Finger hole lock?

[skipmac]

The access to the holding tank valves on my boat is inside a small locker with a finger hole to reach through to open the latch.

Instead of going in and out installing zip ties it would be much easier to lock the little cabinet. And instead of adding a deadbolt or other hardware why not install a round lock that plugs the hole so you can't reach the inside latch. No problem, I was sure such a thing existed but I'm striking out.

Does anyone know of a lock that inserts into a 1" diameter hole and locks in place, plugging the hole so the cabinet cannot be opened?

[Sailmonkey]

what about replacing it with something like this?

https://www.mcmaster.com/cam-locks

[mabowers]

Seems a lot simpler to put a hasp & small padlock on the locker door. Cheaper too.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

what about replacing it with something like this?

https://www.mcmaster.com/cam-locks

Thought about this or similar but unless I hit a complete dead end would like to keep the original look as the cabinet is in a very obvious location.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by mabowers

Seems a lot simpler to put a hasp & small padlock on the locker door. Cheaper too.

Well I'm not looking for cheaper and buying the kind of lock I'm looking for is simpler plus much nicer that putting a hasp and padlock on a nice locker door.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Thought about this or similar but unless I hit a complete dead end would like to keep the original look as the cabinet is in a very obvious location.

It wont have the original look with the hole plugged anyway right?. I like Sailmonkey's suggestion or a cabinet lock which is similar would be nice.

[pilott]

All my lockers had the hole/elbow latch configuration. I hated them - always gave me an irrational fear of breaking a finger.
I changed them all for chrome ring-pull latches that fitted the 40mm holes perfectly
If you search for "slam latch" on amazon, you'll see a large selection - some are lockable.

Funnily enough, just after I'd completed the instal, I met a guy who had been inspecting a boat, intending to buy, and broke a finger in just this way!

[skipmac]

Well a friend just came up with a solution. A lock that installs on the inside of the door so is invisible and opens with a magnet placed over the catch.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by pilott

All my lockers had the hole/elbow latch configuration. I hated them - always gave me an irrational fear of breaking a finger.
I changed them all for chrome ring-pull latches that fitted the 40mm holes perfectly
If you search for "slam latch" on amazon, you'll see a large selection - some are lockable.

Funnily enough, just after I'd completed the instal, I met a guy who had been inspecting a boat, intending to buy, and broke a finger in just this way!

Funny you mention this. Haven't broken a finger but am aware of the possibility and a couple of times when trying to open one of these backwards or from an odd angle have caught a finger and had to back off or it would have broken.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by pilott

All my lockers had the hole/elbow latch configuration. I hated them - always gave me an irrational fear of breaking a finger.
I changed them all for chrome ring-pull latches that fitted the 40mm holes perfectly
If you search for "slam latch" on amazon, you'll see a large selection - some are lockable.

Funnily enough, just after I'd completed the instal, I met a guy who had been inspecting a boat, intending to buy, and broke a finger in just this way!

^^^^^^ Like he said! I HATE those fiddly finger holes! Opening them in a seaway is hazardous to finger bones. When on the windward side of the boat they also can get pushed to the unlatched position by heavy objects in the locker, dumping the contents on the cabin sole.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by billknny

...When on the windward side of the boat they also can get pushed to the unlatched position by heavy objects in the locker, dumping the contents on the cabin sole.

To avoid this problem, cover the latches with Conduit Straps. It works.

FWIW...

[CaptTom]

I've never run into that "finger hole" latch system.

I'm afraid what I might find if I Google it...

Anyone care to post a picture, or a (G rated) link to a picture?

[Cheechako]

I always like the finger hole latches, but they are difficult to install and difficult to adjust too. And some may seem latched but not tight if something inside slams against them. I doubt I would install them on a new build.

[AKA-None]

That’s what’s on my boat and I also wouldn’t choose them