lock you require you need the following.
A: What type of fixing, sprung fixing or horseshoe clip.
B: The diameter and length of the body measured from behind the front face to the back of the lock body.
C: What Cam and length of Cam either straight or offset.
The majority of Cam locks are made by a small number of manufacturers such as Lowe and Fletcher (L&F) and Dom for example.
With some models of Lowe and Fletcher camlocks very some of these are available master keyed from stock and we can also supply restricted section Cam locks either keyed alike or under mask as part of a larger master key system incorporating many standard types of locks such as europrofile or rim screw or screw in cylinders for example.
Drawer locks are also available in two and four lever versions in various sizes.
For desks we stock various standard replacement locks or combination options as straight replacements.
If you have lost the keys for a Cam lock, desk lock, garage door lock, pipe tube etc and it has numbers on the front face of the lock, please contact us as with a good image of the front face of the lock we can usually supply replacement keys to order over the phone including garage ZA locks and locker locks with numbers on.
We regularly check our prices against the market to ensure you’re getting the best possible price. If you order before 6pm Mon-Fri we can arrange fast, next day delivery. If you are ordering in bulk, call us for a custom discount at 0203 807 4659.
Types of cam locks we have
Locks4 can supply locks for any need; whether fitting new furniture or seeking a replacement for a faulty or broken lock. No matter which of our high-end locks you choose, you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are getting the very best quality at a competitive price. The cam locks we supply are available in a range of styles and finishes so you do not have to compromise on style for security.
Latch locks include compression latches and quarter turn cam latches and are made up of a cylindrical body and a lever arm. When the body is turned, the body is removed from the contact point to allow access and can be adjusted by a manual key.
People who could need a cam lock might include;
- those who care for small children
- adult carers
- business owners
- homeowners
- teachers
- people residing in shared accommodation
- subletters
A brief history of cam locks
The first example of locked furniture in the UK is the locked chest, dating back to the twelfth century, and was used for securing valuable ceremonial plates and fabrics for formal occasions. Back then, households regularly travelled across great distances and would need to bring these important items along with them. The main threat against people’s property back then were their own servants, housekeepers and visitors.
Another version of what we might see as a locked item of furniture is in church chests in mediaeval times which featured iron strengthening bars around the wooden frame. Many of these remain today as churches were not known for updating out of style décor. It was common for such furniture to contain multiple locks, which were often forced open and replaced due to the rich misplacing their keys (they usually owned many different keys).
At the time, locks were fairly simple in function but often quite elaborate in style. Where today we favour an elegant, minimal, almost invisible design, early English locks were eccentric, beautiful pieces of art and symbolised wealth and status.
Into the late thirteenth century, the most commonly used locked furniture were armoires, which were used very similarly to the aforementioned chest but sometimes contained food and featured fabrics as part of their design.
Featured Products

Jedo Budget Cupboard Lock
This Jedo budget cupboard lock is supplied with one key.

ASEC Square KA Snap Fit Camlock 90°
Easy to install square face snap fit cam locks designed to fit metal cupboards and cabinets. These cam locks are supplied complete with 2 keys and steel locking plate.

DOM 203994 19.5mm Nut Fix 2C Series Camlock
The DOM 203994 19.5mm Pin Tumbler Cam Lock features a round face and a bright nickel finish with nut fixing and 90° clockwise movement.

TSS Round Face 27Mm Nut Fix Cam Lock
27mm cam locks with a round face and nut fixing available with 90 or 180 degree turn and keyed alike or to differ. Supplied with nut fixing and 2 keys. 92 key series. masterkeyed.

TSS Round Face 20Mm Nut Fix Cam Lock
20mm cam locks with a round face and nut fixing available with 90 or 180 degree turn and keyed alike or to differ. Supplied with nut fixing and 2 keys. 92 key series. masterkeyed.

TSS Square Face 20Mm Snap Fix Cam Lock
20mm cam locks with a square face and snap fixing available keyed alike or to differ. Supplied with 2 keys. 92 key series. masterkeyed.

ASEC 3 Digit Combination Nutfix Camlock
A special combination camlock by Asec which can be unlocked by entering its 3 digit code.

ASEC Round MK Nut Fix Camlock 90°
Easy to install round faced nut fix camlocks, designed to fit metal and timber cupboards and cabinets. These cam locks are master keyed and feature 90° turn.

Angled Keep Plate for Cam/Desk Locks
Angled keep plate for cam locks desk locks.

L&F 1363 Square Face Nut Fix Camlock
L&F 1363 square face nut fix chrome camlock.

DOM 225081 19.5mm Nut Fix Master Keyed Camlock
DOM 225-08-1 19.5mm Pin Tumbler Lock is supplied under the 22 Master Key Series in a Bright Nickel Finish.

Cam Lock Std Cranked Cam
Cam lock STD cranked cam. Specifications Star punch: 2mm. Length: 38mm.

Glass Cabinet Door Lock
This cabinet door lock is suitable for wood and glass.

ASEC Round KA Nut Fix Camlock 90°
Easy to install round faced nut fix camlocks, designed to fit metal and timber cupboards and cabinets. These cam locks are keyed alike, and feature 90° turn.

ASEC KD Nut Fix Camlock 180º
Nut fixed cam lock for metal or timber applications to differ.

DOM 225-3 Cranked Cam
DOM 225 type 3 cam is cranked style meaning that it is has 2 bends in it making it offset. It is 20mm wide, 3mm thick, has a radius end and 2 x 8.1mm x 10.1mm rectangular Lengthwise and crosswise fixing holes thus allowing them to be mounted in multiple positions.

ASEC Square Nut Fix Camlock 90°
Easy to install square faced nut fix camlocks, designed to fit metal and timber cupboards and cabinets. These cam locks are available as either keyed to differ or keyed alike, and feature 90° turn.