How to Remove Cam Lock in 4 Steps

Our drawers and cabinets are often secured by cam locks since they are reliable fasteners for use. Even so, those cam locks have a tendency to stop working after a while because they appear to stick more frequently than they do. The old unit should then be removed as soon as possible.

But how can a cam lock be unlocked without being harmed? Many people believe that drilling it or breaking the lock would be the quickest solution. But what a waste that would be. Instead, you can make use of the instructions here to work on your regular furniture cam lock.

What is a Cam Lock?

A common type of fastener used in the construction of cabinets is the cam lock. The cabinets can be held securely together with cam locks without detracting from their external appearance.

Cam locks are cylindrical fasteners that are used in cabinetmaking and many types of furniture. They are frequently included in furniture and cabinet kit sets. Consumers can quickly and easily assemble cabinets and furniture using cam locks and cam fasteners. The majority of cam locks are inserted into the wood and are cylindrical. The tongue of the accompanying bolt is held in place by the metal tube’s hole on one side. Joints may have cam locks installed there to increase security. After the cabinet is fully built, they are frequently invisible, which increases their allure for customers. For privacy, certain cam lock models completely secure the cabinet door. These locks require a key in order for the cabinet to be opened.

10 Uses for Cam Locks

Metal furniture
When durability and design are priorities, manufacturers of metal furniture lines like desks, filing cabinets, drawers, and office storage units frequently use camlocks. For any use, Lowe & Fletcher offers specialized metal office furniture lock solutions.

Wooden furniture
Wooden furniture manufacturers are constantly searching for affordable, high-quality locks to complement their products. Wooden furniture becomes not only practical but also fashionable and safe when using camlocks from the Lowe & Fletcher line.

Postal boxes
Postal applications, like all outdoor applications, call for water-resistant locks with highly secure locking mechanisms. Camlocks offer a durable fix and stop private mail theft.

Automotive accessories
Camlocks are used in a wide variety of automotive applications, such as caravans, fuel filler caps, tow hooks, bike carriers, roof racks, roof boxes, and many more. Almost any application can be handled by Lowe & Fletcher’s automotive camlock line, and we also offer bespoke solutions.

Asset management systems
Security is very important when it comes to asset security systems. For uses including safes, cash registers, gaming devices, vending machines, and much more, we provide a premium selection of pick-resistant locks.

Bicycle locks
Our selection of camlocks and locking systems is the response for manufacturers of bike security solutions, from conventional bicycle locks to cutting-edge locking systems for bike batteries and drive mechanisms on e-bikes.

Enclosures
Due to the robustness of the locks, camlocks are frequently used for a variety of industrial enclosures intended to safeguard mechanical or electrical equipment.

Lockers
For all applications, including lockers, Lowe & Fletcher takes lock security very seriously. For a variety of uses, including in gyms, offices, hospitals, and other public places, camlocks used on lockers offer a safe and secure location for storing personal items.

Windows & Doors
Due to their ability to combine security and usability, Lowe & Fletcher’s line of key operated water resistant camlocks are frequently used by home builders to secure garage doors and domestic window handles.

Medical office furniture
Hospitals, GP surgeries and other medical offices require safe storage for confidential and private documents and medicines, where only allocated staff members have access to keys. All over the world, medical practices use our camlock range frequently.

What You Need

Prepare the following tools:

• Philips head screwdriver / Hex wrench
• A pair of pliers

How to Remove IKEA Cam Lock in Furniture Assembly?

Here is a step-by-step guide for removing an IKEA cam lock. Remember that you can use our advice to assemble other furniture’s cabinets and drawers.

Step 1: Remove the Blocking Access

With the included key, open your stainless steel cam lock.

Find the piece preventing you from opening this drawer, remove it to the back of the cam lock, and set it aside.

Note: some tracks include locking levers made from plastic that require you to compress them fully to get rid of a drawer.

Step 2: Remove the Latch and Fastener

Take your Philips head screwdriver (or hex wrench) and use it to loosen the fastener, grabbing the perpendicular latch to the cam lock’s end.

Then, disconnect the latch and fastener from that end completely. Set aside the two parts in question.

Step 3: Take Out Its Retainer Clip

Pull out any retainer clips you find if they are situated between this cam lock and the back of the furniture.

Remember to wiggle this lock from side to side as you remove this clip with pliers or your fingers.

Step 4: Complete the Procedure

The cam lock must be pushed out in the direction of the key end as the final step.

If your cam lock does not slide out during this process, gently twist it from side to side.

Do not forget to reconnect the fastener and latch to the previously removed cam lock.

This instruction can be used to remove the wheel locks on IKEA cabinets, if you have any.

Way to Remove a Cam Lock Without Its Key?

While it is possible to open a cam lock with the original key, what happens if you are missing the key?

An old blade screwdriver would do the job if you needed to remove a regular cam lock.

With the help of a hammer, insert your screwdriver as far into the keyhole as you can. You can turn this screwdriver by placing a pipe wrench on the handle. Most of the time, the lock will be torqued open if you apply enough force.

Can I Drill a Cam Lock Out of My Furniture?

Drilling a hole through the furniture is one of the quickest (but most destructive) ways to remove a metal cam lock. In this instance, the best tool combination to pass straight through the mechanism center is a standard ¼-inch bit attached to a power drill.

While drilling, you can destroy its locking mechanism to get rid of the cam lock. We advise you to use this method only if you don’t want to reuse the cam lock or are in a hurry to take it out.

What Do You Use a Cam Lock For?

Do you know the main objective of using a cam lock?

It is quite popular in cabinet construction as a fastener because a bundle of cam locks holds the cabinets together securely that does not affect their appearance.

A cam lock is a type of cylindrical fastener that is typically used to assemble cabinets, drawers, and various other types of interior furniture.

Conclusion

That demonstrated how to remove a cam lock from a furniture cabinet or drawer using the lock’s original key, without the key, or by drilling the entire piece out. Unless you plan to completely get rid of the cam lock, try non-destructive methods to protect your furniture.

FAQs