nmantas
Well-known member
If you have the HF toolboxes and want them keyed alike, the easiest solution is to order the 5-lock set from Harbor Freight parts (part numbers # 68784 or 12892). The original locks install in just a minute or two but does come at a cost (40 bucks shipped). I only have two HF boxes....and I'm cheap so I elected to do this without going through harbor freight. I have an older box that has the flat key and a new box that uses the tubular key. My local locksmith/lock store didn't stock 5/8" 180 degree tubular cam locks but there is one seller on eBay that sells them and for cheap ($8.50 shipped) I shot them an email to see if they had the HF key codes where they could just match up a lock to my current tubular lock, the response was that they didn't have the codes but I could ship them my key and they could configure a second lock for it. So for $2 in postage on a Saturday I sent off my key and the next Thursday I received this:
I was NOT expecting them to make two more additional keys for me let alone engraving those keys with my key code (what service for $8.50 shipped).
There are some unexpected issues on the type of lock I bought, it uses a threaded rod and nut on the back while the original lock utilizes a bolt....this creates a length issue and an issue of how to hold the U-shaped metal connector. Also the original used a clip to hold the lock in while the new one uses a nut.
You can see the threaded rod goes right through the U-shaped connector and the hole is so big the rod doesn't even touch it let alone forcing it to spin:
I accidentally stumbled into a solution, I cut the included cam into half with a hacksaw and was thinking of getting it welded to the U-connector:
But when I put it on it dawned on me that it would force the U-connector around:
Ready to install but one more issue.....the threaded rod on the bolt makes it longer than the old lock and interferes with the rod that goes to the back of the box (wont fit). I ground down some metal off both ends of the rod on my bench grinder till it would fit (I'd guess at least 5/16 of material). The original lock is so easy to install....this system takes a few minutes because all parts have to be installed blind (make sure you have all the adjustments worked so it matches the other lock or you will have to take it apart and instal it again......I was much faster the second go round)
Here is the lock I bought (I'm not affiliated with the company) and was the only place selling the 180degree 5/8" tubular cam locks that I found: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171412633092
Altogether it cost me $10.50 and it works perfectly. Hope this helps someone else in the same boat.
I was NOT expecting them to make two more additional keys for me let alone engraving those keys with my key code (what service for $8.50 shipped).
There are some unexpected issues on the type of lock I bought, it uses a threaded rod and nut on the back while the original lock utilizes a bolt....this creates a length issue and an issue of how to hold the U-shaped metal connector. Also the original used a clip to hold the lock in while the new one uses a nut.
You can see the threaded rod goes right through the U-shaped connector and the hole is so big the rod doesn't even touch it let alone forcing it to spin:
I accidentally stumbled into a solution, I cut the included cam into half with a hacksaw and was thinking of getting it welded to the U-connector:
But when I put it on it dawned on me that it would force the U-connector around:
Ready to install but one more issue.....the threaded rod on the bolt makes it longer than the old lock and interferes with the rod that goes to the back of the box (wont fit). I ground down some metal off both ends of the rod on my bench grinder till it would fit (I'd guess at least 5/16 of material). The original lock is so easy to install....this system takes a few minutes because all parts have to be installed blind (make sure you have all the adjustments worked so it matches the other lock or you will have to take it apart and instal it again......I was much faster the second go round)
Here is the lock I bought (I'm not affiliated with the company) and was the only place selling the 180degree 5/8" tubular cam locks that I found: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171412633092
Altogether it cost me $10.50 and it works perfectly. Hope this helps someone else in the same boat.
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