Quick and easy cubby locks

Others have posted similar mods to their bed cubby compartments. I thought I'd show mine. It is a pretty easy and straightforward / self explanatory project. The takeaway from my installation: after getting the locks installed, work with the metal arm through several test fits slightly bending it until the fit is snug into the slits on the top of the cubby holes. This will prevent the panels from being loose when locked.

 

Also other details to add, after I was finished I shot some lithium grease into the lock assembly to help with corrosion prevention.

I purchased these locks at The Home Depot and they're all key coded the same.

 

Did you use the 7/8" cabinet lock?

 

Looks like a good idea.

 

I used:

Prime-Line Model U 9941 (Home Depot SKU 475065)
5/8 in. Chrome Drawer and Cabinet Keyed Cam Locks

Link:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-Li...r-and-Cabinet-Keyed-Cam-Lock-U-9941/100173693

 

Thanks for the info.....this will be my next mod....

 

Good advice. I didn't double lock the large cubby. Works well though

 

You used three different locks so does that mean you're stuck with three separate keys?

 

I did the same thing when I bought my truck a couple yrs ago. Just match the key code on back of package. 1 key fits all. I did it a little different.

 

I purchased these locks at The Home Depot and they're all key coded the same. The packaging of the lock will have a key code sticker on it. So if you're planning on doing this, go ahead and get all of them at the same time and get matching key codes.

Here is another tip. Make fast work out of grinding the back side plastic flush using a flapper wheel on an angle grinder (what you'd use to smooth out welds for example). Otherwise, it will take you a while to get on it with a dremel or something similar. You can save the dremel type rotary tool for widening the hole slightly.

I also chose to use the quarter turn stop cam washer (the kit comes with both a quarter turn or half turn, so you choose). This stops the lock cam (flap) after a quarter turn rather than half turn. I used plenty of thread lock on the nut. For the back plate of the lockset, I found it best to test fit the assembly allowing the spikes to mark their location on the backside. Then it was much better to predrill a small hole (not all of the way through the cover) for the back plate spikes to seat into. Otherwise, you will not get them to seat / pierce the plastic on their own. It is this back plate that prevents the entire assembly from rotating, so it is important for those spikes to seat properly.

This really is one of those lazy day kind of projects. It isn't overly complicated or stressful. So just take your time. There aren't any do overs (unless you buy a replacement cover).

 

From post #2 "I purchased these locks at The Home Depot and they're all key coded the same."