Locker Lock Buying Guide

Find the right lock for your lockers — quick tips, lock functionality, and compatibility made simple.

Buying locker locks for the first time? Or upgrading your existing setup? At Locker Parts Direct, you’ll find a wide range of locker locks to suit every type of installation — from schools and gyms to offices and leisure centres.

Choosing the right lock depends on how your lockers are used, who’s using them, and the level of security needed. For example, shared-use areas often go for coin or RFID locks, while private lockers might use key or mechanical combination locks.

Whatever the environment, having the right locker lock ensures smooth operation and reliable security. Locker Parts Direct makes it easy to find trade-quality locks that fit perfectly and perform every time.

  • Cam Locks

    Think of a cam lock as a tiny twisty lever for your locker — you stick the key in, turn it, and a flat metal arm (the “cam”) swings behind the locker frame to stop the door opening. Turn the key back and the cam moves away so the door can open again. Simple, sturdy and easy to fit or replace — perfect for lockers.

    Think of a cam lock as a tiny twisty lever for your locker — you stick the key in, turn it, and a flat metal arm (the “cam”) swings behind the locker frame to stop the door opening. Turn the key back and the cam moves away so the door can open again. Simple, sturdy and easy to fit or replace — perfect for lockers.

    • Security Level: Low to Medium
    • Budget Range: £

    Advantages

    1. Simple and reliable mechanism.
    2. Low-cost and easy to fit.
    3. Quick to replace or rekey.

    Things to Consider

    1. Key management can be tricky.
    2. Lower security than digital locks.
    3. No keyless access option.
    Shop Cam Locks >

  • Hasp Locks

    A hasp lock, sometimes called a latch lock, works by using a metal loop that lines up with a slot on the door. Instead of using a key, you pop a padlock through the loop to secure it shut. It’s simple, reliable, and great for shared spaces where users bring their own padlocks for security.

    A hasp lock, sometimes called a latch lock, works by using a metal loop that lines up with a slot on the door. Instead of using a key, you pop a padlock through the loop to secure it shut. It’s simple, reliable, and great for shared spaces where users bring their own padlocks for security.

    • Security Level: Low to Medium
    • Budget Range: £

    Advantages

    1. Works with padlocks or as simple turn handles.
    2. Low-cost and easy to maintain.
    3. Ideal for schools and shared spaces.

    Things to Consider

    1. Padlocks can be lost or forgotten.
    2. Security depends on the padlock quality.
    3. Not as sleek or tamper proof as other locks.
    Shop Hasp Locks >

  • Mechanical Locks

    A mechanical combination lock uses a set of rotating dials instead of a key. Each dial has numbers that you line up to form your chosen code — once entered correctly, the lock opens. They’re available in 3-dial or 4-dial versions depending on how secure you need it, with the extra dial offering more possible combinations and added protection.

    A mechanical combination lock uses a set of rotating dials instead of a key. Each dial has numbers that you line up to form your chosen code — once entered correctly, the lock opens. They’re available in 3-dial or 4-dial versions depending on how secure you need it, with the extra dial offering more possible combinations and added protection.

    • Security Level: Medium
    • Budget Range: ££

    Advantages

    1. No keys needed - just a code.
    2. No batteries or power required.
    3. Durable and low maintenance.

    Things to Consider

    1. Users may forget their code(s).
    2. Code resets can be fiddly.
    3. Less secure if codes are shared.
    Shop Mechanical Locks >

  • Electronic Locks

    An electronic lock runs on batteries and opens with a PIN code instead of a key — punch in your numbers and an internal motor moves the latch so the door can be opened. They’re quick to use, let you change codes easily (great for shared or temporary users), and often have low-battery warnings — just swap the batteries when needed and you’re good to go.

    An electronic lock runs on batteries and opens with a PIN code instead of a key — punch in your numbers and an internal motor moves the latch so the door can be opened. They’re quick to use, let you change codes easily (great for shared or temporary users), and often have low-battery warnings — just swap the batteries when needed and you’re good to go.

