How to Find Your Locker Key Code: UK Step-by-Step Guide

If you need a replacement locker key, the most important information is normally the locker key code or key number. Identifying the correct code can allow a replacement key to be supplied without removing or changing an otherwise serviceable locker lock.

The code may be stamped or engraved on the original key, marked on the front of the lock, recorded in a site key register or, in some cases, found on the lock body.

This guide explains how to find your locker key code, distinguish it from the locker door number, identify the manufacturer and decide whether to order a replacement key or change the complete lock.

Quick answer: where is the locker key code?

Check these locations in order:

1. The original key: inspect both sides of the key head for a stamped or engraved number.
2. The front of the lock: look above, below and around the keyway or cylinder face.
3. Your site records: check locker schedules, key registers, maintenance records and previous orders.
4. The manufacturer: identify the locker or lock brand so the number can be matched to the correct key series.
5. A matching spare key: another key for the same lock may carry a clearer number.
6. The lock body: some identifying information may be visible on the rear of the lock after authorised access.

Do not assume that the number displayed on the locker door is the key code. Locker number 125 may use a completely different replacement key number.

What is a locker key code?

A locker key code is a number or alphanumeric reference associated with the key-cutting pattern used by a particular lock series. It allows a suitable replacement key to be cut without copying the original physical key.

Depending on the manufacturer and lock system, the code may contain:

• numbers only;
• letters followed by numbers;
• a manufacturer-specific prefix;
• a number belonging to a defined key-code range.

The code must be considered together with the manufacturer or key series. Different manufacturers can use similar-looking numbers, so the number alone may not identify the correct replacement key.

Locker number, key number and lock code

Several different numbers may appear around a locker installation. Confusing them is a common cause of incorrect replacement-key orders.

Number or reference	What it identifies	Can it normally be used to order a key?
Locker number	The physical locker or compartment	Not unless site records link it to the actual key code
Key number	The replacement-key reference within a particular series	Usually, when the correct manufacturer or series is known
Lock code	The code associated with the fitted lock	Often, where supported by that lock system
Asset number	An organisation’s internal equipment reference	No, unless connected to a key register
Master-key reference	A controlled master or override system	Not for an ordinary user-key order

A good site key register connects the locker number, key code, manufacturer and location. This makes future replacement orders easier without treating the door number as the cutting code.

Step 1: check the original key

If the original key is available, start by inspecting both sides of the key head. Look for:

• stamped numbers;
• engraved numbers;
• letter-and-number combinations;
• a manufacturer name;
• a manufacturer logo.

Clean the key carefully if dirt or wear makes the marking difficult to read. Do not guess an unclear character. A worn 3 can resemble an 8, while a 1 may be mistaken for a 7. One incorrect digit or missing prefix can result in the wrong key being supplied.

Step 2: inspect the lock face

If the original key has been lost, examine the visible face of the locker lock. Check:

• above and below the key slot;
• around the cylinder face;
• beside any manufacturer logo;
• around the outer edge of the barrel.

Many keyed locker locks display a number on the visible cylinder face. This can make replacement possible even when the original key is missing.

Take a sharp, close-up photograph before trying to interpret a faint marking. Enlarging a clear photograph is often more reliable than reading the lock while it remains fitted to the locker door.

Step 3: identify the manufacturer or key series

Locker keys are not universal. The manufacturer helps determine which key profile and code series the number belongs to.

Locker and lock manufacturers commonly encountered in UK installations include:

• Lowe & Fletcher (L&F);
• Ojmar;
• ASSA;
• Probe;
• Helmsman;
• Pure;
• Ronis;
• Eurolocks;
• Link;
• Garran;
• QMP.

Look for a name or logo on the key, lock face, locker label, installation paperwork, maintenance records or previous replacement-key orders.

If you know the manufacturer, use the locker key manufacturer selector to find the appropriate ordering route.

Step 4: check site and maintenance records

Schools, workplaces, universities, leisure centres and other managed facilities may already hold the required key information.

Check:

• locker allocation records;
• key registers;
• asset registers;
• facilities-management records;
• installation schedules;
• maintenance records;
• previous orders and invoices;
• original locker documentation;
• securely stored spare keys.

Before relying on an old record, confirm that the original locker lock has not subsequently been replaced. A replacement lock may use a different key number from the one shown on the original schedule.

Step 5: inspect the lock body if necessary

Some identification marks may be located on the rear or body of the lock rather than the visible face.

If you have authorised access and the key cannot be identified through the previous checks, inspection may reveal:

• a manufacturer name;
• a product reference;
• a lock-series marking;
• a stamped number;
• information needed to select a replacement lock.

Do not remove a serviceable lock unnecessarily merely to search for a number. Check the key, visible lock face, spare keys and records first.

If you still cannot identify the component, use the locker lock and part identification service. Send clear photographs of the lock face, rear mechanism, cam, key and all visible markings.

How cam-lock key numbers work

Many conventional lockers use a keyed cam lock. The lock passes through the door and operates a metal cam on the inside. Turning the key rotates the cam behind the locker frame to secure or release the door.

