How to Adjust Metal Cabinet Cam Locks for Tight Closure

Adjusting metal cabinet cam locks is an easy process that ensures your cabinets have a tight closure. With a few simple tools and steps, you can get your cam locks working smoothly.

What Are Metal Cabinet Cam Locks?

Metal cabinet cam locks are a type of latching mechanism used on many metal cabinets and drawers. They consist of a cam-shaped piece that rotates to engage a strike plate on the cabinet frame. When rotated, the asymmetric shape of the cam causes it to clamp down tightly, sealing the cabinet closed.

Cam locks come in various sizes and designs but generally contain a few main components:

• Cam – The rotating, eccentrically-shaped part that engages the strike plate. Usually made of metal.
• Cylinder – Contains the lock cylinder and keyway for locking and unlocking the cam.
• Strike Plate – A rectangular metal plate mounted to the cabinet frame that the cam presses against.
• Compression Spring – Provides continuous pressure to keep the cam engaged with the strike plate.

Why Adjust Cam Locks?

Over time, cam locks can lose their tight seal due to:

• Wear – The rotating action slowly erodes the cam and strike plate.
• Compression Loss – The spring doesn’t provide enough force to fully seat the cam.
• Alignment Issues – Imprecise installation or door sagging shifts components out of alignment.
• Dents/Damage – Dings and dents in the strike plate or cam prevent proper closure.

Adjusting cam locks restores the tight fit and ensures the door or drawer fully compresses the gasket for maximum security.

How to Adjust Cam Locks

Adjusting cam locks is a quick process with a few simple steps:

Materials Needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Lubricant (wd-40 or lithium grease)

Steps to Adjust

1. Remove cam lock – Take out the cam lock from the door or drawer front by removing the central Phillips screw.
2. Lubricate components – Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as wd-40 or lithium grease, to the cam and cylinder contact points.
3. Re-seat spring – Use needle nose pliers to grasp and re-center the compression spring within its bore.
4. Realign strike plate – Loosen the strike plate screws and adjust its alignment as needed.
5. Test fit – Reinstall the cam lock and test the rotation and closure. Make small adjustments to the strike plate as needed.
6. Tighten screws – When the proper tight closure is achieved, tighten the cam lock and strike plate screws firmly.
7. Confirm closure – Verify that the cam fully engages and compresses against the strike plate when rotated.

Adjusting Specific Issues

• If the cam is loose, the spring needs adjustment or replacement.
• For difficult rotation, lubricate contact points and ensure alignment.
• Dents/damage on the strike plate can be filed down or shimmed.
• A damaged cam likely requires complete replacement.

Maintaining Cam Locks

To keep cam locks working smoothly:

• Lubricate the cyliner and cam periodically with a light oil.
• Ensure the door or drawer sits flush when closed.
• Tighten any loosening screws as needed.
• Replace damaged or highly worn parts.

With proper installation and periodic adjustment, metal cabinet cam locks will provide reliable security for many years. Consistent maintenance helps prevent costly repairs down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adjusting Cam Locks

What type of lubricant should be used on cam locks?

A light oil like WD-40 works well for lubricating cam locks. For longer lubrication, a spray lithium grease can be used. Avoid heavy greases that may attract dirt.

How often should cam locks be adjusted?

Cam locks should be adjusted any time the door or drawer does not fully close and compress. This could range from every few months for heavily used cabinets, to every few years for locks that see infrequent use.

Should I replace the cam lock or just the compression spring?

If the spring has collapsed or is no longer providing enough tension, replacing just the spring can fix the issue. But if the cam itself is very worn or damaged, replacing the entire cam lock assembly is recommended.

What is the best way to realign a strike plate?

Loosen the strike plate screws slightly and tap the plate gently with a hammer until aligned properly. Use a block of scrap wood against the plate when tapping to avoid damage.

Why does my cabinets rattle with the cam locks closed?

If a cam lock rattles when closed, it likely needs adjustment. Wear or alignment issues allow the cam to move slightly when locked, creating a rattling noise. Proper adjustment will remove any play.

Conclusion

Adjusting metal cabinet cam locks is an essential maintenance task to ensure tight closure and security. By following a few simple steps, re-lubricating components, and realigning worn parts, you can restore your cam locks to like-new condition. Periodically checking and adjusting cam locks as needed will prevent costly replacements and keep your cabinets firmly closed. With proper care, your cam locks should provide many years of smooth and reliable performance.