Locker Lock Identification Guide UK

Correct locker lock identification is the first step before ordering replacement keys, complete locks, barrels, cams, padlock fittings or other locker parts. Two locker locks can look almost identical from the front while using different key series, fixing methods, cams, door preparations, operating modes or master-key systems.

The safest approach is to identify how the locker opens, inspect the lock face and key number, look for manufacturer markings, photograph the rear mechanism, check the cam or latch and record the door preparation before ordering.

This guide covers keyed cam locks, padlock fittings, coin-operated locks, mechanical combination locks, electronic PIN locks and RFID locker locks commonly found in UK schools, workplaces, factories, warehouses, healthcare facilities, gyms, leisure centres and commercial changing rooms.

It also explains the difference between locker numbers and key numbers, how to identify manufacturers, what photographs and measurements to take, how to check cams and fixing holes, and when you need a replacement key rather than a complete replacement lock.

If you already know the correct key number and only require another key, go directly to our replacement locker key service. For complete replacement or upgrade locks, browse our locker locks.

If the lock remains unidentified, send clear photographs and measurements through our locker lock and part identification service.

Quick Answer: How Do You Identify a Locker Lock?

Start with how the locker opens, then work from the visible details towards the rear mechanism and door preparation.

1. Identify whether the locker uses a key, padlock, coin, combination, PIN or RFID credential.
2. Photograph the front of the lock.
3. Look for a key number or lock code.
4. Look for a manufacturer name, logo or model reference.
5. Photograph the rear of the lock where safely accessible.
6. Identify the cam, latch or locking mechanism.
7. Measure the cam and record its shape and offset.
8. Check the fixing arrangement and door cut-out.
9. Measure the locker door thickness.
10. Check the available space behind the door.
11. Record any master-key, override or management-access system.
12. Compare all of this information with the proposed replacement.
13. For a large order, prove one replacement on an actual locker before ordering the full quantity.

Do not identify a replacement locker lock from its front appearance alone. The rear mechanism, cam, fixing and door preparation are equally important.

Locker Lock Identification Checklist

Identification point	What to check	Why it matters
Operating method	Key, padlock, coin, combination, PIN, card, fob or wristband	Identifies the basic lock family
Lock face	Brand, logo, number, keyway and shape	Can identify the manufacturer or lock series
Key number	Code on key, lock face, barrel or records	May allow a replacement key without changing the lock
Rear mechanism	Body, barrel, fixing, cam, latch, battery cover or linkage	Helps establish the exact lock and fixing method
Cam or latch	Length, offset, bend, fixing and rotation	Determines how the locker door secures
Door preparation	Hole, cut-out, recess and fixing positions	Determines whether another lock will physically fit
Door thickness	Measure in millimetres	Affects lock-body and fixing compatibility
Rear clearance	Space behind the locker door	Important for combination and electronic locks
Management access	Master key, override key, card or administrator credential	Preserves authorised management access

1. Identify How the Locker Lock Operates

The quickest first step is to determine how the user opens the locker. This separates the main locker lock families immediately.

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

This identifies only the broad lock family. Do not order a replacement until you have also checked the manufacturer, fixing arrangement, cam or latch and door preparation.

2. Inspect the Locker Lock Face

The lock face is the visible part on the outside of the locker door and often contains the first useful identification information.

• Look for a number around, above or below the keyway.
• Look for a manufacturer name or logo.
• Check the shape and orientation of the keyway.
• Record whether the visible lock face is round, oval, square or rectangular.
• Look for model, series or part-number markings.
• On coin locks, record the coin or token information.
• On electronic locks, photograph the keypad, reader and any model markings.

Take photographs before removing anything. The complete assembled lock often provides more useful identification information than loose components.

3. Find the Locker Key Number or Lock Code

For keyed lockers, the key number or lock code is one of the most useful identification details.

Where to look	What you may find
Original key	Stamped, engraved or printed key number
Lock face	Code beside or around the keyway
Lock barrel	Manufacturer, series or key code
Rear lock body	Part number or manufacturer reference
Locker manufacturer label	Locker brand or range
Site key register	Locker number linked to the correct key code
Old invoices or maintenance records	Previous key, lock or part references

If the existing lock operates correctly and the proper key code can be identified, replacing the key is usually simpler and less disruptive than replacing the complete lock.

For more detail, see How to Find Your Locker Key Code UK.

Locker Number vs Locker Key Number

Do not automatically assume that the number displayed on the locker door is the key number.

Number	Purpose
Locker number	Identifies the physical locker or compartment
Key number or lock code	Identifies the key or locking series

A school, workplace or leisure centre may number its lockers sequentially while the locks use a completely different key-code sequence.