The key number identifies a cutting pattern within a particular manufacturer’s lock series. It should not be treated as a globally unique locker identity. Depending on the system, the same user-key code can appear on more than one lock, either deliberately or because code ranges repeat.

Facilities teams should therefore record both the physical locker number and its actual key code.

What about mastered locker locks?

Many schools, workplaces and leisure facilities use master-keyed locker locks. Each user normally has a key for an individual locker, while an authorised master key can operate a defined group of locks.

If an ordinary user key is lost but the authorised master key remains available, responsible staff may be able to gain access while a replacement user key is arranged. Master and override keys should be stored securely and issued only to authorised personnel.

Read more about locker master-key systems.

What if there is no visible key code?

If neither the key nor the lock face provides a readable code, work through the available evidence before changing the lock:

1. Check all securely held spare keys.
2. Review the site key register.
3. Check previous key orders and invoices.
4. Identify the locker and lock manufacturer.
5. Take clear photographs of the lock face.
6. Review installation and maintenance records.
7. If authorised and necessary, inspect the lock body.
8. Identify the complete lock before selecting a replacement.

If the key system cannot be identified reliably, replacing the lock is generally safer than guessing and ordering an incompatible key.

What does cut to code mean?

A cut-to-code key is produced using the identified cutting information for the appropriate lock series rather than copied from an existing physical key. This can allow a replacement to be made when the original key has been lost or is too worn to copy reliably.

This method is useful when:

• the original key is missing;
• the existing key is worn or damaged;
• additional spare keys are required;
• a facilities team holds an accurate key schedule;
• several keys need to be ordered for a school, workplace or leisure facility.

For more detail, read how cut-to-code locker key replacement works.

Replacement key or replacement lock?

A replacement key is normally the first option when the correct code and manufacturer are known, the lock works correctly and the missing key does not create an unacceptable security risk.

Situation	Likely action	Reason
Key lost, code known and lock undamaged	Replace the key	The existing lock can remain in service
Additional spare required	Order another key	No hardware change is necessary
Key damaged but code readable	Order a cut-to-code replacement	The worn key does not need to be copied
Code unclear but the lock is identifiable	Confirm the manufacturer and key series	Avoid guessing the required key
Lock barrel damaged or seized	Replace the lock	A new key will not correct damaged hardware
Lock has been forced	Inspect and replace damaged components	The security of the lock may be compromised
No reliable identification is possible	Consider replacing the lock	An unknown key cannot be ordered reliably
Lost or stolen key creates a security risk	Consider changing the lock	The missing key could still provide access

A replacement key normally costs less and causes less disruption than changing a complete lock. However, cost should not override a genuine security concern.

For a more detailed comparison, read our guide to locker key replacement versus lock replacement. If the hardware needs changing, browse our range of replacement locker locks.

When a lost key creates a security concern

Being able to reproduce a key does not always mean that key replacement is the correct security decision.

Consider changing the lock when:

• the key may have been stolen rather than misplaced;
• the key can readily be associated with a particular locker;
• the locker contains higher-value equipment or sensitive items;
• there is a realistic risk of unauthorised access;
• the previous key must no longer operate the locker;
• a master or management key has been compromised.

For an ordinary lost key with no indication of misuse, replacing the user key may be sufficient. The decision should reflect the condition of the lock, the contents and the actual security risk.

Common locker key identification mistakes

Using the locker door number

The visible locker number identifies the compartment. It is not automatically the key-cutting reference.

Ignoring the manufacturer

A code must be matched to the correct manufacturer or key series rather than treated as universal.

Guessing a worn number

If a character is unclear, compare it with the lock face, a matching spare key or reliable site records.

Ignoring letter prefixes

Record the complete reference exactly as shown, including letters, prefixes and leading zeroes.

Assuming similar-looking keys are interchangeable

Two keys can appear similar while using different profiles or cutting systems.

Forcing the locker open

Forced entry can damage the lock, door and frame, turning a simple replacement-key requirement into a more expensive repair. Obtain authorised access and identify the correct key or lock wherever possible.

How to reduce future locker key problems

Once a key code has been identified, record it so the same investigation does not need to be repeated.

For each locker, consider recording:

• locker or compartment number;
• key number or lock code;
• lock manufacturer;
• key series;
• building, room or department;
• assigned user where appropriate;
• location of authorised spare keys;
• master-key group where applicable;
• date and details of any lock replacement.

Larger sites can also reduce repeated delays by holding a controlled quantity of spare keys, storing master keys securely, using clearly numbered key fobs and updating the register whenever a locker lock is changed.

Found the locker key code?

If you have confirmed the manufacturer and key code, visit our replacement locker keys page to select the appropriate range and order online.

Before ordering, check:

• the complete key code;
• any letter prefix or leading zero;
• the lock or locker manufacturer;
• the correct key series;
• whether the lock has previously been changed;
• the quantity of replacement keys required.

If you cannot identify the key confidently, use our locker key and lock identification service, email clear photographs to sales@totallocker.co.uk or call 01284 749211.