Cam locks come loose on bed frame: imminent disaster feared!

HappyJoe · 7 Jul 2012

I have a solid wooden double-bed frame from John Lewis that is held together by two pins and associated cam locks (nuts?) at each corner. After some years - so no guarantee - two of the cam locks are getting loose and do not hold their newly-tightened state for more than a few days. I replaced an original as it was a bit damaged with one from Ikea (a bit smaller but still serviceable) and it is still loosening as before.

Is there any way to stop these things loosening? A sort of LockTite for wood would be nice!

Or a very reliable alternative way of fixing the joins that can be disassembled, if needed ?

big-all · 7 Jul 2012

replace with new
or a picture for further advice please

foxhole · 7 Jul 2012

http://www.screwfix.com/p/angle-bracket-heavy-duty-150-x-150mm-pack-of-10/20012
I've used these before, available in a variety of sizes, any builder merchant should stock.

HappyJoe · 7 Jul 2012

Thanks for the response!

big-all said:
replace with new
or a picture for further advice please

I would have, but John Lewis said they were out of stock...

Herewith (I hope - I've not used this system before, I think) are 4 shots of
1. the bed frame corner, showing the latest fitting in situ.
2. the frame corner disassembled, showing the two cam pin fittings which are Allen-key-screwed into the frame
3. the pin. It's OK.
4. the cam-lock, showing how it is distorted wider; probably a factor in its easy loosening.

I have screwed the pin seats in further in the hope that this will exert a bit more pull on the cams when locked. (Might just splay the cam locks more quickly!)
Also moved the bed-head up against the wall to reduce movement.

It would be nice to have a rigid frame but I think the cam-lock system won't let that happen. Unless you have some ideas...

big-all · 7 Jul 2012

the way i normally fix these assuming theres enough meat
is on posts 2 to 3" thick i use 1 or 2 5 or 6" no 12 wood screw
or less than 1 1/2" 4 inch screws should do

washer on the head off the screw 5mm hole throught the post 3mm pilot in the rails

Harbourwoodwork · 7 Jul 2012

hafele catalogue or web site has has enough brackets bolts and bits and bob's to boggle your brain

stefka · 13 Oct 2022

I'm also having this issue and finding it impossible to get the correct replacement cam locks did you have any luck ?

foxhole · 13 Oct 2022

stefka said:
I'm also having this issue and finding it impossible to get the correct replacement cam locks did you have any luck ?

It's a 10-year-old post, start your own.

stefka · 13 Oct 2022

Seemed easier ask someone who had the same issue

foxhole · 13 Oct 2022

stefka said:
Seemed easier ask someone who had the same issue

Then private message them they’re highly unlikely to visit a 10-year-old post