Only order a key from a locker number where reliable records specifically link that locker number to the correct key code.

4. Identify the Locker Lock Manufacturer

Manufacturer identification can help determine the correct key range, replacement barrel, cam, master key and complete lock.

Look for branding on:

• the lock face;
• the original key;
• the side of the lock barrel;
• the rear mechanism;
• electronic-lock labels;
• the locker manufacturer’s label;
• and previous purchasing or maintenance records.

Locker locks found in UK installations include products from Lowe & Fletcher, Ojmar, Ronis, ASSA ABLOY and other specialist manufacturers and 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 Locker Lock

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

• lock-body shape and depth;
• threaded barrel;
• fixing nut;
• fixing screws;
• mounting plates;
• cam or latch;
• rods, cables or linkages;
• manufacturer markings;
• coin mechanisms;
• battery covers;
• override cylinders;
• and management-key points.

A photograph showing the assembled mechanism and how it engages with the locker frame is particularly useful.

6. Identify the Locker Lock Cam

The cam is the metal arm fitted to the rear of many locker locks. It rotates when the lock is operated and engages with the locker frame or locking point.

Cams are not all interchangeable.

Cam detail	Why it matters
Length	The cam must reach the correct locking point
Straight or cranked	Changes the locking offset
Bend or offset	Affects engagement with the locker frame
Fixing method	Must match the lock spindle or fixing screw
Rotation	Must finish in the correct locked and unlocked positions
Handing	Can matter on specialist and coin-operated mechanisms

A replacement lock can fit correctly through the locker door but still fail to secure it if the cam is wrong.

Cam Problems That Can Look Like Lock Failure

If the key turns but the locker does not lock or unlock correctly, inspect the cam, latch and door alignment before assuming the complete lock has failed.

• bent cam;
• loose cam fixing;
• incorrect cam length;
• incorrect cam offset;
• incorrect rotation;
• dropped locker door;
• damaged frame;
• or poor engagement with the locking point.

7. Check the Door Cut-Out and Lock Fixing

The replacement lock must suit the existing locker-door preparation as well as looking appropriate from the front.

• diameter of round openings;
• width and height of shaped cut-outs;
• double-D or anti-rotation features;
• square or rectangular openings;
• fixing-screw positions;
• recessed mounting;
• front lock footprint;
• and any existing conversion plates.

This is especially important when changing from a simple keyed cam lock to a larger mechanical combination, electronic or RFID lock.

8. Measure the Locker Door Thickness

Measure the locker door thickness in millimetres. A lock designed for a thin steel door may not automatically suit a thicker laminate or specialist door.

Door thickness can affect barrel length, threaded fixing length, mounting components and the way the lock sits against the door.

9. Check Rear Clearance

Mechanical combination, electronic and RFID locker locks can require more space behind the door than a conventional keyed cam lock.

• Check the lock-body depth.
• Check battery compartments.
• Check cables or wiring where applicable.
• Check shelves and internal dividers.
• Check stored contents.
• Check the locker frame and neighbouring components.

A lock may fit the external cut-out while still being unsuitable because the rear body fouls another part of the locker.

How to Identify a Keyed Cam Locker Lock

A keyed cam lock normally consists of a key cylinder at the front, a barrel or body, a fixing arrangement and a rotating cam at the rear.

Record:

• key number;
• manufacturer;
• keyway;
• barrel diameter;
• barrel or body length;
• door thickness;
• fixing arrangement;
• cam length;
• cam shape and offset;
• rotation;
• and any master-key system.

Where the lock remains serviceable and the correct key code is known, use the replacement locker key service rather than replacing the lock unnecessarily.

How to Identify a Hasp or Padlock Locker Fitting

A hasp or padlock fitting allows the user to secure the locker with a separate padlock.

• Photograph the complete external fitting.
• Measure the padlock opening.
• Record the rear fixing.
• Check the locker-door cut-out.
• Check how the fitting engages with the frame.
• Determine whether it is original or a later conversion.

When converting from another lock type, make sure the proposed fitting suits or adequately covers the existing door preparation.

How to Identify a Mechanical Combination Locker Lock

Mechanical combination locker locks may use number wheels, a dial or push buttons.

• manufacturer;
• model;
• number of wheels or controls;
• front dimensions;
• rear lock-body dimensions;
• fixing method;
• assigned or shared-use operating mode;
• code-finding or reset procedure;
• and management or override key.

Two combination locks that appear similar externally may use different mounting arrangements, operating modes or management systems.

How to Identify a Coin-Operated Locker Lock

Coin and token locker locks are widely found in leisure centres, swimming pools and changing rooms.

Record:

• manufacturer and model;
• coin or token denomination;
• coin-return or coin-retain operation;
• door handing where relevant;
• master or service-key arrangement;
• coin box or return mechanism;
• rear latch mechanism;
• and wet-area or environmental exposure.

