Replies

1. 
   tms | Aug 25, 2006 12:45am | #1

   Hey Sam,

   What you're looking for is a Machinist's Chest Lock. On this lock, when the top is lowered, it pushes a pin into each of the drawers below, locking them into the case.

   I'm not sure who has them, but I would look a Brusso Hardware. Lee Valley and Rockler carry them.

   Tom

2. 
   mufti | Aug 25, 2006 08:39pm | #2

              Another way is again used on machinists chests. The drawers are set back in the carcase and a detachable panel sits in front of the drawers, being held by two brass pins into matching sockets at the bottom and a small cabinet lock at the top. The advantage here is the front of the panel is ripe for decorative inlay or carving.

3. 
   hammer1 | Aug 26, 2006 03:33am | #3

   You want to look for what is called a "gang lock". They are fairly common on desks and file cabinets. Finding one to fit your particular installation will be difficult. You may have to be creative. Most of them have a rod that is on a spring. There are notches, pins or clips that engage the drawers when the lock is set. One drawer often controls all the others.

   As an example. the top drawer may ride over a vertical rod, like a brass brazing rod. The rod may only stick up in the drawer area 1/4". The rod may sit on a spring, like a ball point pen spring. As the drawer is shut, it pushes down on the rod, which in turn, engages the other drawers with a pin or clip.

   There have been many times when I have either wanted some specific hardware that I couldn't find or built a piece without having the hardware. Both are a bad place to be. I try to solve the hardware issues before I build, when possible. Unfortunately, not everything I want is made.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

4. 
   Sam H | Aug 29, 2006 09:45pm | #4

   Thanks tms, mufti and hammer1.

   It is quite helpful to get feedback like this.

   Should I delete this item when I've got what I need? How long do people leave then open?

   sam