File Cabinet Locks - Important Information + Considerations

If you have files that need to be protected, you may be interested in file cabinet locks.These keep your information safe and protected There are many different types of locks. There are some cabinets that already have locks built in, and there are other cabinets that that do not come with locks, but you can buy them separately and install them after you get them to your location. There are several locations where you might find a need to use the locks. You will need to know where to buy the locks. Finally, there are some important factors for you to consider.

Types of locks

There are over twenty different kinds of individual locks. Then, there are also that many cabinets that come with the locks already installed.

One of the most popular types of file cabinet locksis the tubular cylinder lock. This is one of the easiest locks to use and one of the easiest locks to install. It comes with a small, round key. It is a small, round lock that looks exactly like its name suggests. It looks like an elongated cylinder that goes straight through the cabinet. If your cabinet has a “knockout,” or hole, it is extremely easy to install. You simply fit the lock into place, screw it tight, and it is ready to use. However, if you have to knock your own hole into the cabinet. This can be somewhat more difficult. You may want to call a professional in for the job if you do not feel qualified.

Another popular lock style for file cabinet locksis the cam lock style. A cam lock is similar to a cylinder lock in that it is small and round. However, this lock has a bar on the back that rotates with the direction of the key you insert. So, for example, when your cabinet is locked, the bar rests behind a part of the cabinet, preventing the cabinet from being open. Then, when you insert and turn the key, the bar also turns, freeing up the cabinet to move.

A less popular style of lock is the removable sliding teeth lock. This is a more unique lock, as part of it is installed on the cabinet, and the other part comes off completely. This can only be used for a cabinet that has sliding doors. This is a difficult lock to use because if you misplace the key while the cabinet is unlocked, you also misplace half of the lock.

There are many other different types of locks, but you will want to find out the specifications of your cabinet and the locks it rquires. Some manufacturers make locks that are specific to various cabinets, so you need to check the information that came with your cabinet to see what kind of lock is the right one. You can sometimes have a free lock sent to you by the manufacturer, so you should definitely check your paperwork about that. The paperwork will also tell you how to acquire additional keys, should you need them.

Where to use file cabinet locks

You will find that there are many uses for file cabinet locks. There are two obvious places where you would want to use the locks. The first place is in an office. There are usually files that need to be secured and protected in an office for any number of reasons. You could be filing important and private employee files that should not be accessible to everyone. In addition, you may wan tto use a lock in your home. If you have small children, a lock serves as a safety device. File cabinets can be extremely dangerous, especially if you have the top cabinet open and you try to open another cabinet. The entire box can tip over, seriously injuring the unlucky person standing there. Having a lock on the cabinet can prevent this from happening accidentally.

You may also find the unusual circumstances under which you would use file cabinet locks. There are many people who keep their tools or other outdoor equipment in a file cabinet. These may require locks because the materials being stored might be dangerous. Another possible usage for the file cabinet lock is to treat the filing cabinet more like a locker system. At work, if you do not have a secure place for employees to put their valuables, a locking filing cabinet would be perfect. Each employee could have his or her own drawer that locks.

Where to buy file cabinet locks

You can find file cabinet locks both in stores and online. Stores to check out include office supply stores like Office Depot, Staples, and Office Max. Any of these stores will have a limited number of locks, but they can also usually order more to come into the store. Do not be afraid to ask a sales associate for assistance. The associates are usually very knowledgeable about the products. If the associate does not know, they usually know who to ask for help. In addition, they have access to various cataloges and reference materials you might not otherwise be able to see.

You also have the option of looking online for your file cabinet locks.Online, you will probably have a bigger selection than you will in stores. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Having more choices, obviously, gives you a better chance of picking the right one. In addition, it simply gives you more to choose from. However, it can be overwhelming when you get to a website and see hundreds of different choices. You may have one of those moments where you think, “I just wanted a simple lock for my filing cabinet!” In addition, online, you do not get the personalized service that you would in a store.

One website for file cabinet locksis Mr. Lock. Here, you can find out about all different types of locks, what they are best used for, and what materials you will need to install them into your cabinets. The Hardware Hut has over 100 locks pictured. There is a brief description of each lock, and you have the option to purchase it right there on site. Auction sites like BizRate and eBay will have selections, but you certainly want to take caution with buying things at sites like this. You never know what condition the product will actually be in when it arrives at your door step.

Other websites to check include Amazon and Overstock. These websites carry both new and used items, so carefully read the description and analyze the seller's feedback to see whether or not that seller is a safe bet. You want to feel confident knowing that you are getting exactly what you need. Never be afraid to ask questions and request that the seller send you pictures so you can be sure he or she has what he needs.

Things to consider

There are several things you will want to think about when looking for your locks.

1. What is the main use of your locks? Different usages will require different strengths of locks.

2. Do you want a key or a combination? If you are good at keeping up with keys, the keyed lock is a great choice. However, if you are better at remembering numbers, you may want to choose a combination lock.

3. What color would you like your lock? This is not something everyone thinks about when going to buy a lock. However, it is something important to keep in mind, as it is yet another decision you will have to make. The most common locks come in a silver color or a gold color, but they are also available in black, white, and other colors.

4. How big of a lock do you need? Some cabinets might require bigger locks than others. In addition, you may want to choose a more heavy duty lock if you require more security.

5. How many locks do you need? If you are using a separate lock for each drawer, you might want to try to find a bulk deal. Sellers will sometimes give you a discount if you are buying something in a large quantity.

6. What type of cabinet do you have? If you have a lateral cabinet, you will need a different type of lock than you would for a vertical cabinet.

After taking all of these things into consideration, you should be able to confidently decide on your file cabinet locks.