People are usually mistaking cam locks and quarter-turn latches due to their resemblances. However, there are still some differences between two items. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences, and hope this article will help users to make better options.
Similarities between cam Locks and quarter turn latches
As far as we know, both cam locks and quarter-turn latches function as rotational cam latches. Basically, the cam lock, also known as a pawl, is pivotal in securing the closed position and rotates akin to clock hands in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. An actuator located on the latch's facade facilitates the rotation of the cam, enabling the transition between open and closed states to permit access to the panel or maintain its closure. Additionally, a stopper regulates the extent of the cam's rotation in either direction, the type of which varies depending on the chosen cam latch lock.
Both Locks and latches have an industry-standard cut-out punched into a door or access panel. Installing either a cam lock or quarter-turn latch involves tightening a hex nut on the threaded body of the latch housing to secure it against the flange on its scalp. The cam lock, situated on the body's rear side, engages with the frame or another internal surface to prevent door opening. The distance between the mounting surface and the latching surface is termed the grip range, with both types featuring a non-adjustable fixed grip determined by the latch housing's length and the cam's offset.
Differences between cam Locks and quarter-turn latches
The differences between cam locks and quarter-turn latches are clearly visible. Generally speaking, cam locks are operated by key-turn actuation while quarter-turn latches rely on tool-action or hand activation. Of course, there are some exceptions for both of two locks, cam locks feature a "double D" shape cut-out, and resembling two capital letter D's back to back, while quarter-turn latch cutouts are square-shaped with rounded corners.
Cams for both quarter-turn latches and locks are usually sold separately from the bodies and are installed using a removable screw. However, smaller body lengths of cam locks necessitate permanently spinning on the cams with a rivet due to limited space to enclose both the lock tumbler and screw hole. Cam lock cams are simple stamped pieces of sheet metal, thus reversible to allow for offset-in or offset-out orientation. They also typically feature a star-shaped mounting hole for installation at various angles. In contrast, QT latch cams are not reversible due to a bump stopper on one side, fitting into a special groove on the housing for the signature rotation they derive their name from. These cams also have flared edges at the tip to provide mild compression against the door at precise grips.
All quarter-turn latches are originally designed for 90-degree functionality when used with the intended cams. Cam locks achieve rotation by employing a separate stop washer behind the cam. Stop washers are available for both 90-degree and 180-degree rotation, that means cam locks are not always limited in the same way as quarter-turn latches. Sometimes, referring to a cam lock as a "quarter-turn latch" based on its function would not technically be wrong, similar to how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.
Generally speaking, quarter-turn latches features more sophisticated functions (and thus are more expensive) than basic style cam locks. Cam lock systems are suitable for simple and low-security applications such as mailboxes and display cases, where key locking functionality is preferred and sealing from water and dust is unnecessary. Quarter-turn latches are better suited for electrical enclosures like NEMA boxes and other situations where grip range is crucial for achieving gasket compression on the door. Welcome to check with us for further inquiry if you are sourcing anything similar.
