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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-04-22 Origin: Site
When B2B buyers search for cam lock for cabinets, vending machines, or industrial enclosures, they often encounter the term "tubular cam lock" — and wonder whether it is a different product from a standard cam lock. The short answer: a tubular cam lock is a cam lock. It is a specific structural variant within the cam lock family, not a competing product category.
This guide explains the cam lock family — what the different types are, how tubular cam locks differ from standard cam locks in design and application, and how to choose the right variant for your product or project.
A tubular cam lock and a standard cam lock share the same locking principle — a rotating cam plate at the rear. The key difference is the shape of the key cylinder: standard cam locks use a flat-key cylinder, while tubular cam locks use a circular, tubular key profile.
A cam lock
is a quarter-turn mechanical fastening device consisting of a cylindrical lock body, a key cylinder, and a rotating metal tail piece called a cam. When the key is inserted and turned — typically 90° or 180° — the cam rotates to engage or disengage a latch or catch behind the mounting surface. Cam locks are among the most widely deployed locks in B2B applications worldwide, found in office furniture, retail display cases, vending machines, electrical enclosures, mailboxes, and industrial equipment.
All cam locks share the core cam mechanism. What distinguishes one type from another is the key cylinder design, security level, and target application. The cam lock family includes the following main variants:
Cam Lock Type | Key Profile | Primary Application |
Standard Cam Lock | Flat key (single or double bitted) | Office furniture, filing cabinets, display cases |
Security Cam Lock | Multi-disc or pin tumbler flat key | High-security cabinets, server racks, vending machines (19mm) |
Tubular Cam Lock | Circular / tubular key | Vending machines, ATMs, coin-operated equipment, gaming machines |
Glass Door Lock | Flat key with integrated handle | Glass display cases, retail showcases |
Push-In Cam Lock | Flat key (spring-loaded body) | Thin panels, low-cost cabinetry |
Jin Tay manufactures all variants above under its Cam Lock product line, supporting OEM/ODM customization for diameter (12mm, 16mm, 19mm), body length, cam configuration, and master key systems.
A tubular cam lock — also called a radial pin tumbler lock or ace lock — uses a circular key with pins arranged radially around a hollow cylindrical shaft. The tubular key is inserted into a round keyway, compresses the spring-loaded pins to the correct height, and allows the core to rotate.
• The tubular key fits into a circular keyway at the front of the lock cylinder.
• Spring-loaded pin tumblers are arranged in a radial pattern around the cylinder.
• The correct key lifts each pin to the exact shear line, allowing the core to rotate.
• Core rotation drives the cam plate at the rear, securing or releasing the latch.
• Compact footprint: the circular keyway requires less panel space than some flat-key designs.
• Resistance to picking: radial pin arrangements are harder to pick with standard tools than single-row flat-key locks.
• Industry-standard in coin-operated equipment: vending machines, ATMs, and gaming machines commonly use tubular locks as an industry norm.
• Key differentiation: tubular keys are visually distinct and less likely to be confused with other facility keys.
Both are cam locks. The decision between them depends on application norms, key management preferences, and security requirements — not on one being inherently "better" than the other.