    • Security Level: Medium to High
    • Budget Range: ££

    Advantages

    1. Keyless and easy to use with PINs.
    2. Battery powered with low-battery warnings.
    3. Great for shared or high-traffic areas.

    Things to Consider

    1. Needs battery changes.
    2. More expensive than manual locks.
    3. Can fail if electronics malfunction.
    Shop Electronic Locks >

  • RFID Locks

    RFID locks are contactless — users tap or hold an RFID card, fob or wristband (or use Bluetooth/NFC on a phone) near the reader and the latch unlocks. No keys or codes to type; access is fast, convenient and easy to manage — you can add/remove users centrally and track who’s used a locker. Great for gyms, schools and workplaces where people come and go; they usually run on batteries or mains with low-battery alerts, so remember to keep power in check.

    RFID locks are contactless — users tap or hold an RFID card, fob or wristband (or use Bluetooth/NFC on a phone) near the reader and the latch unlocks. No keys or codes to type; access is fast, convenient and easy to manage — you can add/remove users centrally and track who’s used a locker. Great for gyms, schools and workplaces where people come and go; they usually run on batteries or mains with low-battery alerts, so remember to keep power in check.

    • Security Level: High
    • Budget Range: £££

    Advantages

    1. Contactless - tap card or fob for instant access.
    2. Easy to manage - revoke or issue cards without changing locks.
    3. Integrates with systems (time/date logs, access control).

    Things to Consider

    1. Lost/stolen cards need cancelling fast.
    2. Cost & installation higher than mechanical options.
    3. Possible cloning or tech faults.
    Shop RFID Locks >

  • Coin Locks

    Coin locks are super easy to use — you pop in a coin to release the key and lock the door. They come in two types: coin return, where you get your coin back after use, and coin retain, where the coin stays in the lock to generate revenue. Perfect for gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres where users need quick, pay-per-use locker access.

    Coin locks are super easy to use — you pop in a coin to release the key and lock the door. They come in two types: coin return, where you get your coin back after use, and coin retain, where the coin stays in the lock to generate revenue. Perfect for gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres where users need quick, pay-per-use locker access.

    • Security Level: Medium
    • Budget Range: ££

    Advantages

    1. Generates income with coin retain options.
    2. Coin return gives users their money back.
    3. Perfect for gyms, pools, and leisure sites.

    Things to Consider

    1. Needs coin management and emptying.
    2. Not ideal if customers don't carry cash.
    3. Mechanisms can jam or wear over time.
    Shop Coin Locks >

Key Lock Features

Cam (Locking Bar)

A cam bar (locking bar) is a mechanism fitted to the lock that sits inside the locker frame and secures the door when the lock is turned. It extends behind the frame to keep the door firmly closed and retracts when unlocked. Cam bars are common on lockers needing extra strength or multi-point locking.

Lock Orientation

Lock orientation refers to how a lock is positioned and operates on the locker door. Vertical locks work the same both ways, so orientation doesn’t matter. Horizontal locks, however, can be set for left-hand or right-hand locking, depending on which side the door is hinged — selectable on the website when ordering.

Master Keys

Master keys let authorised staff manually override a lock’s code to open it in emergencies or if a user loses their key. They can be purchased for both mechanical and electronic locks, but only for select models — kept secure and used sparingly to protect users’ belongings and privacy.

Operating Mode

Operating mode defines how a locker lock is used. Public Mode (shared use) is for temporary access, where lockers reset after each use — ideal for gyms or leisure centres. Private Mode (assigned use) is for long-term access, where one user keeps the same code or key — perfect for schools or workplaces.

Environment Type

Environment type indicates where a lock is designed to be used. Some locks are made for indoor dry areas like offices or schools, while others suit indoor wet areas such as swimming pools or changing rooms. Certain models are built for outdoor wet areas, offering extra protection against weather and corrosion.

Code Finding Keys

Code finding keys are different to master keys — they don’t open the lock. Instead, they let you scroll the dials and the wheels click into the correct combination so you can see or reset the code. Available only for select mechanical models, they’re a recovery tool, not an access override.

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