My metal file cabinet is locked and I lost the key. Options?
Question by curious1223:
The file cabinet is in my home and was obtained for free from an office liquidation event. It’s tall, four-drawer, metal, legal size. The locking mechanism (in which you supposed to insert a key) is at the top. When it’s pushed in, it closes (no need to insert the the key to close). Can’t find the key. What are my options (besides a locksmith)? I don’t care if I destroy the locking mechanism. Any tricks? Like a hairpin or something? There are some files insides to which I need access, but not in a rush. Thanks
The file cabinet is in my home and was obtained for free from an office liquidation event. It’s tall, four-drawer, metal, legal size. The locking mechanism (in which you supposed to insert a key) is at the top. When it’s pushed in, it closes (no need to insert the the key to close). Can’t find the key. What are my options (besides a locksmith)? I don’t care if I destroy the locking mechanism. Any tricks? Like a hairpin or something? There are some files insides to which I need access, but not in a rush. Thanks
More questions & answers:
- How can I open a locked metal file cabinet for which I don’t have a key?
- Who do I call if I have a locked filing cabinet and no key?
- How can I add a lock to a file cabinet drawer (without hiring a locksmith)?
- Who do I call if I lost my key to a filing cabinet and need to have a new key made?
- Lost key to motorcycle?
By . Comment.
Comments on My metal file cabinet is locked and I lost the key. Options? »
Hammer and crowbar.
Hammer and chisel, or a gun.
Drill out the key hole!
recently on a show I saw a actor lift the whole cabinet and push the rod up into the unit which opened the lock!?? hm, does it really work? !
That would be the first thing I would try, is a stick pin or a very small screw driver. If you insert it in the keyhole and wiggle it around, you may just get it unlocked. I had to do this very same thing with my file cabinet. Oh yeah, and guess where the keys were? INSIDE!!!!! lololol
Michelle
got a electric drill hons?? try using a electric drill small bit on the end start drilling into the locking mechanisimm, drill and push really really hard on it it wiil, pop!! or any small key wiil work start wigling it inn it sjould work hons!!
i once picked a file cabinet with my watch. i took the pin (the metal that pokes the leather to latch the watch band) and started fiddling with it when the teacher was giving a boring lesson. suddenly the drawer popped open and my teachers eyes locked on me and everybody got quiet. i so expected to be in major trouble. he just told me i had to lock it back. that took forever though..
A small slide hammer with a screw at the end. Insert the screw into the key slot and pull out the cylinder. After the cylinder is out take a small screwdriver and insert into the opening and unlock it. You may need a flash lite to see the insides. It messes the lock up but at least you are in.
Stick a couple of straighten paper clips into the key hole and wiggle around clockwise and counterclockwise. If you keep trying, the lock will turn and the drawer will pop open.
You have two options.
Turn the cabinet upside down. Some cabinets have locks that rely on gravity to work.
Or you can contact the manufacturer and have a new key sent for a small fee. Hon charges $11.
I duct tape a spare key to the back of my cabinet now.
Either a Lock Smith, there is usually a number on the lock mechanism that can tell him what kind of key it takes to a certain degree. Other than that, best way is to drill the locking mechanism out. Learned that from a lock smith at work.