A cam lock is a type of locking mechanism typically found on cargo doors, access gates, storage cabinets, and other similar items. There are two basic designs: one that resembles a wheel with an axle; the other which has two separate arms with a rod in between them. The arms rotate on the rod which makes it possible to operate the mechanism. This makes it possible to use small rods as levers or large rods as handles while providing good leverage when pulling open heavy-duty lids or moving large objects. This post will show you more about how to use a cam lock.
Which way do you turn cam locks?
Cam locks are easy to use. You simply have to rotate the locking mechanism in one of two directions to open or close the lock. If your cam lock has a single arm, you’ll turn it clockwise to unlock or counter-clockwise to re-lock the mechanism. If your cam lock has two arms, you’ll want to turn both of them simultaneously in opposite directions.Inserting and removing a cam lock
Cam locks are secured by pressing them into place with a bolt or screw from below. The screw is located on the lower part of the lock. With your cam lock in place, turn it 90 degrees counter-clockwise so that it lines up with the holes in the mounting plate. Then insert a bolt from the bottom into each of the two holes, making sure not to cross them over. Once you have inserted a bolt into each hole, you can use a wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten it down onto the bolt and secure your cam lock. If you don’t use a wrench, you can simply insert a screwdriver into one of the holes and turn it clockwise. After doing this, place your lock through the mounting holes on your door or cabinet.Getting to know your cam lock
Several important features can be found on a variety of cam locks. First, there are two ways in which you can operate them: with a lever or with a handle. Second, they feature two different types of locks: Latching and Non-Latching. A Latching cam lock will automatically lock once you close it. A Non-Latching cam lock will not lock on its own and requires you to manually secure it. Lastly, they can have either a single or double pivot.Non-Latching cam locks
If your cam mechanism is not latched, this means that it does not automatically latch shut and you must manually secure the locks. These types of mechanisms are generally paired with slotted or round head bolts for easy installation.Latching cam locks
Most cam latches are designed to automatically latch shut, however, some are available without this feature. To tell if your cam lock is latching, look for a spring-loaded lock inside of it. If the lock is not latched, you’ll have to manually secure the bolt or screw in order to keep it shut.Where Is the Arrow on A Cam Lock?
Cam locks are interchangeable and you can place them onto the left or right side of your door or cabinet. The top of the cam lock is marked with a small arrow to indicate whether it should be placed on the left or right side.
