Correct locker lock identification is the first step before ordering replacement keys, replacement locks, barrels, cams, padlock fittings or other locker lock parts. Two locks can look almost identical from the front but differ in key series, fixing method, door preparation, cam length, locking direction, operating mode or master-key compatibility.

This guide explains how to identify common locker locks used in UK schools, workplaces, gyms, leisure centres, healthcare sites, factories, warehouses and commercial changing rooms. It will help you determine whether you need a replacement key, a like-for-like lock, a compatible alternative or further identification before ordering.

Still cannot identify the lock? Use our locker lock, key and replacement part identification service. Send clear photographs of the lock face, rear mechanism, cam, key and visible markings and we can help narrow down the correct replacement route.

Order Replacement Locker Keys

View Locker Locks

Quick Answer: How Do You Identify a Locker Lock?

Start by identifying how the locker is opened. Then check the lock face, key number, manufacturer markings, lock body, fixing method, cam or latch, door preparation, door thickness and any master-key or override requirements.

Clear photographs of both the front and rear of the lock are often enough to narrow down the correct replacement route.

Identification point	What to check	Why it matters
Lock operation	Key, padlock, coin, code, PIN, RFID card, fob or wristband	Identifies the basic lock family
Lock face	Brand, logo, keyway, number, shape and markings	Can identify the manufacturer or series
Key number or lock code	Code on the key, lock face, barrel or site records	May allow a replacement key without replacing the lock
Rear lock body	Barrel, housing, fixing nut, screws, battery cover or mechanism	Helps establish the lock model and fixing arrangement
Cam or latch	Length, shape, offset, bend, fixing and rotation	Determines how the lock engages with the locker frame
Door preparation	Hole size, cut-out shape, recess, fixing positions and door thickness	Determines whether a replacement will physically fit
Management access	Master key, override key, management card or administrator credential	Preserves authorised management access
Locker use	Assigned, shared, public-use or temporary	Helps determine whether like-for-like replacement remains appropriate

Important: the number displayed on the locker door is not necessarily the key number. The locker number identifies the compartment. The key number or lock code identifies the key or locking system.

Why Correct Locker Lock Identification Matters

Locker locks are not universal. Small differences that are difficult to see in a product photograph can determine whether a replacement will fit and operate correctly.

Identification error	Possible result
Wrong lock footprint	The replacement will not fit the locker door
Wrong cam length	The cam may not reach the locking point
Wrong cam offset	The door may remain loose or fail to close
Wrong rotation	The lock may operate in the incorrect direction
Wrong key series	Replacement keys will not operate the lock
Wrong master-key group	Facilities staff may lose management access
Incorrect door thickness	The lock body or fixing may not secure correctly
Wrong electronic footprint	The replacement may not cover the existing door preparation

Correct identification reduces unnecessary returns, maintenance delays and the risk of altering an otherwise serviceable locker unnecessarily.

1. Identify How the Locker Lock Operates

The fastest first step is to establish how the user opens and secures the locker.

Physical key: normally a keyed cam lock, cylinder lock or specialist keyed locker lock.
Padlock: normally a hasp, staple or padlock fitting.
Coin or token: usually a coin-return or coin-retain locking system.
Mechanical dial or wheels: mechanical combination lock.
PIN keypad: electronic or digital locker lock.
RFID card, fob or wristband: electronic RFID locker lock.

Do not order a replacement solely from the operating method. Once you know the general lock family, continue checking the manufacturer, markings, rear mechanism and door preparation.

2. Inspect the Lock Face

The visible face on the outside of the locker is often the best starting point.

Look for a number around, above or below the keyway.
Check for a manufacturer name, logo or symbol.
Look at the shape and orientation of the keyway.
Record whether the visible face is round, oval, square or rectangular.
Look for model, series or part numbers.
On coin locks, record the coin or token value and visible operating features.
On electronic locks, record the keypad layout, reader type, logo and indicator markings.
Take a clear close-up photograph before removing anything.

A readable number on a keyed lock may be enough to begin a replacement-key enquiry. For more detail, see our locker key number guide.

3. Find the Key Number or Lock Code

If the locker uses a physical key, the key number or lock code is one of the most useful pieces of information.

Where to look	What you may find
Key head	Stamped, engraved or printed key number
Lock face	Code around or below the keyway
Lock barrel or cylinder	Manufacturer, series or key code
Rear of the lock	Part number, brand or manufacturing reference
Locker manufacturer label	Locker brand or range
Site key register	Locker number linked to an actual key code
Previous orders	Earlier key, lock or part reference

If the code is known and the lock itself works correctly, replacing the key is generally simpler than replacing the complete locking mechanism. See our replacement locker keys by code guide or order through our locker key cutting service.

