How to Identify Your Locker Lock UK

Identifying your locker lock is the first step before ordering replacement keys, lock barrels, cams, master keys or complete replacement locker locks. A small detail can change which part you need, so it is worth checking the lock carefully before you order.

This guide explains how to identify common locker lock types used in UK workplaces, schools, gyms, leisure centres, warehouses, hospitals and commercial buildings.

Quick answer: how do I identify my locker lock?

To identify your locker lock, check the lock face, key number, lock brand, fixing style, cam shape, door thickness and whether the lock is used with a key, padlock, coin, code, RFID card or digital credential. If you need a replacement key, the number stamped on the lock face or key is usually the most important detail.

What to check	Why it matters
Key number	Helps identify replacement keys
Lock brand	Helps match parts and key ranges
Lock type	Shows whether you need a key, cam lock, coin lock, hasp lock or digital lock
Cam shape	Affects how the locker door locks shut
Fixing hole	Helps confirm replacement lock compatibility
Door thickness	Ensures the replacement lock fits correctly

1. Start with the lock face

The lock face is the visible part on the outside of the locker door. This is where you will usually find the most useful identification details.

• Look for a number stamped on the lock face.
• Check for a manufacturer name or logo.
• Look at the shape of the keyway.
• Check whether the lock is round, oval or rectangular.
• Take a clear close-up photograph before removing anything.

For many keyed locker locks, the number on the face is enough to start a replacement key enquiry. You can also compare it with the number on the existing key, if one is available.

2. Find the key number

The key number is one of the most important details when identifying a locker lock. It may be stamped on the key, printed on the key head, engraved on the lock face or marked on the lock barrel.

Common examples include short letter and number codes. The exact format depends on the lock brand and key series.

Where to look	What you may find
Key head	A stamped or printed key number
Lock face	A code around the key slot
Inside of lock barrel	A manufacturer or code mark
Site key records	Locker number matched to a key number

If the key is lost but the lock face still has a readable number, a replacement key may still be possible. See our locker keys service for key cutting and replacement options.

3. Identify the lock type

Different lockers use different access systems. Before ordering parts, identify the lock type first.

Keyed cam lock

A keyed cam lock is one of the most common locker lock types. It has a key slot on the front and a rotating cam on the inside of the door. When the key turns, the cam rotates behind the frame and secures the door.

Hasp lock

A hasp lock is designed for use with a padlock. Instead of a built-in key cylinder, the user secures the locker with their own padlock. These are common in schools, gyms and workplaces where users bring their own padlocks.

Coin return lock

A coin return lock normally requires a coin or token to operate. The coin is returned when the user unlocks the locker. These are common in leisure centres, swimming pools and changing rooms.

Coin retain lock

A coin retain lock keeps the coin when the locker is used. This type is often used where locker use is charged.

Combination lock

A combination lock uses a number code instead of a key. Some are mechanical. Others are digital. Combination locks may be fixed to the door or fitted as a padlock-style unit.

RFID or smart locker lock

RFID and smart locker locks use cards, fobs, wristbands, PINs or digital credentials. These systems may need a specific replacement lock, management card, master credential or software support.

4. Check the lock brand

Some locker locks show a brand name on the face, key, barrel or rear fixing. If the lock has a visible brand, note it down before ordering parts.

Brand information helps confirm key ranges, barrel compatibility, cam fixing and replacement lock options. It is especially useful when replacing several locks across a school, gym, office or staff changing room.

5. Look at the cam on the inside of the door

The cam is the metal arm on the rear of many locker locks. It rotates when the key turns. The cam must line up with the locker frame to secure the door properly.

Do not assume every replacement lock will work with your existing locker. Cam length, cam bend, cam offset and fixing position can all affect compatibility.

Cam detail	Why it matters
Straight cam	Common on simple locker doors
Cranked cam	Used when the locking point is offset
Short cam	May suit narrow door returns
Long cam	May be needed for deeper frames
Cam fixing hole	Must match the lock spindle or fixing screw

6. Measure the fixing hole

If you are replacing the complete locker lock, you need to check the hole in the locker door. Many cam locks fit through a standard round or shaped hole, but older lockers may use different cut-outs.

