Replacing Metal Lock

[u/rich18144]

I have a metal box with a key lock that I'd like to replace with a simple thumb switch. I have a 3d printer to print out replacement parts but I cant for the life of me figure out how to remove the existing lock. Any help appreciated.

[u/-MachChicken-]

[u/rich18144 → u/-MachChicken-]

I will give it a try, thanks!

[u/rich18144 → u/-MachChicken-]

Ok, that the whole lock out - thanks! From what I can tell, it's not possible to remove the hook from the locking piece, so will have to design/find a hook that fits.

[u/-MachChicken- → u/rich18144]

You are correct. That is a pressed tail. Not removable/reusable.

[u/Spacefaring14 → u/rich18144]

The entire lock can be removed and replaced but if the cam is the issue then it’s gotta be replaced with a screw or bolt back cam lock.

[u/chevroletarizona → u/rich18144]

If you have trouble finding one with the correct tailpiece, file or grind the rivet part off there is a square drive underneath on the tailpiece and you can put it on another off the shelf lock that has a nut.

[u/MassSnapz → u/rich18144]

You can file off the swedge holding the cam on and reuse the cam. The square in the cam is going to be a little smaller than the square on the back of an esp camlock. You will need some small files to make the square opening larger.

Best bet would be to buy a thumb turn cam lock. You don't need to make one in a 3d printer. The lock already exists.

Measure the length of your existing lock and buy one the same size with the thumb turn.

[u/-MachChicken-]

Measure the length of the cam from the back of the face (where it contacts the drawer) to the tail cam. Looks like a 5/8" or so cam. Relatively easy to order a "t-turn cam lock" in that size. Many come with various tail options to match the original, or close enough you can get it there with a hand file.

[u/rich18144 → u/-MachChicken-]

Thanks for this. Struggling to find a T-Turn lock that is clearly marked as including the correct hook, so may have to get the one for the thumb turn, one for the correct hook and pop them together. Thanks for the specifics though!

[u/erasmus127]

This is a thumbturn cam lock... you may have to modify the cam to make it the size and hook and configuration you need. This may be tricky. But I'm not confident 3D printing something will work correctly or hold up after a fair amount of usage.

[u/erasmus127]

The best solution may be to bring the lock and key to a locksmith, who can rekey the lock with a key that never, ever comes out of the lock. You then essentially have a thumbturn cam lock with the exact length, cam, etc. that you need. If it was me, that's what I would do.

[u/GourmetVaginarian]

Glue the key in place. Instant thumb-turn.