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High-Security Cam Lock Comparison |
Medeco
Medeco M3
High-Security Cam Lock
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Cobra Lock
Cobra C3
High-Security Cam Lock
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ABLOY
ABLOY Sentry
Disc-Detainer Cam Lock
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1/8" Lock Price Current LSI Depot pricing; configuration and accessories may affect total cost |
1-1/8" Medeco M3 Cam Lock |
1-1/8" Cobra C3 Cam Lock |
1-1/8" ABLOY Sentry Cam Lock |
| Locking Technology How the cylinder resists unauthorized rotation |
Pin tumbler + sidebar
Medeco high-security cam lock technology requires the pin tumblers to elevate, rotate, and align correctly with the cylinder sidebar. |
Combination plates + sidebar
Uses 10+ combination locking plates with multiple anti-picking grooves. The plates align with a sidebar before the cylinder can rotate. |
Rotating disc-detainer
ABLOY Sentry uses a rotating-disc mechanism rather than a conventional spring-and-pin cylinder. |
| Picking Resistance Protection against covert manipulation |
Medeco's rotating-and-elevating pin design and sidebar add additional conditions that must be satisfied before rotation. |
Multiple anti-picking grooves in each locking plate are designed to increase resistance to manipulation. |
The rotating-disc design is engineered for high resistance to picking and manipulation without relying on conventional pins or springs. |
| Drill / Physical Attack Protection Features intended to resist destructive entry |
Hardened security inserts
Medeco mechanical cam locks use hardened stainless-steel inserts to improve resistance to drilling, pulling, and vandal attacks. |
Anti-drill front plate
The C3 includes an anti-drill plate at the face of the lock as a standard security feature. |
Hardened disc-cylinder features
LSI Depot's 1-1/8" Sentry cam lock uses a brass body with a hardened steel shell to help protect against physical attacks. |
| Key Control How easily unauthorized duplicate keys can be obtained |
Medeco high-security programs are designed around controlled key duplication through authorized channels and registered systems. |
Patented C3 technology uses tightly controlled key blanks. LSI can maintain customer key codes and supply authorized cut keys. |
The Sentry platform uses controlled key profiles, while LSI Depot assigns and maintains customer-specific key codes for authorized replacement keys. |
| Key Combination Capacity Available unique key-code possibilities |
Extensive
Designed to support sophisticated keying and master-key system requirements. Exact capacity depends on the selected Medeco system. |
250M+
More than 250 million available key-code combinations. |
Extensive
Disc-based keying supports large systems and master-keying. Exact combination capacity depends on the selected Sentry key system and configuration. |
| Key Usability Day-to-day convenience for authorized users |
Traditional high-security key
Familiar mechanical-key operation with the added security features of the Medeco cylinder. |
The symmetrical C3 key works in either direction, making insertion simple for frequent-use applications. |
Disc-detainer key
Sentry uses ABLOY's disc-based key system rather than a conventional pin-tumbler keyway. |
| Environmental Performance Suitability for dirt, moisture, cold, and demanding locations |
Configuration Dependent
Medeco offers commercial cam-lock configurations and protective options for demanding security applications. |
Indoor / Outdoor Options
C3 cylinders can be supplied with protective options such as a dust cover for exposed applications. |
The spring-free rotating-disc design is well suited to demanding environments. LSI Depot specifically lists protection from water, snow, sand, and salt. |
| Keying Flexibility Ability to build the system around the customer's operation |
KA / KD / Master Keyed
Medeco supports keyed-alike, keyed-different, and sophisticated master-key system configurations. |
Keyed alike or keyed different
LSI can assemble C3 locks to a new or existing customer key code and maintain the key information for future orders. |
KA / KD / Master Keyed
Sentry supports keyed-alike and keyed-different configurations, and compatible Sentry products can also support master-keyed systems. |
| Cam Lock Sizes / Formats Common physical configuration options |
Broad range
Medeco offers multiple cam-lock sizes, functions, cams, collars, and related specialty locking formats. |
5/8", 7/8", 1-1/8"
Three common cam-lock lengths help cover cabinets, vending, equipment, fuel dispensers, and similar applications. |
3/4", 7/8", 1-1/8"
LSI Depot offers ABLOY Sentry cam locks in these three common lengths for commercial and equipment applications. |
| Common Fit Situations where each platform may be considered |
Often considered for
Existing Medeco Systems
A logical option where Medeco is already standardized or where master-keying and established Medeco key-control programs are priorities. |
Often considered for
Cobra C3 Key Systems
A practical option where a reversible key, controlled key blanks, anti-pick locking plates, and C3 system compatibility are priorities. |
Often considered for
ABLOY Systems & Demanding Environments
A strong consideration where disc-detainer technology, environmental performance, or compatibility with an existing ABLOY system is important. |
Three high-security approaches. One should fit your application better.
The best cam lock depends on the equipment being secured, the environment, key-control requirements, existing key systems, number of users, and budget. LSI Depot works with all three technologies, so the recommendation can start with the application instead of a single manufacturer.
Medeco M3
Consider the Medeco M3 when compatibility with an existing Medeco system, controlled key duplication, master-keying, and physical attack resistance are important to the application.
- Sidebar-based high-security design
- Hardened anti-drill components
- Controlled key programs
- Master-keying capability
- Broad cam-lock configuration options
Cobra C3
Consider the Cobra C3 when C3 system compatibility, a reversible key, controlled key blanks, anti-pick locking plates, and an anti-drill front plate match the application's requirements.
- 250+ million key codes
- 10+ anti-pick locking plates
- Anti-drill front plate
- Reversible symmetrical key
- Controlled key blanks
ABLOY Sentry
Consider ABLOY Sentry when an existing ABLOY system, rotating-disc technology, controlled keying, or performance in demanding environments is a priority.
- Rotating disc-detainer technology
- No conventional pins or springs
- Strong manipulation resistance
- Extensive master-keying
- Strong harsh-environment performance
Choose the lock around the application, not the brand name.
Medeco M3, Cobra C3, and ABLOY Sentry use different locking technologies and can each make sense in the right environment. Existing key systems, operating conditions, key-control requirements, configuration needs, and total project cost should guide the selection.
Start with the application.
Tell LSI Depot what you are securing, how the lock will be used, your environmental conditions, and your key-control requirements. We can help compare Medeco, Cobra, and ABLOY options and identify the right configuration.
