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WOR249BR038
249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock To Differ
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249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock To Differ
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Delivery Information
| Delivery Time Frame | Delivery Information |
| Next Working Day By 1PM | When an order is placed by 3pm for next working day on certain items |
| Standard Delivery | Usually delivered in 2 to 4 working days |
| Delivery Charges | |
| UK Mainland | Prices start at £3.95 for very small items, £6.50 for small, £9.50 for medium and £20 for large/long items |
| Scottish Highlands & Islands, Northern Ireland & Ireland | Prices from £30, please see our delivery page for more info. |
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£35.40
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£29.50
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Description
Traditional Cabinet Security with the 249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock To Differ
Finding the right balance between timeless craftsmanship and dependable security can often feel like a challenge when working on fine joinery. Whether you are restoring an antique wardrobe, outfitting bespoke office storage, or fitting cupboards in a busy domestic setting, security hardware should complement the woodwork without compromising on physical strength. The 249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock To Differ offers a classic, trusted solution crafted specifically for cupboards, cabinets, and small timber enclosures.
Manufactured from high-grade solid brass, this classic cupboard lock provides exceptional resistance against everyday wear and atmospheric corrosion. The warm golden finish lends an air of traditional charm, blending seamlessly with both period furniture and modern timber cabinetry. Featuring a four lever internal mechanism, this lock delivers an enhanced level of key security compared to standard single or two lever alternatives. It comes supplied with two dedicated brass keys cut to differ, meaning every lock operates on its own unique key pattern to prevent unauthorised access across multiple cabinets.
At Doorfit, we understand that quality architectural hardware is defined by smooth operation and long-lasting materials. This straight cupboard lock exemplifies durable cabinet ironmongery, designed to sit flush against the timber work for a neat, professional installation. Its compact 38mm backset makes it remarkably versatile, fitting neatly onto standard timber stiles and panelled doors without weakening the surrounding frame structure.
Material
Solid Brass
Backset Size
38mm
Mechanism
4 Lever Internal
Keying Type
Keyed To Differ
Robust 4 Lever Security Mechanism
Many cabinet locks rely on basic single lever or warded mechanisms that provide only nominal privacy. In contrast, the 249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock To Differ features four precision-formed internal levers that require an exact key profile to lift and clear the internal gate. This significantly elevates the difficulty of picking, manipulation, or bypassing using generic skeleton keys.
Because this lock is configured to differ, each individual unit is assembled with its own distinct lever arrangement. This arrangement ensures that a key from one cupboard cannot open another unit nearby. If you are fitting rows of cabinetry in a shared office, commercial environment, or multi-occupancy building, this separation provides peace of mind that personal belongings, archives, or valuable items remain strictly protected under independent key control.
Durable Solid Brass Construction
Brass remains one of the premier choices for fine architectural ironmongery because of its natural durability and resistance to tarnish. The body, faceplate, and bolt of this lock are formed from dependable brass material, ensuring smooth mechanical movements without premature metal fatigue or flaking finishes.
Unlike coated mild steel hardware that can quickly rust when exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations, brass naturally withstands humid conditions. This makes the lock an outstanding choice for bathroom storage, kitchen dressers, coastal properties, or period homes where ambient dampness might otherwise cause lesser ironmongery to seize or degrade over time.
The Versatility of the Straight Bolt Design
A straight cupboard lock uses a straight, direct-throw sliding bolt rather than a curved hook or angled cut. This direct action makes it particularly suited to surface mounting or shallow morticing on single-door cupboards, double-door cabinets where an overlapping rebate exists, or small timber lockers.
When the key is turned, the bolt shoots out smoothly from the edge of the casing, locking firmly into a timber frame or dedicated strike plate. The mechanical throw is clean and tactile, giving the user a firm confirmation that the cabinet door is positively locked. Because the bolt operates in a straight line, it reduces friction against the timber jamb and helps accommodate natural wood movement over changing seasons.