Comparison Point | Standard Cam Lock | Tubular Cam Lock |
Key profile | Flat key (single or double-cut) | Circular / tubular key |
Typical outer diameter | 12mm, 16mm, 19mm | Typically 19mm (most vending/ATM applications) |
Picking resistance | Good (multi-disc versions: excellent) | Good (radial pins add complexity) |
Key management | Master key systems available (500:1) | Typically individual keys per lock |
Primary industries | Furniture, IT racks, enclosures, mailboxes | Vending machines, ATMs, gaming, coin-op equipment |
OEM customization | High (diameter, body length, cam, disc count) | Moderate (standard 19mm industry norm) |
Jin Tay availability | Full range: 12 / 16 / 19mm | Available (contact for specs) |
For buyers requiring elevated security — such as server rack access panels, pharmaceutical storage, or high-value retail displays — Jin Tay's Security Cam Lock series offers a purpose-built solution combining two critical capabilities:
Security Feature | Specification |
Disc (or pin tumbler) count | 7 to 14 discs — configurable per order |
Key combinations | 10,000+ unique key combinations |
Master key system | Up to 500 locks per one master key |
Anti-drill protection | Steel ball insert at the keyway face — prevents drill-tip from gaining purchase |
Key duplication difficulty | High — complex disc arrangement resists key copying |
Outer diameter options | 12mm / 16mm / 19mm |
Body length | 16 / 22 / 28 / 34mm (custom lengths available) |
The Security Cam Lock series is the recommended choice when both high security and large-scale key management are required simultaneously. Jin Tay's master key architecture allows facility managers to administer hundreds of locks with a single master key — eliminating the operational burden of managing individual keys at scale.
• The application is office furniture, filing cabinets, display cases, or electrical enclosures.
• You need flexible outer diameter options (12mm, 16mm, or 19mm).
• Key body length customization is required for non-standard panel thicknesses.
• A master key system is needed to manage multiple locks with one key.
• Material matters: stainless steel housing is available for corrosive environments.
• The application is a vending machine, ATM, coin-operated device, or gaming machine (industry standard is tubular in these categories).
• Picking resistance from a circular key profile is a priority.
• The OEM product already specifies tubular lock compatibility.
• The application demands both high security and master key management.
• Drill resistance is required (anti-drill steel ball at keyway face).
• A large deployment requires 10,000+ unique key combinations within a master key hierarchy.
1. Is a tubular cam lock the same as a standard cam lock?
They are both cam locks — they share the same core mechanism of a rotating cam plate that engages or releases a latch. The difference is the key profile: standard cam locks use a flat key, while tubular cam locks use a circular tubular key. Think of them as variants within the same product family, not two separate lock categories. Jin Tay manufactures both types under its Cam Lock product line.
2. What outer diameter do tubular cam locks typically use?
In most coin-operated and vending machine applications, tubular cam locks are standardized at 19mm outer diameter. This is an industry convention in vending, ATM, and gaming equipment. If your application requires a different diameter, Jin Tay recommends discussing standard cam lock options with flat-key profiles, which are available in 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm — with custom diameters available on request.
3. Can Jin Tay supply cam locks with a master key system?
Yes. Jin Tay's cam lock range — including Security Cam Lock variants — supports master key management. A single master key can operate up to 500 individual locks, making it practical for large-scale deployments such as server room cabinets, office furniture fleets, or retail display case networks. Key combinations reach up to 50,000 unique codes for extensive deployments.
4. What cam lock materials does Jin Tay offer?
Jin Tay cam locks are available in zinc alloy (standard), stainless steel (for corrosive or outdoor environments), brass, and engineering plastic for specific applications. Lock body length is available in standard sizes of 16mm, 22mm, 28mm, and 34mm, with custom lengths available for non-standard panel thicknesses. Contact Jin Tay's sales team for material and dimensional specifications matching your OEM requirements.
5. Are cam locks suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?
Security Cam Lock variants from Jin Tay feature dust protection and weather-resistant design built to the IEC/EN 60529 international standard framework. For specific IP ratings by model, please request Jin Tay's specification sheets, as IP certification is confirmed on a per-model basis. For environments requiring stainless steel housings — marine applications, food processing areas, or outdoor kiosk enclosures — Jin Tay's stainless steel cam lock variants are the recommended choice.
Ready to Source the Right Cam Lock Type?
Jin Tay has manufactured cam locks — including standard, security, and tubular variants — since 1980. With over 45 years of OEM expertise, we help global buyers select and customize the right lock for every cabinet, machine, or enclosure application.
Contact Jin Tay for samples, OEM specifications, or a custom quote: sales@jintay.com.tw | www.jintay.com.tw
