When it comes to security for drawers, chests of drawers and storage furniture, choosing the right lock is not a detail. Each environment-home, office, laboratory, shared space-has different needs, requiring specific technologies. For this reason, the market offers three major families of drawer locks:
- locking models,
- Keyless models with mechanical combination,
- fingerprint biometric templates.
Each one meets different needs in terms of safety, convenience, and frequency of use. Let’s look at them in detail.
1. Keyed drawer locks: versatility and reliability for daily use
Keyed cylinder locks are still the most popular and cross-cutting solution in professional and residential furniture. They are prized for their ease of installation, low cost and the ability to adapt to a wide variety of materials and thicknesses (wood, metal, MDF, glass).
Key technical features
These locks are made of zinc alloy and provide a round or square body within which a bolt (or through-bolt) slides. Locking is handled by a wafer tumbler mechanism, appropriate for office or contract furniture applications. This is not a professional burglar-resistant system, but it is more than adequate for protection:
- personal documents;
- small valuables;
- working materials;
- laboratory instruments and devices.
The key locks for drawers in the OMR catalog cover all major market standards and also include non-standard solutions, thanks to numerous models with cylinders of different lengths and both straight and cranked deadbolts. This wide variety-more than 1,300 locks in the catalog-is a real value for furniture manufacturers, craftsmen, and professionals, who can find the right solution without resorting to cabinet modifications.
Advanced features: removable core and bolt variants
Some models include a removable core, which allows the key to be changed without replacing the entire lock-a useful advantage in environments with frequent staff turnover.
There are also variants with:
- Through-bolt, for ambidextrous locking;
- Reduced or trimmed bolt for side locking;
- Round or square bases;
- nickel-plated, black or gold-plated finishes, when aesthetics are a requirement.
Where they are most often used
- office and workshop furniture;
- furniture for laboratories, hospitals and museums;
- glass showcases and display cases;
- lockers and light automations.
A balanced solution for those seeking reliable and durable locking.
2. Mechanical combination locks for drawers: keyless security and simplified management
Mechanical combination locks eliminate key management without sacrificing security. They are perfect for drawers used by multiple people, shared spaces, offices and environments where key forgetting is common.
Key technical features
They operate by a user-settable numerical code: depending on the model, with 3 or 4 digits, for a total of 1,000 or 10,000 combinations. The lock body, made of zinc alloy or zamak, is designed to resist dust and moisture and can include:
- Through-bolt for stable locking;
- Fixing compatible with standard drill holes;
- extensions to accommodate different thicknesses.
Once the correct code is entered, simply turn the knob to open or close the drawer.
Advanced Features
Models in public mode allow a new code to be set each time they are opened. The auto-scramble system automatically returns the rollers to 0000, preventing the code from remaining visible.
The pass key allows authorized personnel to open the drawer in an emergency without damaging the lock. Different cams-straight, cranked and hook cams-ensure good compatibility with furniture of various constructions.
Where they are most often used
- Office drawers and shared workstations;
- archives and document furniture;
- Company, school or sports locker rooms;
- displays and display cases;
- Professional furniture for stores, laboratories and libraries.
A modern and functional choice, particularly appreciated by those who want to avoid key management.
3. Biometric drawer locks: personal security with fingerprint access
Biometric locks provide quick and personal access via fingerprint, without keys or codes. An ideal solution for confidential documents, sensitive materials or professional tools.
Key technical features
The biometric sensor can store up to 20 fingerprints (including two with administrator privileges). The zinc alloy construction is designed to function even in challenging environmental conditions, while the deadbolt locking system is compatible with most standard 16 mm holes.
Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium battery-USB-C allows quick recharges without losing stored data.
Advanced Features
Administrator shapes make it easy and structured to add or remove users. Even with a fully discharged battery, the lock retains all settings and becomes operational again by connecting it to an external source.
The minimal and compact design makes it an aesthetic as well as technological choice.
Where they are most often used
- Office drawers with confidential documents;
- Drawer cabinets and business cabinets;
- laboratories, workshops and warehouses;
- administrative and HR environments;
- Shared spaces where you want to avoid codes and keys.
A high value-added solution for those who want maximum security with minimum effort.
A brief review of centralized drawer locks
This brief focus completes the picture of solutions available for locking furniture with multiple drawers. Centralized locks make it possible to lock an entire drawer unit through a single actuator, thanks to a mechanism that moves a pin-the actuator-connected to an internal rod.
The available variants (oval, double flap, Detachable barrel) share the same goal: to offer compact and efficient multiple locking. In models designed to hold tools or heavy objects, it is possible to integrate anti-tip plates, which allow only one drawer to be opened at a time and prevent accidental tipping.
Where they are most often used
- Wood or metal office dressers;
- Tool carts and workshop furniture;
- Built-in drawer units under desks;
- Classifiers and technical furniture.
Choosing the right lock for drawers
Whether it is a single drawer, an office chest of drawers, or a professional piece of furniture, the lock is never just a detail. It is what determines the security of the contents, the practicality of daily use and the perceived quality of the furniture itself.
OMR solutions-from key locks to mechanical combination models to biometric locks-offer a full range of possibilities: wide choice, compatibility with market standards, and non-standard solutions. All this with the reliability of a specialized manufacturer.
With more than 1,300 active models, the OMR catalog provides different technologies, materials, and functions to always find the right lock without compromise.
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