4. Identify the Lock Manufacturer and Series

Manufacturer identification can help confirm key ranges, lock bodies, replacement cylinders, cams and management-key compatibility.

Check the lock face, key head, barrel, rear mechanism and locker manufacturer label. Common commercial locker-lock manufacturers encountered in UK installations include Lowe & Fletcher, Ojmar, Ronis and ASSA, alongside many other specialist and locker-manufacturer-specific ranges.

Do not assume visually similar locks from different manufacturers use interchangeable keys, barrels, cams or master-key systems.

5. Inspect the Rear of the Lock

If the locker is already open and the rear can be viewed safely, photograph the complete inside mechanism before dismantling anything.

Shape and length of the lock body
Threaded barrel and fixing nut
Screw or mounting-plate positions
Cam, latch or hook arrangement
Part numbers and manufacturer markings
Springs or linkages
Battery compartment on electronic locks
Coin box and return mechanism on coin locks
Management or override cylinder

A photograph of the complete mechanism still fitted to the locker is normally more informative than a photograph of a loose unidentified component.

6. Check the Cam, Latch and Locking Direction

On many keyed locker locks, the cam is the metal arm fitted to the rear of the lock. Turning the key rotates the cam behind the locker frame or into a locking point.

Cam detail	Why it matters
Length	The cam must reach the locking point without fouling the frame
Straight or cranked	A cranked cam changes the locking offset
Offset or bend	Affects door closure and engagement
Fixing method	Must suit the lock spindle or fixing screw
Rotation direction	Some locker arrangements require a particular operating direction
Locked position	Shows where the cam must finish in relation to the locker frame

Where relevant, record whether the locker is left- or right-hand hinged and photograph the cam in both the locked and unlocked positions.

An incorrect cam can cause a locker door to remain loose, refuse to close, jam or fail to engage securely.

7. Measure the Lock Footprint and Door Preparation

When replacing a complete lock, the visible face is only part of the compatibility check. The new lock also has to suit the existing door cut-out and available space behind it.

Measure the fixing-hole diameter or overall cut-out.
Check whether the opening is round, square, double-D or another shape.
Record whether the lock is flush or recessed.
Measure the locker door thickness in millimetres.
Measure the available lock-body depth behind the door.
Check fixing nut or screw positions.
Measure the visible footprint of the existing lock.
Check whether a replacement must cover a larger existing opening.
Check clearance for the cam, latch, wiring or battery compartment.
Check for interference with the door frame or neighbouring components.

This is especially important when replacing a simple keyed cam lock with a combination, coin-operated or electronic system.

Measure in millimetres. Where practical, include a ruler or vernier calliper in identification photographs rather than estimating dimensions from an image.

8. Identify the Locker Lock Type

Keyed Cam Locks

A keyed cam lock normally has a physical cylinder at the front and a rotating cam at the rear. Record the key number, manufacturer, barrel dimensions, fixing method, cam and any master-key information.

See our keyed locker locks guide.

Padlock and Hasp Fittings

A padlock fitting allows the user to secure the locker using a separate padlock. Check the shape of the hasp or loop, door cut-out, fixing method, padlock-shackle clearance and how the fitting engages with the frame.

See our padlock fittings for lockers guide.

Mechanical Combination Locks

Mechanical combination locks can use dials, push buttons or number wheels. Record the manufacturer, model, lock dimensions, fixing arrangement, number of controls and whether the lock is configured for assigned/private use or shared/public use.

Also identify the authorised management or code-recovery method. See our mechanical locker combination lock guide.

Coin Return and Coin Retain Locks

Coin-operated systems normally have a larger front and rear mechanism than a basic cam lock. Record the manufacturer, coin or token type, return or retain operation, key or wrist-strap arrangement, door handing where relevant and any master or service key.

A coin-return system gives the coin or token back when the locker is released. A coin-retain system keeps it for collection or charging.

See our coin-operated locker lock guide.

Electronic, Digital and RFID Locker Locks

Electronic locker locks can use PINs, keypads, RFID cards, fobs, wristbands or other electronic credentials. Identification normally requires more information than a photograph of the front face.

Manufacturer and model
Keypad or credential type
Battery location
Assigned/private or shared/public operating mode
Override or administrator method
Front and rear dimensions
Door cut-out and fixing positions
Separate latch, cable or electronic module
Existing management system compatibility

See our electronic locker locks guide.

9. Check Master-Key and Override Compatibility

If the site uses master keys, sub-master keys, service keys, management cards or administrator credentials, identify that requirement before ordering a replacement.

