Cam Lock vs Cylinder Lock: What’s the Difference?

Cam Lock vs Cylinder Lock: The Short Answer

A cam lock and a cylinder lock are the same mechanism. Both names describe a small, round-barreled lock that is turned with a key (or a tool) to rotate a flat metal arm — the cam — which swings behind the frame to secure a cabinet, drawer, mailbox or enclosure. The two terms are used interchangeably across the industry; the difference is only in which part of the lock each name emphasizes.

Why Two Names for the Same Lock?

The name “cam lock” describes what the lock does: a cam (the rotating latch arm on the back) swings into place to hold the door shut. The name “cylinder lock” describes what the lock looks like: a cylindrical barrel that passes through a round hole in the panel. Same part, two viewpoints — one functional, one physical.

In practice, “cam lock” is the more common term in North American and general hardware catalogs, while “cylinder lock” appears more often in European and industrial specifications, and in the Reaking catalog where the whole category is listed under cylinder lock. If you search one term and the supplier answers with the other, you are almost always looking at the same product.

What a Cam Lock (Cylinder Lock) Actually Consists Of

Whichever name is used, the lock has the same core parts:

• Body — the cylindrical barrel that fits through the panel hole (typically 16, 19 or 22 mm in diameter).
• Plug — the part that turns when the key is inserted, containing the wafers or pins.
• Cam — the flat, sometimes bent or offset arm on the back that rotates 90° or 180° to engage the frame.
• Nut — the retaining nut that clamps the lock to the panel.
• Key or insert — the drive that operates it, from a simple wing to a tamper-resistant triangular, square or hexagon socket.

For a full breakdown of the drive options, see our guide to cam lock insert types.

Is There Any Difference at All?

There is one subtle distinction worth knowing: in a few specialist contexts, “cylinder lock” can also refer to the larger profile cylinder or euro cylinder used in doors and lock cases — a longer, double-sided cylinder that is not the same as a cabinet cam lock. So when buying cabinet or enclosure hardware, treat “cam lock” and “cylinder lock” as the same thing; the ambiguity only appears when you cross into door-lock territory.

What to Specify When You Order

Because the two names point to the same lock, the name matters less than the actual specifications. When ordering, state these five things so there is no confusion regardless of terminology:

1. Body diameter — 16 / 19 / 22 mm.
2. GH length — the body height that must span your panel thickness.
3. Cam type — straight, offset or hook, and its length.
4. Rotation — 90° or 180°.
5. Key / insert type and whether you need keyed alike across multiple cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cam lock and cylinder lock the same?

Yes. They are two names for the same cabinet lock — “cam lock” describes the rotating cam that does the locking, while “cylinder lock” describes the cylindrical body. In cabinet and enclosure hardware they are interchangeable.

Why is it called a cam lock?

It is named after the cam — the flat metal arm on the back of the lock that rotates when you turn the key and swings behind the frame to hold the door shut.

What is the difference between a cam lock and a euro cylinder?

A cam lock is a small, single-sided cabinet lock with a rotating cam. A euro (profile) cylinder is the larger double-sided cylinder used in door lock cases — a different product used in doors rather than cabinets.

Which term should I use when searching?

Both work. “Cam lock” is more common in North American catalogs and general hardware searches, while “cylinder lock” appears more in European and industrial specifications.

Do cam locks come in different sizes?

Yes. The most common body diameters are 16, 19 and 22 mm, with a GH (body height) chosen to match the panel thickness — see our cam lock sizes guide.

About Reaking

Reaking manufactures industrial cabinet hardware in Shengzhou, Zhejiang, China. Our main products include industrial cabinet locks (cylinder locks, panel locks, RV locks, plane locks, rod control locks), handles, hinges and sealing strips. We supply hardware for industrial enclosures, telecom cabinets, data center cabinets, energy storage cabinets and RV applications. We serve buyers across Europe, North America, Middle East and Southeast Asia. OEM and custom orders are welcome.