Locker Lock Identification Guide UK

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 very similar from the front but differ in key series, fixing method, door preparation, cam length, locking direction or master-key compatibility.

Still cannot identify the lock? Use our locker lock and part identification service. Upload clear photographs of the lock face, rear mechanism, cam, key and any visible markings and we can help identify the next step.

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

If you already know the key number or lock code, you can go directly to our replacement locker keys cut to code. If the complete lock needs replacing, browse our locker locks and replacement locker locks.

Quick answer: how do you identify a locker lock?

Start by identifying how the lock operates, then check the lock face, key number, manufacturer markings, lock body, fixing method, cam or latch, door preparation and any master-key or override requirements. Clear photographs of 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 lock series
Key number or lock code	Code on the key, lock face, barrel or site records	May allow a replacement key to be cut without replacing the lock
Rear lock body	Barrel, housing, fixing nut, screws, battery cover or mechanism	Helps identify 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 lock will physically fit
Management system	Master key, override key, management card or administrator credential	Important when the replacement must remain compatible with an existing system

Important: the number 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 lock series.

1. Identify how the locker lock operates

The fastest first step is to look at how the user opens and secures the locker. This immediately separates the main lock types.

• 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: a coin return or coin retain locker lock.
• Mechanical dial or number wheels: a mechanical combination lock.
• PIN keypad: an electronic or digital locker lock.
• RFID card, fob or wristband: an electronic RFID locker lock.

Do not order parts from the operating method alone. Once the lock family is known, continue with the markings, fixing and rear mechanism.

2. Check the lock face before removing anything

The lock face is the visible part on the outside of the locker door and is often the best place to start identification.

• Look for a number around, above or below the key slot.
• Check for a manufacturer name, logo or symbol.
• Look at the shape and orientation of the keyway.
• Check whether the visible face is round, oval, square or rectangular.
• Look for a model, series or part number.
• On coin locks, record the coin or token information and whether there is a visible return button or coin box arrangement.
• On digital locks, record any model name, logo, keypad layout or indicator markings.
• Take a clear close-up photograph before removing the lock.

A readable number on a keyed lock may be enough to start a replacement-key enquiry. For more detail on where codes are found and what they mean, 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 identification details. It may appear in several places.

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 that can help narrow down the original lock
Site key register	Locker number matched to a key code or lock group
Old order records or maintenance paperwork	Previous key, lock or part reference

If the code is known and the lock still operates correctly, replacing the key is normally less disruptive than replacing the complete lock. See our replacement locker keys by code guide or order through our locker key cutting service.

4. Identify the lock manufacturer or series

Brand identification can help confirm key ranges, lock bodies, replacement cylinders, cams, master keys and compatible parts. Check the lock face, key head, barrel, rear mechanism and any locker manufacturer label.

Common locker lock manufacturers and key systems found in UK installations include Lowe & Fletcher, Ojmar, Ronis, ASSA ABLOY and other specialist locker-lock ranges. Some lockers use unbranded or older locks that can only be narrowed down by photographs and measurements.

• Lowe & Fletcher locker key identification
• Ojmar locker key identification
• Ronis locker key identification

Do not assume that two visually similar locks from different manufacturers use interchangeable keys, barrels or cams.

5. Inspect the rear of the lock

If the locker is open and it is safe to inspect the inside of the door, photograph the complete rear mechanism. The rear view often contains information that cannot be seen from the outside.

Look for:

• the shape and length of the lock body;
• a threaded barrel and fixing nut;
• fixing screws or mounting plates;
• the cam, latch or hook arrangement;
• part numbers or manufacturer markings;
• the position of any springs or linkages;
• battery covers on electronic locks;
• coin boxes, return mechanisms or service parts on coin locks;
• override cylinders or management-key points.

Take photographs before dismantling anything. A complete rear view is usually more useful than a photograph of a loose component with no indication of how it was originally fitted.

6. Check the cam, latch and locking direction

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

Two locks that look identical from the front can use different cams. Check the cam before ordering a complete replacement.

Cam detail	Why it matters
Length	The cam must reach the correct locking point without fouling the frame
Straight or cranked shape	A cranked cam changes the locking offset
Offset or bend	Affects door closure and engagement
Fixing method	The hole, screw or spindle arrangement must suit the replacement lock
Rotation direction	Some locks and locker arrangements require a particular direction of operation
Locked and unlocked position	Shows where the cam must finish relative to the locker frame

Where relevant, also record whether the door is left-hand or right-hand hinged and photograph the cam in both the locked and unlocked positions. Handing is particularly important with some specialist locks, coin systems and replacement mechanisms, although not every simple cam lock is handed.

