Faq

Frequently asked questions from our customers.

Is it better to use a pin tumbler or a plate-cylinder?

Much depends on the type of application. Both cylinders operate by rotation and are commonly referred to as “camlocks” in that locking is accomplished by the rear rotation of a cam (also known as a “cam” or cam tumbler), a sling bar (multi-point cam), or a actuator (pin tumbler for centralized drawer locking using a rod mechanism).

As for pin tumbler locks, the mechanism consists of brass pins pushed by springs that can be placed in line or tubular/radial shape; plate-cylinder cam locks, on the other hand, are made of die-cast zinc (zamak) and consist of an outer bushing and a rotor, containing the spring-pushed platelets that determine the combination.

The pin tumbler version is commonly used in outdoor applications or where high security is required; the plate-cylinder version, which is more suitable for making trained systems, is more economical and is ideal for multiple applications including metal furniture, industrial cabinets, lockers, mailboxes, vending and gaming machines.

What lock size should I consider to check compatibility with the door?

Relative to cam locks, identifying the diameter first requires measuring the length, regarded as the distance from the base of the head to the cam attachment point.

Second, working lengths (the distance between the center of the cam’s fixing hole and the end point) and crank (the distance between the bottom plane and the top plane of the cam) need to be considered to ensure proper matching on the door and perfect locking.

What is a reversible key?

The reversible key, as opposed to the traditional key, is a key toothed on both sides of the stem (or shank). It offers the advantage that it can be inserted into the cylinder in either direction, regardless of which direction is correct. It therefore provides greater comfort, especially in low-light conditions or visually impaired users.

To dispel the myth that it offers more combinations than the traditional key, since the same combination is repeated on both sides; however, there are different types of keys, hence locks with different levels of security depending on the protection one needs.

What does right hand lock and left hand lock mean?

The hand that is used to open the lock determines the direction in which the door is opened. In a right-handed door, for example, looking at the cabinet from the outside, the lock will be positioned on the left side and the hinges on the right side of the door; vice versa in a left-handed door.

 

What is the difference between KA, KD and MK?

The locks can all be opened with the same key (KA, keyed alike), each with different keys (KD, keyed different), or each with different keys but also openable from a common passe-partout (MK, master key). In the latter case, this is a hierarchical system that can be configured on several levels.

While keyed alike (KA) allows minimizing the quantity of keys, the master key system (MK) becomes a necessity when in multi-person operating environment such as in a residence, hotel, school, hospital, or industrial building, hundreds of locks with different combinations must be opened. The great convenience of the master key allows employees to open only the doors under their jurisdiction giving access to multiple areas with a single key.

The training system should be prepared at the design stage.

What happens if I lose the cams?

Sooner or later it happens to everyone to misplace or lose their keys, whether they are house keys, cellar keys, or more simply keys to a cabinet; to remedy this problem you can follow the following steps:

In the event that there is a number listed on the cylinder, you can contact the company by requesting the nearest dealer where you can purchase replacement keys by providing the number listed.
In case you are operating within a public office or facility, contact the person in charge who most likely has an emergency pass key.
If neither of the above cases is feasible, as a last solution drill the lock with a drill so as to destroy the mechanism; this should be done with the right equipment, with extreme calm and precision, aware however that damage may be done to the structure of the furniture or object on which the lock is installed. Remember that, such a practice, performed for personal satisfaction or real necessity, should be used responsibly and legally only in property on your property.

How do I identify a replacement lock for the old lock?

Beyond the functional and dimensional aspects, the first variant to take into account is the hole already present on the door. For this reason, there is a specially created index in the OMR catalog that makes it possible to identify all locks that can be installed in a given drilling template.

If you are struggling to find the information you need, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to help you!

The staff often loses the cams, how can I do?

Noting that, as recent scientific studies show, the human brain momentarily loses about 9 items a day, it may happen that you need to replace the keys to your locks or perhaps simply vary access permissions.

To remedy this problem without having to constantly change the lock or, even worse, damage the door, we have 4 solutions:

  • Reprogrammable locks: allow the key combination to be changed without having to remove the lock from its holder.
  • Detachable barrel locks: thanks to the interchangeable core, these locks meet both the need for security and re-mapping. In fact, if the key is lost or the combination is changed, the plate-cylinder cam locks can be removed by means of the special extraction key while the lock body remains mounted on the cabinet.
  • Combination locks: equipped with 4 10-digit wheels and allow secure locking without the use of keys.
  • Electronic locks: Electronic or digital combination locks for lockers allow for the complete elimination of the key and the management that goes with it, providing a high level of security and access control without the need for wiring.
I was provided waste bins for door-to-door collection but passersby use it as a trash bin. How can I avoid the fines?

It would only take a few minutes to install an eco-friendly gravity lock on the waste bin. Recognized by all waste collection companies, they can be installed in minutes on 2-wheel or 4-wheel wheeled containers of 120, 240, 360, 660, and 1100 liters and can be supplied in condominium kits. They represent the ideal solution for safeguarding recycling within municipalities, tourist and residential areas.

Besides the locks, do you have any other components to complete the cabinet? Your title goes here

Visit the appropriate accessories page on our site, and you will find a wide range of hinges and components such as handles, rods, adapters, nuts, washers, multi-point cams, actuators, pins, slides, and more. All these accessories allow you to adapt the lock, multipoint locking, or central locking of drawers to the cabinet.

I have a 33 mm wood panel. What lock can I use?

Within our product range you can find as many as three solutions:

  • Cam lock with 40 mm body length, code 63255
  • Door/drawer lock with 33 mm cylinder, code 220350
  • Application lock with cross key, No. 100870 (for installation on panels up to 43 mm).
Is it possible to optimize machining on the cabinet?