• Measure the diameter or width of the fixing hole.
• Check whether the hole is round, double-D shaped or square-edged.
• Measure the door thickness.
• Check the lock body depth behind the door.
• Confirm there is enough clearance for the cam to turn.

This is especially important when replacing obsolete locker locks or updating older locker banks.

7. Check whether the locker is assigned-use or shared-use

Locker lock identification also depends on how the locker is used. Assigned-use lockers normally have one regular user. Shared-use lockers are used by different people during the day.

This affects the best replacement choice. A keyed lock may suit staff lockers. A hasp lock may suit school lockers. A coin or RFID lock may suit leisure changing rooms. A digital lock may suit flexible workplaces.

8. Take the right photos before asking for help

Clear photos make identification much easier. Blurry photos or photos taken from too far away can delay the process.

• Photo of the full locker door.
• Close-up of the lock face.
• Close-up of any number on the lock.
• Photo of the key, if available.
• Photo of the rear of the lock inside the door.
• Photo of the cam position when locked and unlocked.

If the site has many lockers, also photograph the locker number, room location and locker bank. This helps keep replacement keys and parts organised.

Common locker lock identification problems

Locker locks are often used heavily. Over time, numbers become worn, keys are lost, cams are bent and old lock ranges become difficult to identify.

Problem	Likely next step
No key number visible	Send photos of the lock face and keyway
Key lost	Check the lock face for a code
Lock turns but door stays shut	Check the cam or latch alignment
Replacement key does not work	Check key number, brand and barrel condition
Old lock type is obsolete	Replace lock and cam together
Several different locks on site	Create a locker lock register

When do you need a replacement key?

You may only need a replacement key if the lock is working and the lock number is known. This is often the simplest and lowest-cost option.

Replacement keys are commonly needed when staff leave, students lose keys, gym users misplace keys, master keys are missing or spare keys were never recorded.

For help, visit our locker keys UK page.

When do you need a replacement lock?

You may need a replacement lock if the barrel is damaged, the key number is unreadable, the cam is missing, the lock is obsolete or the organisation wants to change access control method.

• The lock is seized or worn.
• The key snaps in the barrel.
• The lock has been forced.
• The key code cannot be identified.
• The cam no longer secures the door.
• The site is moving from keys to hasp, coin or digital access.

See our locker locks range for replacement options.

Build a locker lock register

If your site has many lockers, create a simple locker lock register. This helps reduce lost access, duplicate ordering, wrong key requests and maintenance delays.

Register field	Example
Locker number	A102
Location	Staff changing room
Lock type	Keyed cam lock
Key number	Record from key or lock face
Lock brand	Record if visible
Cam type	Straight or cranked
Condition	Good, worn, damaged or replace

This also links well with wider locker estate control, maintenance planning and key management.

Internal links for further help

• Locker Keys UK – order replacement locker keys.
• Locker Locks – view lock options and replacement parts.
• Locker Locks UK Guide – compare common locker lock types.
• Locker Lock Replacement Guide UK – replacing damaged or obsolete locks.
• Locker Lock Compatibility Guide UK – check fit, cams, doors and lock bodies.
• Locker Key Management Systems UK – manage locker keys across larger sites.

FAQ: identifying locker locks

Can I get a replacement locker key without the original key?

Often, yes. If the lock face has a readable key number, a replacement key may be possible. If no number is visible, clear photos of the lock can help identify the next step.

Where is the locker key number?

The key number may be stamped on the key, printed on the key head, engraved on the lock face or marked on the barrel. Some older locks may have worn or missing numbers.

Are all locker locks the same size?

No. Locker locks can vary by fixing hole, cam length, lock body depth, door thickness and access type. Always check compatibility before ordering a replacement lock.

Can I replace a keyed locker lock with a hasp lock?

Sometimes. It depends on the locker door, fixing holes, latch position and user requirements. A hasp lock may be useful where users bring their own padlocks.

What photos should I send to identify a locker lock?

Send a clear photo of the lock face, any visible number, the key if available, the rear of the lock and the cam inside the locker door.

Need help identifying your locker lock?

Total Locker Service can help with replacement locker keys, locker locks, lock parts and practical identification support. Before making an enquiry, collect the lock number, key number, clear photos and locker location details where possible.