How to Add a Lock to a Metal Safety Cabinet

You may want to add a lock to a metal safety cabinet to keep children and others out of it. Most metal cabinets use what is called a cam lock. You can purchase a cam lock at a hardware or home improvement store. Cam lock designs vary, so make note of the brand and model of your safety cabinet, to be sure that you get the proper lock. You can install the lock on the cabinet yourself with just a few basic tools.

Cam lock kit
Metal punch
Hammer
Pliers
Drill bit set
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the knockout hole for a lock on the right side of the cabinet door. Place the metal punch on the knockout hole. Strike the punch with your hammer. Twist the piece of metal in the hole with the pliers to remove it.
- 2
  Drill a hole in the cabinet, if there is no knockout hole. Place the drill bit in the drill. Follow the lock manufacturers recommendations for the hole size and location. Double check the hole location for correctness.
- 3
  Slide the cam lock into the hole in the cabinet door. Slide the cam lock retaining clip on the back of the lock to secure it to the cabinet door. The retainer clip should be flush against the inside of the cabinet door.
- 4
  Place the key inside the lock. Turn the key. The locking mechanism should latch against the metal rail inside of the cabinet to secure the door.

How to Make a Computer Armoire From a Vintage Wardrobe

How to Put a Techline Bookcase Together

Home Office Furniture