The whale tail lock is designed to be easy to install and is targeted at professional installers and DIY enthusiasts alike. Given the compact nature of the lock, usually in the dimension between 2.5 and 4 inches, this lock can fit into most standard cutouts on panels and doors. These locks require only a few basic installation tools-usually a screwdriver, drill, and wrench-for installation and do not need specialized installation skills.
Mounting holes of the lock match the common industry standards, so no custom modifications are required. For example, a whale tail lock for RV compartments usually has a pre-drilled panel template that can save up to 30% of installation time compared to non-standardized locks. Most models also have a step-by-step manual included to make sure that users can install it in 15 to 30 minutes on average.
The reason being, marine technicians insist on the use of hardware parts that are resistant to corrosion for installation purposes. A stainless steel or zinc alloy whale tail lock is not prone to wear and requires less maintenance upon installation. In a 2021 report, the Marine Equipment Trade Association stated that 70% of marine locks could be installed by users, with the majority being the whale tail design due to the relative ease of installation and strength.
For industrial enclosures, manufacturers such as Southco and EMKA recommend the whale tail mechanism for its straightforward installation and durability. A standard installation procedure involves securing the lock body to the panel with two to four screws and adjusting the cam lever to fit the door thickness, which usually ranges between 1 and 10 mm. Technicians describe these locks as not only being fast to mount but also allow for adjustments within a matter of seconds for perfect alignment and tightness.
One owner of a recreational vehicle testified in a forum about RVs in 2020 that it took him just 20 minutes to replace an old compartment lock with a whale tail lock. This is because of the modular design of the lock, which allows it to be compatible with different materials used in RV doors, such as aluminum and fiberglass. When the lock is replacing another mechanism, many users also find pre-aligned mounting points that further reduce the complexity of the installation.
According to Locksmith Ledger, manufacturers make the installation intuitive with universal mounting hardware. The average cost of installation for a whale tail lock is between $15 and $50 for DIY setups, which hugely cuts down on the costs one would incur if seeking professional locksmith services. This makes it quite affordable for both personal and commercial uses.
The simplicity of the whale tail lock means it allows users to lock compartments, panels, and doors effectively for logistics, marine, RV, or industrial applications. Its design further speaks volumes about its reputation as a very reliable and accessible locking solution.