A Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Locks
Furniture and cabinet locks are essential components in securing valuable belongings. These locks come in various designs and mechanisms. Our experts have put together this guide to help you select the right furniture and cabinet locks, ensuring your end users’ items remain safe and secure. We’ll cover:
Understanding furniture and cabinet locks
The point of any lock is to fortify security. It’s peace of mind you’re after when it comes to safeguarding valuable assets, confidential documents, and potentially harmful materials against unauthorized access.
You want to strike a balance between security and convenience when it comes to securing cabinet doors. If furniture locks are too complex or inconvenient, there's a higher likelihood that users may not consistently use them, which can compromise security. Convenience ensures that authorized users can access locked items without hassle. In a business setting, for example, office furniture locks need to enable employees to access necessary materials efficiently. Balancing security and convenience achieves this ease of access.
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Types of cabinet and furniture locks
When it comes to furniture and cabinet locks, you have several options to choose from, each catering to specific needs and preferences. The latch is a critical part of the locking mechanism, so if security is your priority, don’t overlook this component.
Our experts have put together a helpful resource for you to learn more Check out our Guide to Latches.
Our range includes some common types of cabinet locks you should consider:
- Steel cabinet lock with a plastic body
- Easy rod assembly with special fastening plate
- Clip-on body also aids assembly – simple to install
- Includes a stainless steel dust cap
- Keyed alike or keyed to differ
Used for: Heavy-duty applications such as steel cabinets
Furniture Locks – Glass Door Slide
- Available with steel cam and zinc alloy, die-cast zinc alloy, nylon, or steel latch
- Easy installation
- Keyed alike or keyed to differ
Used for: Glass door cabinets and sliding glass doors
- High-quality cam lock with 90-degree cam rotation
- Five disk tumblers
- Stainless steel bezel
- Keyed alike
Used for: Display units, security cabinets and stock cupboards
Furniture Locks – Striking Plate
- Works with furniture lock to keep door secure
- Angled design with screw fixing
- Steel
Used for: Furniture drawers, hinged doors and cabinets
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Factors to consider when choosing furniture and cabinet locks
When selecting locks, you should consider several points to ensure that you choose the right components for your end-user’s specific needs:
Security Requirements
What level of security do you need? Valuables or important documents may require more secure cabinet locks, such as cylinder locking cam latches, while cam locks for furniture or drawersare a good choice to protect lower-value items.
Easy to Use
Who’ll use the furniture or cabinet lock? If they’re intended for personal use, choose user-friendly locks that are easy to operate. Most furniture locks are. For commercial or shared spaces, opt for locks that provide ease of access for authorized users.
Key Management
Who will manage the keys? If your end users need multiple furniture locks, consider if they should be keyed alike – using the same key – or part of a master key system. Good key management is essential for convenience and security.
Aesthetics
Should your lock be inconspicuous or should it serve a decorative purpose? Style can be a factor depending on the people using it and whether it's needed for a drawer, cabinet lock, lockers or a family kitchen.
Durability
If the locks will be used frequently, consider robust materials that can withstand wear and tear. Materials which are durable include steel, stainless steel and zinc alloys.
Common Types of Hardware Locks and Latches for Cabinets and Furniture
Security requirements can vary, of course, depending on the monetary value of what your enclosure is.
There are different types of locks and latches, which can be used for a variety of reasons and to suit specific applications:
- Access restriction is not required, but both security of personnel and enclosure safety is necessary. Think about: Wing knob latch. For extra security, some wing knobs allow for padlock fitting.
- General access is limited, but you need to protect equipment. Think about: quarter turn latches. To open your application, the key not only unlocks your enclosure hardware or cabinet door, but it also acts as a knob.
- Access is restricted and equipment needs protection. Think about: cylinder locks. These allow for more complex pin angles within the lock, frustrating burglars and vandals.
Quarter turn latches and cam locks are designed to be less visible, reducing their vulnerability. There are different types of cam locks. The cam does the latching and is operated with a key. The types of enclosures that cam locks are normally used in are:
- Electrical housings
- Computer rack
- Meter boxes
- Commercial refrigeration
- Mechanical housings
Installation and maintenance of locks
Focus on durability and reliability of your locks by properly installing and maintaining them. Here’s how;
Installation
- Exact Measurements: Take accurate measurements to determine the precise placement of the lock. Make sure that the lock aligns as it should with the door or cabinet. Learn more in our helpful guide, How to Choose and Size Cam Locks and Latches.
- Drilling and Chiseling: Use the appropriate tools to drill holes or create recesses for the lock. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for hole sizes and depths. You may need to use a chisel if you’re using mortise locks.
- Alignment: Note the alignment of the lock components during installation, such as the strike plate and latch. Without proper alignment, cabinet drawer locks – or any lock – won't operate smoothly.
- Secure Fastening: Secure the lock firmly in place with screws. Make sure that the lock is flush with the surface and doesn't move.
- Test Operation: Once installed, test the operation of your cabinet locks multiple times to ensure they function smoothly without any sticking or jamming.
Maintenance
- Clean Regularly: Dust, dirt, and debris can collect inside the lock, resulting in poor performance. Clean the lock periodically with a soft brush or compressed air to remove matter.
- Lubricate: Apply a small amount of lock lubricant or graphite powder to the keyhole and moving parts. Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they attract foreign particles.
- Inspect Keys: Look for signs of wear or damage. Keys suffering from wear and tear can damage the lock. Address any issues right away.
- Tighten Fasteners: Periodically check and tighten screws to prevent loosening due to vibrations.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen the right product for what you need.
If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.