Quick-release lever · cam fastener · thumbscrew replacement

Slide-Loc quick-release lever

A cam-style quick-release lever and matching ball-head bolt. Flip to clamp. Flip to release. It replaces thumbscrews, wingnuts, and knobs. Sold as a single lever and bolt. Designed and engineered in the United States.

Shop sizes

What it is

The Slide-Loc lever is a cam latch. The bolt stretches instead of twisting, so clamp force repeats. A 3/16 in hex is built into the ball. It is a fastener for lids, panels, and equipment — not an aquarium-only part. People also call it a cam lever, clamping lever, or thumbscrew replacement.

What it fits

It drops into an existing 1/4-20, M5, M6, M8, or M10 hole. No new hole pattern. Retrofit the lid you already have. OEMs, fabricators, and anyone who opens a lid often enough that a thumbscrew is too slow.

How to pick a length

Measure the stack you are clamping. The start of the thread should sit flush with the top of that stack. Threads must reach far enough to engage the base. That threaded length is dimension A on the chart below.

How to install

1. Put the ball-head bolt through the lid or panel.

2. Place the lever on the bolt in the upright position.

3. Push down to lock. Flip up to release.

Videos

See it work

Slide-Loc levers on a ClariSea filter
Bulk Reef Supply Spotlight: Slide-Loc quick-release lever
SaltwaterAquarium.com first look at the Slide-Loc lever

Product shots

Four views of the lever

Slide-Loc quick-release lever open on a 316 stainless ball-head bolt, white backgroundSlide-Loc quick-release lever locked on a 316 stainless ball-head bolt, white backgroundSlide-Loc anodized aluminum lever body, top view, showing the cam and logo, white backgroundSlide-Loc lever underside showing the 3/16 inch hex in the ball pocket, white background

Drawings

How to read the measurements

Slide-Loc quick-release lever body. Length 56.17 mm, width 19.99 mm, thickness 16.02 mm.
Lever body. Same on every listing. 56.17 × 19.99 × 16.02 mm.
Ball-head bolt. A threaded length, B shank, C ball diameter, D hex wrench size.
Ball-head bolt. Letters match the size chart. Numbers are in the table. 1/4-20 UNC Coarse Thread (Standard). M5 x 0.8, M6 x 1.0, M8 x 1.25, and M10 x 1.5 Coarse Thread (Standard).

Measurements

Master size list — every lever

A = threaded length. B = shank. C = ball diameter. D = hex wrench in the ball.

US 1/4-20 · Shop

UPC 747492593138 (SS) · 641837474598 (Ti)

Thread. 1/4-20 UNC Coarse Thread (Standard)

US 1/4-20 bolt lengths
Bolt length A B C D
A = threaded length · B = shank · C = ball diameter · D = hex wrench
7 mm 7.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
13 mm 13.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
20 mm 20.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
26 mm 26.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
38 mm 38.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
45 mm 45.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
51 mm 51.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
77 mm 77.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in

M5 · Shop

UPC 747492593145

Thread. M5 x 0.8 Coarse Thread (Standard)

M5 bolt lengths
Bolt length A B C D
A = threaded length · B = shank · C = ball diameter · D = hex wrench
20 mm 20.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in

M6 · Shop

UPC 747492593152

Thread. M6 x 1.0 Coarse Thread (Standard)

M6 bolt lengths
Bolt length A B C D
A = threaded length · B = shank · C = ball diameter · D = hex wrench
20 mm 20.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in

M8 · Shop

UPC 747492593121

Thread. M8 x 1.25 Coarse Thread (Standard)

M8 bolt lengths
Bolt length A B C D
A = threaded length · B = shank · C = ball diameter · D = hex wrench
20 mm 20.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
26 mm 26.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
30 mm 30.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in

M10 · Shop

UPC 747492592988

Thread. M10 x 1.5 Coarse Thread (Standard)

M10 bolt lengths
Bolt length A B C D
A = threaded length · B = shank · C = ball diameter · D = hex wrench
10 mm 10.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
20 mm 20.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
25 mm 25.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
30 mm 30.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
40 mm 40.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in
50 mm 50.0 mm 7.0 mm 10.0 mm 3/16 in

Materials and strength

316 stainless bolts on every size. Titanium on 1/4-20 in 7 mm and 20 mm. Anodized aluminum lever body. Bolt tensile strength (ASTM F606 / F606M-21): 18.30 kN / 4,110 lbf. Lever body (ADC): 17.52 kN / 3,940 lbf.

Questions

What is a Slide-Loc quick-release lever?

A cam-style quick-release lever and matching ball-head bolt. Flip the lever to clamp. Flip it back to release. It replaces thumbscrews, wingnuts, and knobs on lids, panels, and equipment.

What thread sizes are available?

US 1/4-20, M5, M6, M8, and M10. Lengths vary by diameter. See the master size list on this page.

How do I choose bolt length?

Measure the stack you are clamping. The start of the thread should sit flush with the top of that stack. Threads must reach far enough to engage the base. Pick dimension A from the chart.

Is it sold as a pair?

No. Each listing is one lever and one matching bolt.

What materials are offered?

316 stainless on all sizes. Titanium is available on 1/4-20 in 7 mm and 20 mm. The lever body is anodized aluminum. Threads are coarse (standard): 1/4-20 UNC, M5 x 0.8, M6 x 1.0, M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.5.

Will 316 rust in saltwater?

316 stainless is the marine grade we sell for wet and outdoor use. Rinse hardware if it sits in salt spray.

What hex size is in the ball?

3/16 in. That is dimension D on the bolt drawing.

What is the strength rating?

Bolt tensile strength (ASTM F606 / F606M-21): 18.30 kN / 4,110 lbf. Lever body (ADC): 17.52 kN / 3,940 lbf.

Reviews

What buyers say

3 published Kudobuzz reviews (4 and 5 star) for the quick-release levers. Original names and dates. We do not write these.

★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · 3 reviews

★★★★★

Excellent quality. Way better tan the cheap nylon screws that came with my reactor. I bought a second set for my other tank reactor. Would definitely recommend to other people.

Michael Bettencourt · Verified buyer · M5 Quick Release Lever · 2025-04-27

★★★★★

Great so far. I modified the m6 ball to fit through a telescope mount. Now I enjoy the quick release rather then the factory thumb screws. Thanks again

Brian Hess · Verified buyer · US 1/4-20 Quick Release Lever · 2023-03-03

★★★★★

Innovative product! Retrofit wass super easy and came out great, highly recommended if you struggle with thumbscrews!

dan lichens · Verified buyer · US 1/4-20 Quick Release Lever · 2022-10-18