Drawer Lock Buying Guide: Fit, Keying & RFQ Checklist
Drawer locks that share a similar face can use different cylinders, cams, bolts, keying and installation holes. Start from the drawer or cabinet construction.
1. Identify the locking format
| Format | Typical action | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lock | Rotating cam engages behind a frame or panel | Cylinder, cam length/offset, rotation and panel thickness |
| Plunger or push lock | Push action extends or releases a bolt | Body depth, bolt travel, return action and keeper |
| Central drawer lock | Operates a rod or multi-drawer locking arrangement | Linkage, rod travel, handedness and cabinet layout |
| Special cabinet lock | Uses a product-specific body, plate or keeper | Installation drawing, cut-out, clearances and included parts |
2. Measure the drawer and cut-out
State front/panel material and thickness, available depth behind the face, bore or cut-out, edge distance and keeper surface. For replacements, measure the existing cylinder, body, cam and holes rather than ordering from face diameter alone.
3. Define keying and access
Specify keyed alike, keyed different or master-key requirement only when supported by the selected product. Confirm key-removal positions, spare keys and key-code control. A furniture lock is not automatically suitable for high-security or regulated storage.
4. Confirm cam/bolt engagement
Provide cam length, offset/bend, rotation direction and engagement depth, or bolt direction and travel. Check interference with drawer contents and neighbouring drawers. Confirm keeper or strike inclusion.
Drawer-lock RFQ checklist
| Cabinet | Drawer/door construction, material, thickness and available depth |
|---|---|
| Lock | Format, cylinder/body, cut-out, cam/bolt and rotation/throw |
| Keying | Alike/different/master options, key removal and spare keys |
| Finish | Material, colour, environment and matching visible parts |
| Commercial | Quantity, keys, keeper/accessories, packing, sample and destination |
Common buying mistakes
- Matching only the visible face diameter.
- Ignoring panel thickness and clearance behind the drawer front.
- Assuming keyed-alike or master-key service is available.
- Forgetting cam offset, rotation direction or keeper.
Browse and enquire
Review the drawer lock collection and attach the drawer section and existing lock dimensions.
Prepare a drawer-lock quotation
Send the cabinet, lock geometry, keying, finish, quantity and destination.