A replacement lock can physically fit the locker door and work correctly with its own user key while still breaking the site’s existing management-access system.

For keyed systems, record the manufacturer, lock series and any known master-suite information. For combination and electronic systems, identify the management or override method as well as normal user access.

For further information, see our master key locker systems guide.

10. Check Whether the Locker Is Assigned-Use or Shared-Use

Identification is not only about the existing hardware. You should also establish how the locker is used, particularly if the original lock is obsolete or the site is considering a different replacement.

Locker use	Common lock types	Identification priority
Assigned staff locker	Keyed, combination or digital	Key series, master access, cam and door preparation
School locker	Keyed, hasp or mechanical combination	Key number, master group, durability and fixing
Gym or leisure locker	Coin, key, hasp, RFID or digital	Public-use mode, coin system, environment and override
Visitor or day-use locker	Combination, coin or electronic	Shared-use operation and management reset
PPE or factory locker	Keyed, hasp or controlled-access lock	Cam engagement, robustness and key control
Swimming-pool locker	Coin, RFID, hasp or specialist lock	Environment suitability, handing and service access
Hybrid office locker	Combination or electronic	Shared-use mode and administrator compatibility

A like-for-like replacement is often the simplest route, but an obsolete lock may provide an opportunity to move to a more suitable access method if the existing door preparation allows it.

11. Take the Right Photographs

Good photographs can prevent unnecessary dismantling and considerably reduce the chance of ordering the wrong component.

Full locker door showing the general locker construction
Close-up of the lock face
Every visible number, logo or marking
Existing key, if available
Rear of the complete lock mechanism
Cam, latch or linkage
Cam or latch in locked and unlocked positions where practical
Door cut-out if the lock has already been removed
Door thickness and important dimensions
Locker manufacturer’s label where available

If you are identifying locks across a large site, label photographs with the building, room, locker bank and locker number so different lock types are not accidentally mixed together.

Replacement Key or Replacement Locker Lock?

A replacement key may be enough when	Consider replacing the lock when
The correct key code is known	No usable key or lock code can be identified
The lock operates smoothly	The barrel or mechanism is seized or badly worn
The cam still secures the door correctly	The cam, latch or rear mechanism is damaged or missing
The site wants to retain the existing system	The original lock is obsolete
Only a lost or spare key is required	The lock has been forced or vandalised
Existing master access remains suitable	The site is deliberately changing its access method

If the original lock is obsolete, replacing the lock and its cam together can sometimes be more reliable than attempting to adapt an incompatible component from another system.

For damaged or obsolete mechanisms, see our locker lock replacement guide.

Common Locker Lock Identification Problems

Problem	What to check next
No key number is visible	Check the key, lock face, barrel, rear body, locker label and site records
The key has been lost	Look for a readable lock-face or barrel code
The lock has no visible brand	Use front and rear photographs, keyway shape and measurements
The key turns but the locker stays locked	Inspect the cam, latch and engagement with the frame
A replacement key does not work	Recheck the key number, manufacturer, series and barrel condition
The replacement lock does not fit	Check the door cut-out, fixing positions, footprint, body depth and door thickness
The replacement fits but will not secure the door	Check cam length, bend, offset, rotation and locked position
The master key no longer works	Check whether the replacement sits outside the original master suite
The original lock is obsolete	Assess a compatible replacement lock and cam together
Several lock types are fitted across the site	Create a locker lock register before ordering in volume
An electronic upgrade will not fit	Recheck the cut-out, fixing pattern, lock footprint and rear clearance

Common Mistakes Before Ordering Locker Locks or Parts

Assuming all keyed cam locks are interchangeable
Confusing the locker number with the key number
Ordering from front appearance alone
Ignoring cam length, offset or bend
Ignoring the required direction of rotation
Failing to measure door thickness
Ignoring the existing door cut-out
Ignoring recessed or unusual mounting arrangements
Mixing manufacturers without checking compatibility
Replacing a mastered lock without checking the master suite
Ordering an electronic upgrade without checking its footprint
Assuming left- and right-hand versions are interchangeable
Ordering a large quantity before proving one replacement on the actual locker

Where compatibility is uncertain, test and prove one replacement on the actual locker before committing to a large order.

Locker Lock Identification for Schools

Schools often need to identify locks following lost keys, damaged student lockers, summer maintenance or years of mixed replacement work. A site can contain several generations of lockers and more than one lock series even where the doors appear similar.

Record locker number and key number separately.
Record the lock manufacturer and type.
Record any master-key group.
Check damaged locks during planned maintenance periods.
Standardise replacement locks where practical and compatible.