Do not identify a coin lock from the visible front plate alone. Rear mechanisms and door preparation can differ considerably.

How to Identify an Electronic Locker Lock

Electronic locker locks may use PIN codes, push buttons, touch-sensitive keypads or other digital input methods.

• manufacturer;
• model;
• keypad layout;
• battery position;
• private or public-use mode;
• management or override method;
• front dimensions;
• rear dimensions;
• fixing pattern;
• door preparation;
• and any programming equipment already used on site.

Where an electronic lock has failed, check battery condition and management-access procedures before assuming the complete lock requires replacement.

How to Identify an RFID Locker Lock

RFID locker locks use contactless credentials such as cards, fobs or wristbands.

Identification needs to cover both the physical lock and the credential system.

• lock manufacturer and model;
• credential type;
• card, fob or wristband technology;
• stand-alone or managed operation;
• private or public-use mode;
• management credential;
• battery or power arrangement;
• programming equipment;
• and associated management system where relevant.

Do not assume that an existing building-access card will operate a proposed locker lock simply because both systems are described as RFID.

Master Key and Override Compatibility

A replacement locker lock can fit physically while still being incompatible with the site’s existing management-access system.

• Record any master-key group.
• Identify service or override keys.
• Identify management cards.
• Record administrator credentials.
• Check whether previous replacement locks still belong to the original master system.

If authorised management access is important, confirm compatibility before changing the original lock.

Replacement Key or Replacement Locker Lock?

Replace the key when	Consider replacing the lock when
The correct key code is known	No reliable key or lock code can be established
The lock operates smoothly	The cylinder or mechanism is seized or damaged
The cam works correctly	The cam or latch is damaged
The current lock system is to be retained	The lock type is obsolete or unsuitable
Only a lost or spare key is required	The lock has been forced or vandalised
Existing master-key arrangements remain suitable	The organisation wants to change access method

If the complete lock needs changing, use our Locker Lock Replacement Guide UK.

Take the Right Locker Lock Photographs

Clear photographs are one of the most useful identification tools when no definite part number or manufacturer reference is available.

• Complete locker or locker bank.
• Complete affected locker door.
• Close-up of the lock face.
• Close-up of every visible number and logo.
• Original key if available.
• Rear of the complete lock.
• Cam or latch.
• Cam in the locked position.
• Cam in the unlocked position.
• Door cut-out if the lock has already been removed.
• Locker manufacturer label.
• Relevant measurements.

Keep the camera as square to the component as practical. Strongly angled photographs can make dimensions, hole shapes and cam geometry difficult to judge.

Measurements to Send With Locker Lock Photographs

• locker door thickness;
• lock cut-out width and height or diameter;
• lock-face dimensions;
• barrel or lock-body length;
• rear lock-body depth;
• cam length;
• cam offset;
• fixing-hole centres;
• distance from lock centre to the locking point;
• and available rear clearance.

Use millimetres and avoid estimating dimensions from a photograph where an accurate measurement can be taken safely.

Identify the Locker Manufacturer as Well as the Lock

The locker manufacturer can provide useful clues where the lock itself is unbranded.

• manufacturer label;
• product-range label;
• door construction;
• ventilation pattern;
• hinge design;
• door preparation;
• and approximate installation age.

Older locker estates may have been repaired or modified several times, so do not assume every door still contains its original lock.

Locker Lock Identification for Schools

School locker estates often contain several generations of lockers and replacement locks accumulated over many years.

• Record locker number and key number separately.
• Record the lock manufacturer where known.
• Record any master-key group.
• Identify damaged locks during planned maintenance periods.
• Keep replacement records.
• Standardise compatible replacement locks where practical.

Locker Lock Identification for Workplaces, Factories and Warehouses

Workplaces may have different locks across offices, staff changing areas, warehouses, PPE lockers and visitor storage.

Record the lock alongside the locker location rather than ordering from a generic description such as “staff locker lock”.

If changing to a different locking method, also consider how user access, replacement credentials and management override will be handled.

Locker Lock Identification for Gyms and Leisure Centres

Leisure sites may contain keyed, coin, hasp, combination, electronic and RFID locker locks within the same building.

• Identify private or public-use operation.
• Record the manufacturer.
• Identify coin or token arrangements.
• Record service and master-key access.
• Record wristband or credential technology.
• Check wet-area suitability.
• Photograph the complete rear mechanism.

Locker Lock Identification for Wet Areas

Swimming pools and wet changing facilities require additional attention to environmental suitability.