An incorrect cam can result in a door that will not close, does not engage securely, jams during operation or remains loose when locked.

7. Measure the lock footprint and locker door preparation

When replacing the complete lock, the visible face is only part of the compatibility check. The replacement must also suit the hole or cut-out in the locker door and the available space behind it.

Check:

• the fixing-hole diameter or overall cut-out dimensions;
• whether the opening is round, square, double-D or another shape;
• whether the lock is flush mounted or recessed;
• the locker door thickness in millimetres;
• the lock body depth behind the door;
• the position of fixing nuts or screws;
• the front lock footprint or face dimensions;
• whether the new lock must cover an existing cut-out;
• clearance for the cam, latch, wiring or battery compartment;
• whether the lock interferes with the door frame or neighbouring components.

This is especially important when changing from a simple keyed lock to a mechanical combination, coin-operated or electronic lock. A new lock may work perfectly in principle but still be unsuitable if the existing door preparation is different.

Measure in millimetres and take a photograph with a ruler or vernier calliper visible where possible. Avoid estimating dimensions from a photograph alone.

8. Identify the locker lock type in more detail

Keyed cam locks

A keyed cam lock normally has a key cylinder at the front and a rotating cam at the rear. Common identification points include the key number, keyway, manufacturer, barrel length, fixing nut, cam style and any master-key system.

If you need more detail on this lock type, see our keyed locker locks guide.

Padlock fittings and hasp locks

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

See our padlock fittings for lockers guide.

Mechanical combination locks

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

Also check whether the system has a management key, code-finding facility or other authorised override method. See our mechanical combination locker lock guide.

Coin return and coin retain locks

Coin-operated locks usually have a larger front and rear mechanism than a simple cam lock. Record the manufacturer, coin or token type, whether the system returns or retains the coin, key or wrist-strap arrangement, door handing where relevant, master or service key details and the complete rear mechanism.

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

See our coin-operated locker lock guide.

Electronic, digital and RFID locker locks

Electronic locks may use a PIN, keypad, RFID card, fob, wristband or another electronic credential. Identification usually requires more than a front photograph.

Record:

• manufacturer and model;
• keypad, reader or credential type;
• battery location and battery compartment;
• public/shared-use or private/assigned-use mode;
• override key, management card or administrator method;
• front and rear lock-body dimensions;
• door cut-out and fixing positions;
• any separate latch, cable or electronic module;
• any existing management system that the replacement must remain compatible with.

See our electronic locker locks guide.

9. Check master-key and override compatibility

If a site uses master keys, service keys, management cards or administrator credentials, identify this before ordering replacement locks. A replacement may fit the locker door physically but still sit outside the site’s existing access-control system.

For keyed systems, record any known master-key group, lock series and manufacturer. If a replacement lock is installed without checking the existing master system, facilities staff may lose authorised management access to that locker.

For combination and electronic systems, check the authorised override method as well as normal user access. Management access can be provided by a key, code, programming tool, card, fob or other credential depending on the system.

For wider guidance, see our locker master key systems guide.

10. Identify how the locker is used

Lock identification is partly about the hardware and partly about the operating requirement. When a direct like-for-like replacement is not available, the way the locker is used helps determine the most suitable alternative.

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

11. Take the right photographs for locker lock identification

Good photographs can prevent unnecessary dismantling and reduce the chance of ordering the wrong part. Take several views rather than one distant image.

• Full locker door, showing the overall locker style.
• Close-up of the lock face.
• Close-up of every visible number, logo or marking.
• Photograph of the existing key, if available.
• Rear of the complete lock mechanism with the door open.
• Close-up of the cam, latch or linkage.
• Cam or latch in both locked and unlocked positions where possible.
• Fixing hole or cut-out if the lock has already been removed.
• Door thickness and important measurements.
• Locker manufacturer label or model label if present.

For large sites, label each image with the building, room, locker bank and locker number. This avoids mixing photographs from different lock types during a maintenance project.

Replacement key or replacement locker lock?

Once the lock has been identified, decide whether the existing mechanism can remain in service or whether the complete lock needs replacing.