The compact 38mm measurement indicates the backset distance from the front faceplate to the centre of the keyway. This dimension is carefully calibrated to suit narrow-framed panel doors, ensuring that your keyhole can be drilled neatly through the face of the timber without encroaching on edge moulding or structural joints.
Ideal Applications and Joinery Uses
The 249 series brass lock has long been an indispensable choice among joiners, cabinetmakers, and maintenance contractors. Its straightforward design lends itself to a broad variety of domestic and commercial uses, including
- Heritage furniture restoration, including linen presses, display cases, and writing desks where visual authenticity is required.
- Bespoke built-in wardrobes, sideboards, and alcove cupboards crafted from oak, pine, or premium hardwood veneers.
- School, laboratory, and workplace storage lockers where independent key control protects equipment and supplies.
- Retail display cases and counter drawers where modest, discreet security prevents opportunist handling of stock.
- Utility cupboards and home office credenzas storing sensitive household paperwork, tools, or valuable equipment.
Because the lock is supplied with two cut brass keys, you have an immediate spare ready for safekeeping or for a secondary key holder, reducing the inconvenience and expense of having duplicate keys produced straight away.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Product Code Pattern | 249 Brass Straight Cupboard Lock |
|---|---|
| Backset Size | 38mm from forend face to keyway centre |
| Lock Mechanism | 4 Lever precision brass and steel internal components |
| Keying Configuration | Keyed to differ with individual key cuts |
| Keys Included | 2 brass keys supplied per lock unit |
| Bolt Action | Straight sliding deadlock throw |
| Primary Material | Solid brass casing, forend, and bolt |
Installation and Fitting Guidance
Installing the 249 Brass 38mm 4 Lever Straight Cupboard Lock is a direct process that requires only standard carpentry hand tools. Whether you are an experienced tradesperson or a passionate woodworker, taking a careful and methodical approach will guarantee smooth, bind-free operation for decades to come.
Start by marking your desired lock position on the inside face or rear edge of the cupboard door. Pay careful attention to the 38mm backset dimension when measuring the position for the keyhole on the front of the door. Using a sharp drill bit of appropriate gauge, bore the round section of the keyway through the door, taking care to avoid splintering the finished timber face by placing a scrap backing block behind your work.
Once the circular hole is drilled, use a small keyhole saw or thin wood chisel to create the downward slot for the key bit. Next, position the lock casing against the door edge to verify the alignment between the keyhole and the internal lock barrel. Depending on your joinery design, the lock body can be surface mounted directly onto the inside face of the door, or rebated lightly into the timber for a flush, concealed aesthetic.
A gentle tip from our joinery team is to test the key action several times while the door remains open before securing the strike plate to the cabinet frame. This simple step ensures that the levers move freely without catching on timber fibres or binding against the faceplate screws.
After confirming the lock turns smoothly, mark the point on the cabinet frame where the straight bolt meets the woodwork. Chisel out a clean mortice or install a brass striking plate to receive the extended bolt. Check that the door shuts cleanly without excessive play, providing a neat, rattle-free finish that closes securely under key control.
Care and Long-Term Maintenance
Solid brass hardware is remarkably low maintenance, yet a minimal amount of occasional care will preserve both its mechanical precision and natural beauty. To clean the external brass plate and escutcheon, simply wipe with a soft, clean cloth lightly dampened with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, or aggressive solvent cleaners, as these can scratch the smooth brass face and dull its warm sheen.
Internally, the 4 lever mechanism benefits from light lubrication once every few years, especially if the cupboard is situated in a high-traffic area. We recommend using a tiny puff of graphite powder or a dedicated silicone-based dry lubricant directly into the keyway. Avoid thick, grease-heavy petroleum oils inside the lock mechanism, as these can attract dust, sawdust, and airborne debris, which can cause the internal levers to become sticky over prolonged periods.
Complete Your Cabinet Project with Doorfit
Need advice on choosing matching escutcheons, keys, or cabinet hardware for your bespoke timber installations? Our specialist ironmongery team is ready to guide you.
Available from Doorfit
Specification
| Finish | Brass |
|---|---|
| Lock Backset | 11mm |
| Body Size (mm) | 38 |