Buyers Products Single Point Cam is made from die cast zinc material for strength and corrosion resistance. Designed for use with Buyers Products "L" or "T" shaped door handles, the single point cam secures to a 5/16 in. shaft. It comes complete with set screw for easy installation.
Specifications
| Bracket Finish | Zinc Plated |
|---|---|
| Length (in.) | 2.00 |
| Mounting Type | Set Screw |
| Width (in.) | .75 |
Advanced Technical Overview: Buyers Products Single Point Cam for B2392L/B2394L Door Handles
The Buyers Products Single Point Cam represents a critical mechanical component engineered for robust and reliable engagement within a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. Specifically designed for seamless integration with Buyers Products "L" or "T" shaped door handles, including the B2392L and B2394L series, this cam facilitates secure locking mechanisms in critical access points such as truck bodies, service vehicles, toolboxes, and equipment enclosures. Its design embodies a precise balance of material science, mechanical engineering principles, and practical application requirements, ensuring superior performance and longevity in demanding operational environments.
Material Science and Engineering: Die Cast Zinc with Enhanced Corrosion Protection
Central to the durability and functional integrity of this single point cam is its construction from high-quality die cast zinc. Zinc alloys, particularly those used in die casting, such as Zamak alloys, are renowned for their exceptional combination of mechanical properties. These include high tensile strength, excellent ductility, and superior impact resistance, which are crucial for components subjected to repetitive mechanical stress and potential impacts in industrial settings. The die casting process itself allows for the production of parts with intricate geometries, tight dimensional tolerances, and excellent surface finishes, minimizing the need for extensive post-machining and contributing to overall cost-effectiveness.
Beyond its intrinsic mechanical strength, die cast zinc exhibits inherent corrosion resistance, a vital characteristic for components exposed to varying environmental conditions. Zinc naturally forms a thin, dense, and tenacious passive oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air, which acts as a barrier against further oxidation and corrosive attack. This inherent resistance is significantly augmented by the "Zinc Plated" finish specified for this cam. Zinc plating is an electroplating process where a thin layer of zinc is deposited onto the base die cast zinc material. This additional layer provides sacrificial corrosion protection; should the coating be scratched or damaged, the zinc plating preferentially corrodes before the underlying base material, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the cam.
The zinc plating also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the component and provides a smoother surface finish, which can reduce friction during operation. This dual layer of corrosion defense—inherent zinc properties coupled with an applied zinc plating—ensures the cam maintains its operational integrity and appearance even when exposed to moisture, road salts, chemicals, and other corrosive agents commonly encountered in outdoor and industrial applications. This robust material specification directly translates into extended service life and reduced maintenance requirements, offering significant long-term value to the end-user.
Precision Mechanical Design and Functional Integration
The functional core of the Buyers Products Single Point Cam lies in its precise mechanical design, specifically engineered for reliable engagement with a 5/16 inch diameter shaft. This standardized shaft interface ensures broad compatibility with the specified Buyers Products B2392L/B2394L "L" or "T" shaped door handles, as well as other compatible locking mechanisms. The 5/16 inch (approximately 7.94 mm) shaft diameter is a common and robust dimension for industrial hardware, offering ample torsional strength to transmit the rotational force from the handle to the cam without deformation or failure under normal operating loads.
The cam’s function is elegantly simple yet critically effective: it translates the rotational motion of the door handle into a linear or rotational locking action. When the handle is turned, the cam rotates, moving into or out of engagement with a corresponding strike plate or keeper on the door frame or enclosure. This single point engagement ensures a direct and positive lock, providing security and preventing inadvertent opening. The geometry of the cam, with its specified 2.00 inch length and 0.75 inch width, is carefully calibrated to provide an optimal throw and engagement depth, ensuring a secure closure without requiring excessive force, while also being compact enough to fit within constrained spaces common in vehicle and enclosure designs.
Mounting is achieved through a highly reliable set screw mechanism. The cam is precisely bored to receive the 5/16 inch shaft, and a threaded hole is strategically placed to accommodate a set screw. Upon installation, the set screw is tightened, pressing against the shaft and creating a high-friction mechanical interlock. This method provides several key advantages: it offers a secure, vibration-resistant connection, allows for precise angular adjustment of the cam relative to the handle, and facilitates easy field installation or replacement. The inclusion of the set screw as a complete component simplifies procurement and ensures that installers have all necessary hardware on hand for immediate deployment, reducing assembly time and potential errors.
Compatibility with Buyers Products B2392L/B2394L Door Handles
The explicit design compatibility with Buyers Products B2392L and B2394L door handles underscores a commitment to system integration and optimized performance. These "L" and "T" shaped handles are widely recognized in the commercial vehicle and industrial sectors for their ergonomic design, durability, and reliable operation. The Single Point Cam is engineered to perfectly mate with the internal shaft mechanism of these handles, ensuring that the rotational torque generated by the user is efficiently transferred to the cam for effective locking. This synergistic design minimizes wear on both components, prolongs their lifespan, and guarantees a consistent, smooth locking experience. Users can confidently select this cam knowing it will integrate flawlessly with the specified handle series, creating a cohesive and high-performing latching system.
