They are popular because of their ability to use a master key for several different doors and types of cylinder locks, and there is the option to change the locks without hiring a locksmith. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products (SPEP)
Long Beach, CA | 800-433-5554As an ISO certified source for industrial hardware, Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products is a company you can trust in for excellent locks. Quality, service & value are the core to being a top OEM supplier and SPEP offers a wide range of additional products.
Illinois Lock Company
Wheeling, IL | 800-733-3907Illinois has been manufacturing and distributing quality locks for 40 years. As a member of The Eastern Company, its state of the art tooling and CAD programs allows it to design and produce a number of varying high quality products. Illinois has the engineering expertise, technology and manufacturing capabilities to provide the superior solution you are looking for.
Camlock Systems, Inc.
Southington, CT | 866-699-3575One of the world's leading lock manufacturers, CamLock Systems provides high quality products and the technical expertise needed to meet any industrial locking needs. With nearly a century of experience, we offer unparalleled knowledge, customer service and support. CAD design, rapid prototyping and routine inspections insure that our locks and locking systems provide the security you need.
Crest Lock Co., Inc.
Brooklyn, NY | 718-345-9898Our specialty is custom hardware fabricated to your specifications. Our lock manufacturing capabilities include 3-slot and key locks, pad locks that are keyed solid brass, long shackle solid brass padlocks, disc padlocks, combination locks & key locks with briefcase hasp. Quality locks since 1925! We care about offering our customers quality products & service. Visit our website or call us today!
Reversible Miniature Cam Lock - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsCylinder locks are inexpensive, simple and effective. They are used in many different buildings, including residential, commercial, office and public buildings. They are especially useful in office buildings where some rooms are public access while others need security, which may change often.
Standard Die Cast Scalped Cam Lock - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsCompared to mortise locks, they are less expensive and easier to install, but not as sturdy or reliable. Cylinder locks are used when medium security is needed and lock changes are common. They are also a popular choice when a master key is needed to open all the doors, even if they are different types of cylinder locks.
There are three main types of cylinder locks: wafer tumblers, disc tumblers and pin tumblers. These refer to the lock mechanism, which is changed without altering the bold hardware.
The most common of these is the pin tumbler. It consists of a series of small pins that are different lengths and divided up into pairs. These pins rest on a shaft that keeps them in a certain position. When there is no key inside the plug, half of the pins are partway in the housing, while the other half are partway out. This prevents the cylinder from turning. When a correct key is inserted, the notches in it push the pins up to different levels. This is called a shear line, as it lines the pins up perfectly with the space where the cylinder and the plug come together, thus allowing the cylinder to turn the bolt hardware so that it retreats back into the door.
Deadbolts often use cylinder locks; as the key turns the cylinder, the attached cam is turned as well. When the cylinder is turned one way, the cam releases the bolt and a spring snaps into place so the door won't open. Some deadbolts don't have a spring mechanism, which is more secure.
Cylinder locks are relatively easy to pick and are not very sturdy. Therefore, they should not be used in areas where high levels of security are necessary.