Drawers and Desks are typically secured with a lock whereas Cabinet doors can be held closed by a variety of different types of hardware 

• Locks are used to secure a drawer, door, box or desks.  They mount on  internally.  A key is utilized to operate lock. When using a lock a keyhole cover, on the furniture exterior is recommended.
• Catches surface mount to face of furniture. This style adds both a decorative appearance and practicality as they are easily opened and operate smoothly.
• Catches for furniture interior mount inside cabinet and are not seen on cabinet exterior.
  Door Turns mount thru the door. This historic style is a turn style latch.

To replace an existing lock the exact measurements must be determined.

•  The Backset: distance between pin in lock-keyhole and edge of the lock that the bolt exits thru is the most important measurement when replacing an existing lock. The backset of the replacement lock must match the backset in the original lock. If these measurements do not match the lock will not work as a replacement.
• The selvedge is the narrow lip that the bolt exits thru
• Lock Body houses the actual locking mechanism
• Lock Plate is the over all size of the lock

It is not always possible to find an exact replacement lock. Many sizes and configurations have been made over the years however very few are in production today. As a result replacing an existing lock often requires cabinet work to adjust the hole size that the lock fit into.