2 Easy Methods Of Open A Locked Filing Cabinet Without A Key
If you've ever misplaced the keys to a filing cabinet, you understand how frustrating it can be to be without access to critical documents, research materials, or even just your lunch. Even though you might be tempted to disassemble the cabinet, you can open it without a key in time to finish that urgent task or eat your lunch before it goes bad with a little work and imagination.
Method 1: Lock Mechanism
Most filing cabinets have a lock mechanism that prevents the drawers from opening by lowering a metal bar that runs the length of the cabinet. The drawers will open if the bar is raised. If you want to avoid using tools to open your locked cabinet, try this:
- Feel along the right side of the bottom, towards the front, by tilting up the filing cabinet's front. You ought to locate a hole.
- You can feel a metal rod end if you stick your finger into the hole. By pushing up on the rod, the locking mechanism should be released, allowing the drawers to open.
- If you have a coworker who can hold the filing cabinet while you push up on the metal bar, doing this will be simpler.
Method 2: Locking Cylinder
- This is not always an easy way to open a cabinet. If yours lacks access to the locking bar from below, you must figure out a means to spin the locking cylinder, which is more difficult without the key. On the front of the locking cylinder of the majority of locks is a number. Take note of this number and proceed to the neighborhood secondhand office supply store. Find a filing cabinet with the same lock cylinder number.
- The lock on the cabinet opens the one you have. You might be able to persuade the equipment vendor to sell you a single key, let you use one of his to open your cabinet, or let you borrow one so you can go to a locksmith and have a new key created.
- Another choice is to use a pair of paper clips to pick the lock. Straighten one paper clip's end. The other clip's end should be straightened and bent into a L shape. Insert the L-shaped clip into the keyhole's bottom and hold it there. Put the pin in the top of the lock once it has been straightened.
- You should be able to feel the lock pins as you move this clip. Put pressure on the bottom clip by turning it either clockwise or anticlockwise, like you would a key in a lock. Straighten the paper clip and swiftly release it from the lock by applying pressure upward against the lock pins.
- The lock should pop open once you discover the ideal tension for the bottom paper clip and action for the lock pins with the top paper clip, which may take a few tries.
Last Option
If none of the aforementioned techniques succeed, you might need to break the lock to unlock the drawer. With a power drill, you can remove it. Alternately, put a screwdriver into the lock and pound it firmly. The lock should open with a couple strong strikes.