A Guide to Choosing the Right Industrial Lock

Robust, highly-secure and reliable locking systems are essential for industrial applications.

From safeguarding valuable equipment to controlling access in sensitive areas, often an industrial locking system acts as the first line of defence.

we have over 100 years of experience manufacturing leading locking solutions, meaning that we understand the importance of security across a host of industrial applications.

To help you find the locking solution that perfectly matches your security requirements, we’ve broken down various types of industrial locking systems:

Types of Industrial Lock Systems

Disc Tumbler Locks

Disc tumbler locks, like our disc tumbler cam locks, are operated via wafers within the lock housing.

When the key is not inserted, these wafer tumblers (each of varying heights) are designed to slot into a groove in the lower section of the outer cylinder, preventing the plug from rotating.

Once the correct key is inserted, the wafers are raised out of the lower cylinder.    This insertion of the matching key means that the wafers are then unobstructed, allowing the key, wafer tumblers and plug to rotate and deactivate the locking mechanism.

Disc tumbler locks

Perfect for: Metal and wooden furniture locks, personal storage (lockers), display equipment.

Advantages

Affordable: Cost-effective option for everyday security needs.

Durable: Robust construction makes them resistant to tampering and weathering.

Smooth operation: Easy to use with user-friendly key mechanisms.

Variety of options: Available in different sizes and materials to suit diverse applications.

our products: Our disc tumbler lock mechanisms incorporate hardened steel cores and all-weather casings for enhanced security and longevity.

Radial Pin Tumbler (RPT) Locks

Radial pin tumbler (RPT) locks offer enhanced resistance to lock picking.

Within the locking mechanism, the key pins and driver pins are pushed towards the front of the lock, preventing the plug from rotating without a specialized tubular key.

This tubular key features several half-cylinder indentations which align with the pins.    The protrusion on top of the key fits into the rectangular recess in the lock, causing the indentations to properly align with the pins.

When the key is inserted, the gaps between the key pins and driver pins align with the shear plane separating the plug from the outer casing allowing the lock to turn.

Radial pin tumbler locks RPT

Perfect for: Motorhome and trailer locks, automotive aftermarket, vending and slot machines.

Advantages

Pick-resistant: Complex pin arrangement and precision tolerances offer superior resistance to lock picking techniques.

Drill-resistant: Robust construction withstands drilling attempts.

Bump-resistant: Advanced pin design makes them less susceptible to bumping attacks.

Long-lasting: Durable materials and precise engineering ensure reliable operation for years.

our products: Our RPT locks are fitted with cams and operate with the same versatility as disc tumbler cam locks.

Lever Locks

Unlike tumbler locks, lever locks use a set of levers which stops the locking bolt from moving.

In the simplest of these systems, lifting the tumbler above a certain height will allow the bolt to slide past.

The number of levers may vary, but it is usually an odd number so that the lock can be opened from each side of the door.    A minimum number of levers may be specified to provide an anticipated level of security.    The higher the number of levers, the more secure the lock.

Perfect for: High-security metal furniture locks, safe manufacturing, cash management systems, PC security.

Advantages

High-security: Multiple levers provide layered protection against forced entry.

Customizable: Available with varying lever counts for tailored security levels.

Tamper-evident: Signs of forced entry are easily visible, deterring potential break-ins.

Durable: Strong materials and robust construction ensure long-lasting performance.

our products: We offer lever locks with 7, 8 or 11-levers and a variety of lock combinations from 1,600 to 200,000.

Mechanical Combination Locks

Mechanical combination locks use several rotating discs which must be turned to specific numbers in a specific order for the lock to release.

The discs have notches cut into the inside which are hooked by the teeth of a pin, which secures the lock.  When the teeth line up to the notches on the discs, the lock can open.

Although this type of lock is keyless, a lot of mechanical combination locks offer a key override in the event that the code is forgotten. 

 Mechanical Combination Locks

Perfect for: Lockers, storage cabinets, office furniture.

Advantages

Keyless security: No physical key required, reducing vulnerability to theft or duplication.

Durable: Robust construction withstands harsh environments and manipulation attempts.

Tamper-resistant: Internal mechanisms make forced entry difficult.

Easy to reset: Combination changes can be made quickly and securely.

our products: Available in a range of different shapes, sizes and finishes, shared use or private mode, wet or dry area to suit any environment.

Electronic Combination Locks

To open the unit in an electronic combination lock, the user types a code into a keypad. The code is then compared to the internally stored codes and if the entered code is correct, the unit unlocks.

These locks can be adjusted to different settings, meaning that after a short period of time, the lock will automatically close (retaining the original code) or it may stay open (cancelling its code), depending on the user’s preference. In the latter case, a code is typed into the unit in order to lock it, with the same code then being used to re-open it.

A stored master code can be used to re-program the unit so that its operating mode is changed. Or the master code may be used simply to open the unit in the event that the user code has been forgotten.

As standard, all of our electronic locks are supplied with a mechanical override key for supervisory purposes or in case emergency access is required .

Nimbus Electronic Locks

Perfect for: Delivery lockers, personal storage lockers, shared workspaces.

Advantages

Keyless convenience: Eliminates the need for physical keys and simplifies access control.

Multiple user codes: Program different codes for authorized personel and easily manage access.

Easy installation: No hardwiring required for easy installation and portability.

our products: Our electronic combination locks boast user-friendly keypads, optional master codes and key overrides. Some models also feature compatibility with our intuitive Remote Allocation System (RAS) for added security and efficiency.