Cam bolts and locks are common hardware in Ready To Assemble (RTA) furniture. They create strong joints without the need for specialized tools and are easy to install.
How They Work: The mechanisms work by screwing the panel with the cam lock tight against the panel with the cam bolt. This twisting pulls the two together, but also as much as 1mm sideways. The dual-headed cam bolt positions two cam locks very close together, and because of this, this minuscule diagonal movement may be a little more difficult to work with than a standard cam bolt and might require some additional adjustment.
Step-by-Step Directions for Dual Headed Cam Bolts:
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Insert the Cam Bolt:
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Carefully insert the dual headed cam bolt into the predrilled holes in each board. No screwing is needed; it should slip in easily. Avoid bending the wood panels to prevent damage. If using two dual headed cam bolts, insert them simultaneously.
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Position the Bolt Heads:
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Ensure the heads of the bolt are evenly positioned, with the same amount visible at each opening.
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Place the Cam Locks:
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Drop the cam locks into the predrilled holes above the cam bolt, aligning the opening on the underside with the cam bolt. Adjust with a screwdriver as needed so they fit into the hole without protruding over the board’s face.
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Tighten the Cam Locks:
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Use two screwdrivers(or a table knife) to twist the cam locks simultaneously, locking them together. Tightening the cam locks at the same time will keep each panel properly positioned; remember that because these are moving at a slight diagonal and the locks are facing away from one another, this can move the panels together but in opposite directions. This will amplify that 1-2 millimeter offset and make the second cam lock more difficult to engage.
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Complete Each Set:
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Finish each set of cam bolts and locks before moving on to additional sets.
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