Do you have a specific application in mind? Are you trying to fix a juke box or gumball machine? learning how to pick them? Do you need a certain length cylinder or cam? more info please.
Keep in mind, the Duo locks work a bit differently than "standard" hardware store cam locks. You'll want to pay attention to things like number of key pulls, type of cam, installation dimensions, etc. I'd suggest you take a look at the tech specs before buying to make sure the lock is compatible with what you want to do with it. I have a few of these and I've had to custom manufacture my own cams to get them to work in a couple of instances, particularly if you're trying to retrofit one onto an existing installation.
That was exactly my next question, thanks for answering it before I asked it. The length of the lock is critical in this lock and they don't have listed for sale one that is the right length. I will have to find out if a longer one can be cut down or how they made it work. thanks for letting me know that was an option,
whatr wrote:That was exactly my next question, thanks for answering it before I asked it. The length of the lock is critical in this lock and they don't have listed for sale one that is the right length. I will have to find out if a longer one can be cut down or how they made it work. thanks for letting me know that was an option,
It would be difficult, though not impossible, to cut one down. That is because the plug and shell are length matched, so if you cut one you'd have to cut the other as well. Cutting down the plug would then involve re-forming the square cutout on the back that engages the cam, drilling and tapping the hole for the cam retaining screw, etc. Like I said, not impossible, but something that would require a bit of machining experience.
They do make them in several different lengths, and they do come up on ebay somewhat regularly. If you have some time, your best bet would probably be to just keep your eyes open for one that is already the length you need.
Alternatively, if you simply can't find one that length, a better bet than cutting a longer one might be to shim the front with washers or something similar so the lock simply protrudes further from whatever you're trying to secure but the length in the back is correct, if that would be an option for you.
you seem to know about these duo locks. I'm having a hard time finding what I need. Illinois wont sell to individuals and doesn't have any retailer on the west coast ?? hard to believe, And no one has the length of cylinder that i need, but do you know, if i were to get one that is shorter could I use those disc's to place in the longer cylinder, would they interchange and is there any variation in keyways on these locks or just the discs determine the keyway. thanks
whatr wrote:you seem to know about these duo locks. I'm having a hard time finding what I need. Illinois wont sell to individuals and doesn't have any retailer on the west coast ?? hard to believe, And no one has the length of cylinder that i need, but do you know, if i were to get one that is shorter could I use those disc's to place in the longer cylinder, would they interchange and is there any variation in keyways on these locks or just the discs determine the keyway. thanks
Sorry, somehow missed this reply. I'm not sure I understand the question. First of all the Duo is a wafer tumbler lock, so there are no discs in it.
If you're asking if you can take the wafers from one Duo lock and put them in another Duo lock (e.g. to set the new one up to the same key), then yes I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to (have not actually done it myself, but there's nothing I'm aware of in the construction that would prevent it). If you go that route though be very careful when disassembling the lock, there are a lot of really small pieces in there that are under spring tension, it's quite easy for something to go flying and get lost. I have not yet found a good source of replacement parts for the Duo locks if that were to happen, other than buying another Duo lock and gutting it (though if anyone else reading this thread does, I'd love to know about it).
There are multiple Duo keyways available, though from what I can see the formed in warding on the plug itself looks like it could take a key from any of them and it's actually the profile wafers inside the lock that more completely enforce the keyway. Though I'm not 100% sure of that, I don't have a sample of every keyway available.
If you're asking if you can take the guts of a Duo lock and put them in another (non-Duo) cam lock of the appropriate length, then no that would not be possible.
demux wrote:If you're asking if you can take the guts of a Duo lock and put them in another (non-Duo) cam lock of the appropriate length, then no that would not be possible.
Ever hear of a file?
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
demux wrote:If you're asking if you can take the guts of a Duo lock and put them in another (non-Duo) cam lock of the appropriate length, then no that would not be possible.
Ever hear of a file?
You'd have to reshape the keyway to accept the Duo key, as well as mill out the plug to accept the wafer pack (wafers don't fit into separated slots like in a normal cam lock). My hat's off to anyone who can endeavour to do all that, with the appropriate precision, with just a file.
I agree Demux! There are a lot of things that can be done. Its just pointless, stupid, and a waste of good time to do them.
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.
Not disagreeing with either of you. Just saying that if you are stubborn, just about anything can be done. Therefore the wink at the end of my comment.
Should be done is an entirely different question.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
GWiens2001 wrote:Not disagreeing with either of you. Just saying that if you are stubborn, just about anything can be done. Therefore the wink at the end of my comment.
GWiens2001 wrote:Not disagreeing with either of you. Just saying that if you are stubborn, just about anything can be done. Therefore the wink at the end of my comment.
Should be done is an entirely different question.
Gotta love Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Now back to your regularly scheduled Duo.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