Applications and Operational Environments
The robust construction and meticulous design of the Buyers Products Single Point Cam make it ideally suited for a diverse range of demanding applications across various industries:
- Commercial Vehicle & Trailer Manufacturing: Essential for securing access panels, compartment doors, toolboxes, and cargo doors on trucks, trailers, service bodies, and utility vehicles. Its corrosion resistance is paramount given exposure to road spray, salt, and varying weather conditions.
- Industrial Enclosures & Machinery: Used in industrial cabinets, control panels, generator enclosures, and heavy machinery access points where secure closure is critical for safety, protection of internal components, and operational integrity.
- Marine & RV Applications: Suited for boat compartments, RV storage hatches, and utility panels where resistance to moisture, humidity, and saltwater environments is a prime concern.
- Agricultural Equipment: For securing access points on tractors, combines, and other farm machinery that operate in harsh, dirty, and often corrosive outdoor environments.
- Storage Solutions: Implemented in heavy-duty tool chests, gang boxes, and industrial storage cabinets requiring reliable and secure locking mechanisms.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Installation of the Buyers Products Single Point Cam is designed to be straightforward, facilitated by the included set screw. For optimal performance and longevity, adherence to best practices is recommended:
- Shaft Preparation: Ensure the 5/16 inch shaft of the compatible door handle (e.g., B2392L/B2394L) is clean, free of burrs, and lubricated slightly with a suitable dry lubricant or light grease to aid assembly and prevent galling.
- Cam Positioning: Slide the cam onto the shaft. Carefully position the cam at the desired rotational angle relative to the handle and the strike plate to achieve proper engagement when the handle is in the locked position.
- Set Screw Engagement: Using an appropriate hex wrench, tighten the set screw firmly. For applications subject to high vibration or frequent operation, consider applying a thread-locking compound (e.g., medium strength Loctite) to the set screw threads to further enhance retention. Care should be taken not to overtighten, which could strip the threads or deform the shaft.
- Functionality Check: After installation, operate the door handle multiple times to verify smooth rotation, positive cam engagement with the strike, and secure locking. Adjust the cam's position as necessary.
Routine maintenance is minimal but beneficial. Periodically inspect the cam and set screw for any signs of loosening, wear, or corrosion. The zinc plated finish provides significant protection, but in extremely harsh conditions, a light application of corrosion-inhibiting spray or grease to the cam's surface and pivot points can extend its life and maintain smooth operation. Ensure that the set screw remains tight to prevent slippage and maintain optimal locking performance.
Technical Specifications in Detail
A deeper examination of the provided specifications reveals the careful consideration given to the cam's functional envelope:
- Bracket Finish: Zinc Plated: As discussed, this finish is not merely aesthetic but a critical performance feature, providing enhanced sacrificial corrosion protection over the inherent properties of the die-cast zinc base material. The plating process adheres to industry standards, ensuring uniform thickness and durable adhesion, resisting flaking or peeling under normal operational stresses.
- Length (in.): 2.00: This dimension (approximately 50.8 mm) dictates the operational reach and sweep of the cam. A 2.00-inch length provides sufficient leverage and a significant throw to engage securely with most strike plates, while remaining compact enough to avoid interference in confined spaces. It influences the "gap" the cam can effectively bridge between the door and the frame.
- Width (in.): .75: The width (approximately 19.05 mm) contributes to the cam's structural rigidity and provides ample surface area for positive engagement with a strike. This dimension also affects the overall profile and clearance requirements for the cam's rotation.
- Mounting Type: Set Screw: Reaffirming its ease of installation and adjustability, the set screw mounting is a robust and proven method for securing rotary components to shafts. It allows for precise angular indexing and provides a strong, reliable connection suitable for high-cycle applications.
These specifications collectively define a component that is engineered for precision, durability, and ease of integration, serving as a reliable partner to high-quality door handles like the B2392L and B2394L series.
Commitment to Quality and Reliability
Buyers Products is renowned for its commitment to engineering and manufacturing high-quality, durable components for the commercial and industrial sectors. The Single Point Cam is a testament to this ethos. Manufactured under stringent quality control protocols, each cam undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it meets exacting standards for dimensional accuracy, material integrity, and finish quality. This dedication to quality translates into a product that delivers consistent, reliable performance in the field, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency for end-users. The cam's design and material selection are specifically chosen to withstand the wear and tear of continuous use in harsh conditions, solidifying its reputation as a dependable element within a comprehensive locking system.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products Single Point Cam for use with B2392L/B2394L Door Handles is more than just a simple locking component; it is a precisely engineered solution reflecting advanced material science, mechanical design excellence, and practical application considerations. Its die cast zinc construction, enhanced by a durable zinc plated finish, provides exceptional strength and superior corrosion resistance. The meticulous design for a 5/16 inch shaft interface and secure set screw mounting ensures robust integration and reliable operation with Buyers Products "L" and "T" shaped door handles. Whether deployed on a heavy-duty truck, an industrial enclosure, or a marine application, this cam stands as a testament to durability, security, and ease of installation, making it an indispensable component for professionals seeking uncompromising performance in their access control systems.
