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
2006-09-06 08:59:56 · 17 answers · asked by curious1223 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
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.
2006-09-06 09:08:46 · answer #1 · answered by Steve B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
File Cabinet With Lock
2016-12-15 09:03:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Locking File Cabinet
2016-11-01 08:04:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-09-06 12:07:33 · answer #4 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-09-06 13:34:15 · answer #5 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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
2006-09-06 09:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by Michelle M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Order a key from EZ Keys or a similar company for $6 0r $7
2015-02-12 11:52:14 · answer #7 · answered by Jim 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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..
2006-09-06 09:04:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-09-06 09:54:54 · answer #9 · answered by Bruce__MA 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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? !
2006-09-06 09:03:01 · answer #10 · answered by K9 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