How to Secure School Lockers with Cam Locks: A Simple Guide for Better Safety

In any school environment, it’s common to have lockers for students to use. This helps to keep classes free from bags on the floor, jackets over chairs, and, of course, smartphones in hands. Lockers need to be carefully locked, though, and many schools let themselves down by having low-quality locks on their students’ lockers. How can changing to a cam lock help keep lockers secure?

For more information about the benefits of using a cam lock on lockers, we asked Locks & Hardware for some advice. They are UK ironmongery specialists in lock mechanisms, including cam locks. How can your maintenance staff and facility management ensure school lockers remain secure? How can you reduce the risk of students’ personal property going missing or lockers being broken into?

Why Locker Security In School Matters

When students come to your school, they do so to learn and to improve themselves. They do not expect their personal belongings to be stolen, damaged, vandalised, etc. – which means providing each student with a sturdy, durable school locker. 

Students who have their belongings stolen or damaged are likely to feel a loss of trust in the school – and rightly so. Nobody expects to use a locker only to find that it was easily broken into and their belongings were stolen or damaged. Lockers are used in many settings, from student dormitories to gyms. As such, there is an expected baseline standard of security. 

A failure to provide that level of security is an easy way to leave students feeling uncertain about how safe your school is. If your ‘secure’ lockers are being broken into, what does that say not only about the quality of the lockers but also about the school’s security standards? It only takes a few lockers being broken into for students to protest or to stop using their lockers entirely.

That’s why it might be time to consider upgrading your school lockers with new cam locks. If your lockers do not already use cam locks, you will likely need to involve a locksmith to fit this lock type in each locker. If you already have cam locks, though, your staff should be able to replace any cam locks that eventually wear out. 

Before you consider that, though, how do you pick the right type of cam lock? After all, these are among the most varied lock types available. How do you pick the right cam lock for lockers?

Choosing The Correct Cam Lock For School Lockers

Search online or locally for cam locks, and you will find a wide variety of styles to pick from. Everything from the size of the cam lock to the shape and its method of fixing changes from cam lock to cam lock. That can make it very tough indeed to make an informed decision on the ideal model.

In discussion with Locks & Handles, they noted the following attributes are among the most important. This is especially true if you are replacing cam locks already in your lockers, but even if they are being installed from scratch, you should pay close attention to the following:

The Cam Lock Size

Size is a big part of the equation. If you already have cam locks in your lockers, make sure your new cam locks are the same size. Measuring the length and diameter of the cam lock is usually enough to get the size that you need. 

Simply remove one of the old cam locks, usually done by removing the retaining nut at the back of the cam lock, and then measuring the cam and the cylinder. You then need to find the correct size of cam lock, as buying one that is too large or too small is unlikely to be a safe fit in the locker.

The Fixing Method

If you are replacing a cam lock, you also need to check how it is secured to the lock itself. For example, a nut fixing differs from a snap-in cam lock, while a horseshoe clip cam lock differs from both. Snap-in cam locks are most common for smaller panels, while horseshoe cam locks usually fit up to 25mm panels, and nut fixings are for 28mm panels. 

The Locker Material

You also need to make sure your chosen cam lock is compatible with the school locker. If you are replacing a cam lock, simply match the current lock’s material to the replacement model.

If you are installing from scratch, though, you should take the time to review compatible cam locks with your locker material. Metal lockers can usually use a stainless or hardened steel cam lock, while plastic and wooden lockers might benefit from a plastic cam lock. Other choices include nylon and ABS, so if you are unsure, it would be better to consult a locksmith.

Frequency Of Use

Of course, you also need to make sure your cam lock is compatible with how often your lockers will be used. Most school lockers are used at least twice per day, Monday to Friday, right?

Therefore, you need a cam lock that can withstand regular use. Most of the time, your best bet is to choose a key- or quarter-turn cam lock. These tend to be designed for cabinets and lockers and thus are more likely to last longer, as they are intended for frequent use. Again, if you are unsure, it would be better to consult a local locksmith.

School Locker Cam Locks: Small Size, Big Difference

Upgrading to cam locks or replacing broken or cheap ones should be a priority if you wish to reduce the risk of property damage and theft of belongings. 

Installing a cam lock, or upgrading your current cam locks, can be a great way to make your school lockers more secure. It can reduce the risk of theft while also ensuring that the lock mechanism in your school lockers lasts longer, reducing the need for replacements.

The best thing you can do is to consult a local locksmith. They can recommend the right type of cam lock for your lockers, and school maintenance staff can learn how to replace them when they wear out.