The main optimizations that can be applied during the manufacturing operations of a piece of furniture are likely to significantly reduce inventory costs and mainly concern the drilling jig and the reversibility of doors. We propose three interesting solutions below:

  • The lock for door/drawer, code 220300_SPAL04236 allows ambidextrous locking with relative reduction in inventory costs.
  • The lock for sliding doors, code 160551, in combination with the handle MMAN04362, allows the construction of a single reversible door model because both items are installed in an identical hole.
  • The lock assembly codes 165642, 165639, 165640, 165641 allows, with the same drilling template, the installation of a budget key lock, a knob, a knob with lock, and a triangular socket key lock, respectively.
I have purchased a hutch and would like to protect its contents, but I cannot drill holes in the glass. What lock can I choose? What if I have a double door?

We have the solution! You can install a lock without drilling holes in the glass, applying it to either single or double doors and with the possibility of installation on all sides of the glass.

In case you have sliding sashes you need to use code 220335. Otherwise, if you have hinged doors, you need to use code 220358 for single door or code 220359 for double door. The latter versions come with an integrated handle and are available in anodized aluminum finish.

I need to make a door that closes automatically. What can I use?

The optimal solution is the locking hook that automatically allows, thanks to a return spring, the passage of the striker in closing preventing subsequently the opening except with the use of a key. In this case we can propose code 165819 (available in both weld and rivet versions) or code 165870 in which there is the possibility of customizing the hook according to specific needs.

Do you have locks that protect me from unauthorized key copies?

The keys for lock 100750, which is also available in the reprogrammable version 100755, can only be duplicated by us in our factory due to the special design.

European profile cylinders and padlocks in the M&C line are covered by regular patents, and key duplication is done exclusively at our company or at authorized MOIA+ centers.

I would like to have a large display to keep in stock. What can I do?

With SUPERCLASS cases! A careful selection of locks, the result of more than 50 years of manufacturing experience, divided into practical cases according to the material on which they are to be installed (metal, wood, or glass).

The handy sections of the case can be easily rearranged as needed, and with the handy illustration chart you always have a glimpse of the contents and their codes while also speeding up reordering.

Equipped with a convenient handle and padlockable locking latch, the case is easy to carry even to the construction site or to use as a sample book to show the customer in the store.

How can I increase the security of a knob/button handle on a door?

With OTTO SERIES locks, a mechanical or electronic European profile cylinder can be installed where there is an old knob lock installed where you habitually push and open with or without the aid of a key.

Consisting of a European cylinder-ready body and a standard tubular or roller latch (pull and open function). Thanks to the anti-sheath delivery, the latch cannot be retracted with the door closed. Possibility of installation of any European profile cylinder (whether key/key, key/pomolo, electronic or motorized) with provision for attachment of market-standard cylinder guards.

Make an upgrade in the security of doors (e.g., hotel rooms) and equipped walls, to the easy implementation of gate access control (e.g., in stations, airports, or public places), and to the protection of sensitive data, corporate assets, in offices.

Ease of installation and modular structure, allow numerous other applications.

I have a round hole how do I lock the lock?

For the placement of a classic cam cylinder, it is customary to drill a hole with the side plates holding the lock in place. However, if you have already drilled the round hole, you can remedy this with the simple anti-rotation plate MPIA04837 that can be fixed with two screws on wood, two rivets or with a welding point on metal.

Since I don't have a handle on the door, how can I open it without forcing on the key?

We know that very often the key is used as a handle, pulling from the handle to open the door. This action can cause over time malfunctions. For this reason, we have made the plastic handle SMAN04903 thanks to which it is possible to place a practical knob on the cylinder head at the same time as the lock.

I have a hole already drilled in the cabinet. Can I adapt one of your products?

Should you have the sheet metal of your door already drilled, don’t worry. With the handy adapter ring you can convert the drilling from a “type 1” template to a “type 2” template.

Or consult the handy index by drilling jig found at the top of our catalog that allows you to view at a glance all the products that are compatible with a given hole.

I need to install water contact locks. Do you have any solutions?

By using new materials with high mechanical strength, OMR is able to offer locks that can be applied in marine environments and are resistant to weather and moisture. The new type of finish allows for locking that can be integrated into any type of furniture design without compromise, with a wide range of colors and a pleasant feel.

Among the many peculiarities of technopolymer locks are: extreme lightness compared to classic metal locks allowing application in conditions where weight makes a difference, high resistance to adverse weather conditions, and special wear resistance that prevents the formation of unsightly halos or loss of gloss on the surface.

The difference is only in the new high-performance material, a metal plastic with extraordinary features, which can be used to make an alternative version of the entire existing range: from classic universal plate-cylinder cam locks to budget locks, from drawer models to hinged door models…

Is it possible to install a seal on your locks?

Within the family of padlockable handles, there is a “seal-ready” variant that allows the application of a security seal, which is very useful in all those cases in which secure control over openings such as fire-fighting equipment, drugs, hazardous substances or AED defibrillators is required.

My lockers have a key lock but I would like to replace them with a padlock version for better user management. Do you have anything?

In addition to being able to replace a classic key lock with a padlock-ready version by consulting our drilling template index to locate the compatible version, you can upgrade to K SERIES locks that allow you to transform a key lock into a padlockable lock without having to remove the lock body from the cabinet. Even they allow the application of an extremely ergonomic and functional knob.

Please note, however, that in order to achieve maximum performance in user management and to avoid cyclic assembly and disassembly operations of mechanical locks, we have electronic or mechanical combination versions.