how to open antique cabinet door w/o key?

Answer 1

It depends on whether the lock is in the open or locked position. If locked, you will likely need a locksmith. If unlocked and you only need the key because the key tends to serve as the handle. you can try to just place a finger in the hole where the key would go and pull gently back toward yourself. This is guessing that it is an old enough antique to have a hole large enough for a skeleton type key. My dining room china cabinet is like this and that is how I open it.
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

How much value for the cabinet ? is it worth a lock smith charge ? can you see the bolt or bar that moves into an opening ? if so you can sometimes move the bolt with the sharp edge of a knife without damaging the wood. How about hinges - can they be removed to free the door ? If all else fails find a door lock similar - on line or from a catalog and drill through the key hole with a drill to remove the old lock and replace it with a new one (last resort)
Good Luck !

Answer 3

Yep....all the time. I carry two keychains on workdays. One keychain is full of keys for my workplace and the other is my personal keys (house, car, safe, etc). I'll be standing in front of my office door trying to open it with my house key. I'll stare at the keychain, flipping through the differnet keys to find the correct one until I realize it's the wrong keychain. Same thing when I'm at home. I do it at least once a week.

Answer 4

Many older cabinets have relatively simple locks. You might be able to pick it with another key or try a hairpin (yes) or thin bladed pocket knife. I've had success picking locks (for fun) by shaping dental tools and jewelers screwdrivers into picks. Once you "feel" and figure out the tumbler system, you should be able to pop the lock, but try simpler methods first.

Answer 5

Try a small allen wrench and see if it would work. That would be if it takes a skeleton key.

Answer 6

have you tried a crow bar?