Quarter Turn Latch Too Short? Check Grip, Hole and Key First

Your locker latch has snapped, or the new one is too short for the door. Measure the door and the hole, pick the insert or key, then a finish that suits where the door lives.

The quarter turn latches and locks range at PartsForMachines covers more than 200 Metrol locks and latches, most with grip heights from 7.5mm to 60mm.

What Size Quarter Turn Lock Do I Need for My Door?

Go by the door’s thickness, not the lock’s diameter. The size that matters is the grip height in the product name (barrel height in the specification), and every lock gives the panel thickness range it suits. In the 1420 series an 18mm grip suits panels 1–8mm thick, 30mm suits 1–16mm, 36mm 1–22mm, 50mm 1–36mm and 60mm 1–46mm.

A locker door about 44mm (1¾in) thick needs a lock with a 60mm grip, such as the 7mm triangle lock 1420-60037-30. Other families pair grip and panel differently, so if a lock came up short, measure the door and choose one whose range covers it.

My Latch Has Snapped: How Do I Find One That Fits?

Match the old lock by its measurements rather than its make: the panel hole, the door thickness, what turns it and the cam on the back. Measure the hole and note whether it is square or round. Most of the range needs a 20.1 x 20.1mm square hole, and mini locks such as the 1418 need a 14.1 x 14.1mm square. Others, such as the 1415 range and the 1419, need a Ø22.5mm round hole, and a few use other sizes.

Keep the old cam to match. If the old lock’s part number is readable, search for it on our site.

How Secure Is a Quarter Turn Lock, and Can Each Door Have Its Own Key?

It depends on the insert. Triangle, square and double-bit inserts need a matching key, so they give more security than a plain slot. For a door that must stay locked, choose a key cylinder: key locking 333 and 2233 locks come with keys. If one common key opens every locker, the KEY333 key-retaining lock 1401-20-30.KD takes randomly generated key codes, so each lock gets its own key.

For a second layer, padlockable 1406, 1407 and 1435 locks also take a padlock. If several doors must share one key, ask our team before you order.

Which Quarter Turn Lock Will Survive Outdoors, on a Boat or a Horsebox?

Choose IP65 for outdoor doors, and stainless steel 316 for salt water or wash-down. Most of the range is rated IP65: dust-tight and protected against water jets. A few, such as the 1418 mini and the 1419, are IP40: they keep out solid objects over 1mm but not water, so keep them for indoor cabinets.

Lock bodies are mostly die cast zinc, usually in chrome or black finishes. Stainless steel 316 contains molybdenum, which improves its resistance to pitting by chlorides such as salt water. On a boat, choose a lock like the stainless steel 316 4mm double-bit lock 1401-014-316; stainless steel 304 suits general outdoor work.

What Should I Check Before I Buy?

the door or panel thickness, against the lock’s panel thickness range
the panel hole: square or round, and its size
how it opens: tool insert, key, key-retaining or padlockable, plus the insert’s shape and size
the cam: included, or chosen to match the old one’s profile and length
where the door lives: IP65 or IP40, zinc or stainless steel

Browse the quarter turn latches and locks range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with a photo of the old lock, the door thickness and the hole size.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a quarter turn lock work?

Turning the key, knob or tool through 90 degrees swings a steel cam on the back of the lock behind the door frame, which holds the door shut. Turning it back the other way releases the door.

Which insert do I need to match my key or tool?

Match the shape and size of the key or driver you use now: 7mm or 8mm triangle or square, 3, 4 or 5mm double bit, 2x4 slot or coin-proof slot, or 8mm or 10mm female hexagon.

Can I latch the door by hand and still lock it with a key?

Yes. A key locking wing knob or wing handle turns by hand without a tool and comes with keys to lock it, as on the wing knob lock 1404-110-20. Non-locking versions simply latch.

Does a quarter turn lock come with a cam?

Not always. Most locks have a range of cams to choose from, so check the cam option before you order. Some, such as the 1412-110 handle lock, the 1418 mini and the 1419, come with the cam included.

How do I choose a replacement cam?

Match the old cam’s profile, length and bend. If it is missing, send our team the lock’s part number and a photo of the frame where the cam has to catch.

What if the door rattles or will not sit tight on its seal?

Fit a compression latch, such as the 1409 T-handle type. A plain quarter turn lock only holds the door, but a compression latch clamps it against the seal as it turns, which squeezes the gasket and helps stop rattling.

How do I free a stiff key lock?

Spray a little PTFE dry lock lubricant into the keyway, then turn the key back and forth to spread it. Avoid oily general-purpose sprays, which can attract dust and dirt that make the lock stiff again.

What can replace a hasp and staple on a boat locker?

A padlockable quarter turn lock, such as the stainless steel 316 padlockable lock 1406-110-316, closes the lid with a quarter turn and takes a padlock when you need extra security.

What do the numbers on a Metrol lock mean?

The first four digits give the lock family, such as 1401 or 1420, and a -316 or -304 ending marks a stainless steel 316 or 304 version. The 1420-18037-316, for example, is a 7mm triangle lock with an 18mm grip in stainless steel 316.