Custom Tab Lock Boxes
A plain tuck flap holds through friction alone, which works until something presses on it in a bag. A tab lock box catches inside the panel instead, so the closure resists pressure. We produce a lot of tab lock box work at ZEE Packaging and it costs almost nothing to add.
A Catch, Not Just A Fold
A tab lock box holds through mechanical engagement.
- A shaped tab catches inside the panel
- The closure resists pressure rather than popping open
- Nothing is glued or taped on the structure
- It still nests tightly, so board cost barely moves
- A tab lock box signals it has not been opened before
- Assembly takes barely longer than a plain tuck
Most brands move to a tab lock box after plain flaps kept springing open.
Where The Lock Earns Its Place
Some situations genuinely need it.
- Products with any real weight inside
- A tab lock box shipped rather than shelved
- Anything handled repeatedly by shoppers
- Powders and loose contents that must not escape
- Packs stacked with pressure on the flaps
- Less needed for light items on a shelf
- Reverse tuck with a tab the everyday tab lock box
- Straight tuck version a cleaner front panel
- Tongue lock format a larger catching tab
- Slit lock tab lock box the tab engaging a slot
- Window tab lock box product visible behind film
- With a hang tab for peg display
Sizes We Print Regular
Every tab lock box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 2" x 2" x 4" for a cosmetic tube
- 3" x 2" x 5" for pharma packs
- 4" x 4" x 6" for a candle or jar
- 6" x 4" x 8" for a food carton
- 8" x 6" x 2" for a flat item
- 2.5" x 1.5" x 3.5" for small goods
Send us the filled weight, since lock depth follows from it.
Board And Print
- SBS C1S at 16pt to 24pt on most tab lock box work
- CCNB and duplex where a grey back is acceptable
- Kraft board for a natural position
- Matte, gloss and soft touch lamination
- Foil, spot UV, emboss and deboss
- Food grade stock where required
The lock cut has to be precise. Too shallow does nothing, too deep weakens the flap, so we sample a tab lock box rather than trust a drawing.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled grades, widely available on tab lock box work
- FSC certified stock, certificate on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- No glue on a tab lock box, so recycling stays simple
- Aqueous coating rather than plastic lamination
- Right sizing so no board is wasted
How An Order Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can order
- Free 3D mockup and proof before anything prints
- Free dieline by our designer
- Physical sample on request, tested filled
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free worldwide shipping, nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tab lock box add?
Very little. It is a die cut feature rather than a component, so the price barely moves.
Will a tab lock box still pop open?
Far less than a plain tuck. For heavy contents we would suggest a glued base.
How much is a tab lock box?
Rough estimate is $0.14 to $0.45 plain, $0.22 to $0.62 printed and $0.35 to $0.90 with finishing at moderate volume. Shipping is included. This is estimate only, so ask us for a exact quote.
Does a tab lock box slow assembly?
Barely. Staff engage the tab as they tuck, and it becomes automatic quickly.
Which caliper for a tab lock box?
16pt to 18pt for most retail. Heavier products need 20pt or above regardless.
Is a tab lock box harder to open?
Slightly, which is usually good. It tells customers the pack is unopened.
Can a tab lock box take a window?
Yes, patched with PET or compostable film. The lock does not affect placement.
