Key-operated cam locks have been manufactured for decades using many different types of locking systems. From pin tumbler to wafer tumbler to rotating disc, key-operated cam locks have one feature in common. All of the above have an open keyway which can be susceptible to manipulation with picking tools and allows glue, dirt and other contaminants to enter the locks.
Capitol Industries has developed a new cam lock which is key-operated, can be installed into a standard double-D cutout and uses a standard square end extension on the plug to accept any shape of offset, hooked or straight locking cam. The difference between other cam locks and the cam lock by Capitol Industries is that there is no keyway and far less problems compared to locks with open keyways as mentioned above.
A group of magnets is located below the surface at the front of the cam lock. The Capitol Industries key also contains a group of magnets. When the key is inserted into a cutout area in the face of the plug, magnetism from the key interacts with the magnets located in the cam lock. The plug cutout and key face are specifically shaped so they must match each other before the key can be fully inserted into the cutout.
Magnets in the cam lock are attached to circular discs. Each brass disc contains a notch. The Capitol Industries cam locking system is similar to the design of time-proven combination safe locks. If the proper key is used, the brass discs are magnetically rotated until notches in the brass discs are aligned in an unlocked position and the key can be turned to operate the cam lock.
Three magnets are installed in each cam lock. Various magnet positioning on the discs and magnetic pole positions both in the key and inside the cam lock combine to provide approximately 1500 different key codes.
Magnets used in Capitol Industries lock products are made of neodymium, often called earth magnets. Neodymium is said to lose less than 1% of its magnetic strength in a 10 year period which provides a long life for Capitol magnetic cam locks. The www.capitolindustriesinc.com/magneticcam website shows the Capitol Industries magnetic cam lock being directly subjected to a spray of water, then placed inside a refrigerator freezer for two hours. The freezer door was then opened and a proper magnetic key was immediately inserted into the cutout area in the face of the plug. The key turned the cam lock without hesitation.
Other tests included holding a large earth magnet close to the face of the lock for a period of time. The large earth magnet had no effect and upon removal the key operated the cam lock normally. Neodymium magnets will lose strength when the temperature reaches 176 degrees fahrenheit. Also, a notice included with the cam lock warns against holding the magnetic keys in close contact to the magstrip on credit cards or hotel keycards since magnets in the key may demagnetize information on the cards.
One security feature is that keys for the Capitol Industries cam locks cannot be duplicated on standard key duplicating equipment. Keying kit KT3W01-20 is available so locksmiths can make additional keys in the field for recognized customers. An instruction sheet shows which magnetic parts to use and how to place those parts into a die-cast section of the key blank. The die-cast section is then snapped into the plastic keyhead to complete the key making procedure. A card is included with each magnetic cam lock which shows the original key code and magnetic key combination information required for making additional keys in the field.
Except for the magnetic operation, all other features are common to standard wafer-type cam locks. A 90-degree stop plate is furnished. A retaining screw at the rear secures the cam in place. Cam locks are presently available in lengths of 1 1/8" and 1 3/8". Other backsets can be arranged by using offset cams. A standard hex nut is furnished to retain the cam lock into the double-D opening. Standard finish is Nickel.
Magnetic cam locks are the latest product introduction from Capitol Industries Inc. Existing products include sliding covers for aluminum door lock cylinders, combination knife guard and sliding covers for aluminum glass doors and key boxes. Original Capitol Industries products used a magnetic locking system to cover vulnerable pin tumbler lock cylinders and deter vandalism while also keeping dust, dirt and waeather out of cylinder keyways. Key boxes and cam locks now extend the security capabilities of magnetic lock systems into new areas of usage.
For more information, contact: www.capitolindustriesinc.com, or 514-273-0451.