Choose a replacement key when	Consider a replacement 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, worn or damaged
The cam still secures the door correctly	The cam, latch or rear mechanism is bent, missing or damaged
The site wants to retain the existing lock system	The existing lock is obsolete or replacement parts are unavailable
Only spare or lost keys are required	The lock has been forced or vandalised
The existing master-key system still meets requirements	The site is deliberately changing the access-control method

If a key has simply been lost, see our lost locker keys guide before replacing the full mechanism.

Common locker lock identification problems

Problem	What to check next
No key number is visible	Check the lock face, existing key, 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 clear front and rear photographs, keyway shape and measurements
The key turns but the locker stays locked	Inspect the cam, latch, linkage and engagement with the locker frame
A replacement key does not work	Recheck the key number, manufacturer, key series and condition of the barrel
The replacement lock does not fit	Check the door cut-out, fixing positions, lock footprint, body depth and door thickness
The replacement lock 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 lock has been replaced outside the original master-key group
Several different locks are fitted across the site	Create a locker lock register before ordering in bulk
An electronic upgrade will not fit	Recheck the existing cut-out, fixing pattern, lock footprint and rear clearance

Common mistakes to avoid before ordering locker lock parts

• Assuming all keyed cam locks are interchangeable.
• Confusing the locker door number with the key number.
• Ordering from the front appearance alone.
• Ignoring cam length, offset or bend.
• Ignoring the direction in which the cam or latch must operate.
• Failing to measure the locker door thickness.
• Ignoring the shape and size of the existing door cut-out.
• Ignoring recessed or unusual lock mounting arrangements.
• Mixing lock brands without checking compatibility.
• Replacing a mastered lock without checking the master-key system.
• Ordering a combination or electronic upgrade without checking its footprint.
• Ordering a large quantity before proving one replacement on the actual locker.

Where compatibility is uncertain, prove the identification and fit before committing to a large replacement order.

Locker lock identification for schools

Schools often need to identify locks after lost keys, damaged student lockers, mixed replacement locks or summer maintenance work. A site may contain several generations of lockers and more than one lock series, even when the doors look 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 lock types 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 the physical lock, the key or management system and how the locker is allocated.

Where an existing lock is to be replaced like for like, prioritise the lock series, door preparation, cam arrangement and authorised override requirements. Where the site is changing the lock type, also consider how staff access will be issued, changed and recovered.

Locker lock identification for gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

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

Record the operating method, manufacturer, model, door handing where relevant, coin or token arrangement, master or service access, and whether the installation is used in a wet or humid environment.

Create a locker lock register

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

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

For installations with many keyed lockers, maintaining the relationship between locker number, key number and master-key group can save substantial identification work when keys are later lost or locks need replacement.

Useful locker lock and key guides

• Replacement locker keys cut to code
• Locker locks and replacement locker locks
• Locker key number guide
• Replacement locker keys by code guide
• Keyed locker locks guide
• Mechanical combination locker locks guide
• Coin-operated locker locks guide
• Electronic locker locks guide
• Padlock fittings for lockers guide
• Locker master key systems guide

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. Clear photographs of the front and rear of the lock can help identify the correct replacement route.

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, the rear of the lock, cam and manufacturer markings can provide further identification information.

Is the locker number the same as the key number?

Not necessarily. The locker number normally identifies the door or compartment, while the key number or lock code identifies the key or lock series. Check the key, lock face, barrel or site key register before ordering a replacement key.

What is the cam on a locker lock?

The cam is the metal arm fitted to the rear of many keyed locker locks. It rotates when the key turns and engages behind the locker frame or locking point. Cam length, shape, offset and fixing can affect replacement-lock compatibility.

Are all locker locks the same size?

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

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

Check the site’s key records, previous lock documentation and manufacturer information. The appearance of the lock alone may not confirm master-key compatibility, so the lock series or existing key-control records are important.

What photographs should I send to identify a locker lock?

Send a photograph of the full locker door, a close-up of the lock face and all visible numbers, the existing key if available, and the complete rear lock mechanism with the door open. Include the cam or latch, fixing arrangement and useful measurements when possible.

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

Sometimes. Compatibility depends on the locker door preparation, lock footprint, fixing positions, door thickness, cam or latch position and available clearance. Check the physical fit and operating requirements before selecting an upgrade.

Should I replace the key or the complete locker lock?

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

Need help identifying a locker lock?

Total Locker Service supplies replacement locker keys, locker locks and lock parts for many common locker systems used across the UK. Before making an enquiry, 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 the existing lock still works and you have a readable code, start with our replacement locker key service. If the lock itself is damaged, obsolete or unsuitable, view our replacement locker lock range.