A glove box lock is a useful tool for keeping sensitive information and small valuables safe inside a car. While the glass of a car can be easily broken into, it takes more work to break through a glove box lock, taking time that most thieves do not have. One reliable brand of lock is the GM brand. This kind of lock comes standard on most GM cars, but you can also purchase the part separately at any automotive supply store for use with any glove box.
Unscrew the lock collar of the old, broken lock with a screwdriver. Push the tab on the side of the lock in so that you can remove the lock from the glove box. Use tweezers if necessary to push in the tab. Pop the old lock out of the glove box.
Insert the key into the lock. Turn the key so the lock is in the open position. Slide the lock through the hole in the glove box.
Test the fit of the lock inside the hole. If necessary, enlarge the opening with a utility knife so that the lock can fit through the hole snugly, but not tight enough to crack the glove box walls.
Screw the collar into place so that the new lock is stabilized inside the wall of the glove box.
Pull out the tab on the lock with tweezers. This engages the lock and allows you to screw the lock into place around the glove box.
Close the glove box. Turn the key in the lock to the closed position. Test the lock to ensure it is installed in the correct position so that it prevents the box from opening when locked.
Turn the key to the open position in the lock to open the box. Store the key in a safe place so that a copy of the key cannot be made or the key discovered by any potential thieves.
