This video said what I couldn't find elsewhere: that my cord lock wasn't locking simply because it wasn't hanging vertically, with a weight bar at the bottom. Thanks for this nugget of knowledge.
Great Video of the back of your hand! When you Re-record this could you please focus the camera on the workings of the device not the back of your hand!
This video is on our list to film again in the near future. For a clearer, but slightly different take on threading cord locks, you may want to view this video on our sister company's website. Go to DraperySewingSupplies, search for Cord Lock, and click on the video link. Best of luck with your project.