• Identify whether the existing lock is intended for wet use.
• Record corrosion-resistant materials where known.
• Check the locker-door material.
• Inspect the fixing area for corrosion.
• Check service and battery access.
• Confirm that the proposed replacement is suitable for the environment.

Do Not Order Large Quantities From One Visual Match

Where dozens or hundreds of replacement locks are required, prove the proposed replacement on an actual locker before ordering the complete quantity.

1. Identify the existing lock.
2. Record its dimensions and cam.
3. Select the proposed replacement.
4. Fit one replacement to an actual locker.
5. Test the lock while the locker door is open.
6. Confirm the locked and unlocked cam positions.
7. Close and operate the locker repeatedly.
8. Check management or master access.
9. Confirm user key, code or credential operation.
10. Only then approve the wider quantity.

This is particularly important where the locker estate has been repaired over many years and visually identical doors may contain different generations of locks.

Common Locker Lock Identification Problems

Problem	What to check next
No key number visible	Key, lock face, barrel, rear body and site records
Original key lost	Look for a readable code on the lock face or barrel
No manufacturer visible	Use photographs, measurements, keyway and cam details
Key turns but door stays locked	Inspect cam, latch and door alignment
Replacement key does not work	Recheck key code, manufacturer, key series and barrel condition
Replacement lock does not fit	Check cut-out, fixing, footprint, body depth and door thickness
Lock fits but does not secure	Check cam length, bend, offset and rotation
Master key no longer operates the locker	Check whether the lock was previously replaced outside the original master group
Several lock types across the site	Create a lock register before ordering further parts
Original lock is obsolete	Assess compatible replacement or conversion options

Common Mistakes When Identifying Locker Locks

• Ordering from the lock face alone.
• Assuming all keyed cam locks are interchangeable.
• Confusing the locker number with the key number.
• Ignoring the lock manufacturer.
• Ignoring cam length.
• Ignoring cam offset or bend.
• Ignoring locking rotation.
• Ignoring door thickness.
• Ignoring the door cut-out.
• Ignoring rear lock-body clearance.
• Replacing a lock when the real problem is door alignment.
• Replacing a mastered lock without checking master-key compatibility.
• Assuming all RFID technologies are compatible.
• Ordering electronic locks without checking batteries and rear clearance.
• Ordering a large quantity without testing one first.

Create a Locker Lock Register

For a larger locker estate, a simple lock register can save repeated identification work and reduce ordering errors.

Register field	Purpose
Locker number	Identifies the individual compartment
Location	Building, room and locker bank
Locker manufacturer	Helps identify original components and door preparation
Locker range	Further narrows compatibility
Lock type	Key, hasp, coin, combination, electronic or RFID
Lock manufacturer	Supports lock and key identification
Lock model	Provides a precise replacement reference
Key number	Supports replacement-key ordering
Cam or latch	Supports physical replacement compatibility
Master group	Preserves authorised management access
Door preparation	Records cut-out and fixing information
Condition	Identifies worn, damaged or seized locks
Last work	Records key supply, lock replacement or other repair

What to Send Total Locker Service for Identification

• Photograph of the complete locker.
• Close-up of the lock face.
• Photograph of all visible markings.
• Photograph of the key where available.
• Photograph of the complete rear mechanism.
• Photograph of the cam or latch.
• Locker door thickness.
• Cut-out dimensions.
• Cam dimensions.
• Locker manufacturer.
• Approximate quantity required.
• Whether the locker is in a wet, dry or industrial environment.
• Whether an existing master-key or management system must be retained.

Use our locker lock and part identification service if you cannot confidently identify the existing component.

Related Locker Lock and Key Guides

• Locker Locks – replacement and upgrade locker locks.
• Locker Keys – replacement keys for common locker lock ranges.
• Identify a Locker Part – send photographs and measurements for identification.
• How to Find Your Locker Key Code UK – locating and interpreting key numbers.
• Locker Lock Replacement Guide UK – replacing complete locker locks.
• Locker Access Control Systems UK – keys, PIN, RFID and smart access.
• Locker Parts, Repairs and Servicing UK – parts, repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Locker Lock Identification FAQs

Identify First, Order Second

Locker lock identification should be treated as a compatibility exercise rather than a visual comparison. The visible lock face is only one part of the system. The key series, rear mechanism, cam, door preparation, locker condition and management-access arrangements can all affect the correct replacement.

If the lock still works and the correct code can be established, replacing the key may be all that is required. If the complete lock needs replacing, confirm the physical fit and operation before ordering larger quantities.

Total Locker Service supplies replacement locker keys, locks, cams and other parts for many common locker systems and can help identify unknown components from photographs and measurements.

Browse our locker locks, use our replacement locker key service, or send details through the locker part identification service.

Call 01284 749211 or email sales@totallocker.co.uk.