Locker Lock Identification for Workplaces and Factories

Workplaces may have staff lockers, PPE lockers, uniform lockers and changing-room lockers across several departments. Identification should include both the physical locking hardware and the site’s user and management-access requirements.

For like-for-like replacement, prioritise lock series, door preparation, cam arrangement and authorised override requirements. If the site is changing lock type, also consider how access will be issued, changed and recovered.

Locker Lock Identification for Gyms, Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools

Leisure sites can contain keyed locks, coin systems, padlock fittings, mechanical combination locks and electronic RFID systems. Coin and electronic mechanisms normally require more detailed identification than a basic keyed cam lock.

Record the operating method, manufacturer, model, door handing where relevant, coin or token arrangement, management access and the environmental conditions in which the lock is used.

Create a Locker Lock Register

For larger locker estates, a simple register reduces repeated identification work and helps facilities teams order keys, locks and spare parts accurately.

Register field	Purpose
Locker number	Identifies the individual compartment
Location	Records building, room and locker bank
Locker manufacturer	Helps identify original parts and door preparation
Lock type	Keyed, hasp, coin, combination, RFID or digital
Lock manufacturer/model	Supports replacement identification
Key number or lock code	Supports replacement-key ordering
Cam or latch	Supports physical compatibility
Master or override group	Preserves management access
Door preparation	Records cut-out, fixing and door thickness
Usage mode	Assigned, shared or public-use
Condition	Good, worn, damaged or due for replacement

For sites using large numbers of keyed lockers, maintaining the relationship between locker number, key code and master-key group can substantially reduce future identification work. See our locker key management systems guide.

Useful Locker Lock and Key Guides

Locker Lock Identification FAQs

How do I know what locker lock I have?

Start by checking how the lock operates. Then inspect the lock face, key number, manufacturer markings, rear mechanism, cam or latch, fixing method and locker door preparation.

Can I identify a locker lock without the key?

Often, yes. Check the lock face for a key number, code, brand or series marking. If the locker is open, photographs of the rear mechanism, cam and fixing arrangement can provide further identification information.

Is the locker number the same as the key number?

Not necessarily. The locker number normally identifies the compartment, while the key number or lock code identifies the key or locking system. Check the key, lock face, barrel or site records before ordering.

What is the cam on a locker lock?

The cam is the metal arm on the rear of many keyed locker locks. It rotates when the key turns and engages with the locker frame or locking point. Its length, shape, offset and fixing can affect replacement compatibility.

Are all locker locks the same size?

No. Locker locks vary by footprint, door cut-out, fixing style, body depth, door thickness, cam arrangement and operating system. These details should be checked before ordering a replacement.

Where is the locker key number?

The key number may be stamped or printed on the key, engraved on the lock face, marked on the barrel or recorded in the site’s key register.

How do I know whether a locker lock is master keyed?

Check site key records, previous lock documentation, supplier information and the lock series. Appearance alone may not establish whether the lock belongs to a particular master-key suite.

What photographs should I send to identify a locker lock?

Send the full locker door, a close-up of the lock face and visible markings, the key if available, the rear of the lock, the cam or latch, and useful measurements such as door thickness and fixing-hole dimensions.

Can a keyed locker lock be changed to a combination or electronic lock?

Sometimes. Compatibility depends on the existing door preparation, lock footprint, fixing positions, door thickness, cam or latch position and rear clearance.

Can a keyed locker lock be replaced with a hasp lock?

Sometimes. The replacement hasp must suit the existing door preparation, fixing arrangement, frame position and padlock requirements.

Should I replace the key or the complete locker lock?

If the lock works correctly and the correct key number is known, a replacement key may be sufficient. Replace the lock when it is damaged, seized, forced, obsolete, incompatible with the required access system or cannot be identified reliably.

What should I do if my original locker lock is obsolete?

Record the existing door preparation, fixing dimensions, cam arrangement and operating requirements. A compatible modern replacement may be possible, but it should be checked against the actual locker before ordering in quantity.

Need Help Identifying a Locker Lock?

Total Locker Service supplies replacement locker keys, locker locks and replacement parts for many common commercial locker systems used across the UK.

Before contacting us, collect as much information as possible: the locker manufacturer if known, lock type, visible key or lock number, clear front and rear photographs, cam or latch details and relevant dimensions.

If you cannot identify the lock, use our locker lock and part identification service. If the existing lock still works and you know the key number, start with our replacement locker keys. If the complete mechanism needs replacing, browse our replacement locker locks.

Discover more from Blog Total Locker Service

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Blog Total Locker Service

Locker Lock Identification Guide UK