Knowledge Builders

how do you open a lost filing cabinet key

by Jordan McKenzie IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Steps to Remove a File Cabinet Lock Without a Key

  • Put the file in the right position ...
  • Insert the nail clipper file in the bottom of the keyhole ...
  • Figure out how to unlock the file cabinet lock by turning it counter-clockwise or clockwise ...
  • Release the locking mechanism by moving the file up and down ...
  • Spin the file in the right direction to unlock the keyhole ...
  • Remove the file and open the cabinet ...

You can open a file cabinet lock by straightening a paperclip, but make a slight curve on one of the ends. Then, hold it in a vertical position and insert it in the keyhole until you “push down” on the pins located in the interior of the lock. A bobby pin can be helpful, too, but it's trickier.Aug 10, 2022

Full Answer

How to unlock a file cabinet when the key is lost?

[Solution] How to Unlock a File Cabinet when the Key is Lost

  1. Take one piece of wire and bend it into a "Z" shape using your pliers. This will be your "torque wrench," and...
  2. Take a second piece of wire and bend it so that it has a small upward point on one end. This wire will be used...
  3. Place one end of the torque wrench into the lock, and apply pressure with your thumb. One end of the "Z" should...
  4. Place the other wire, your pick, into the lock, and use it to gently probe the tumblers. Start at...

How to unlock file cabinet?

  1. Drill the lock Drilling out a lock on a file cabinet would be the wisest option to proceed with in this case. ...
  2. Consult the manufacturer One of the most reliable sources for you to address your jammed file cabinet problem and ask for support is the cabinet manufacturer. ...
  3. Hire a locksmith

How to unlock a filing cabinet without a key?

How to Unlock a File Cabinet When the Key Is Lost Take one piece of wire and bend it into a “Z” shape using your pliers. Take a second piece of wire and bend it so that it has a small upward point on one end. ... How do you remove a locked file cabinet without a key? What You Will Need Nail Clipper File. Gloves. Put the file in the right ...

How do you unlock a filing cabinet?

  • Place a piece of masking tape over the lock. Press it down firmly, so you can see the small circular area in the center of the barrel.
  • Drill into the lock at medium speed for approximately 3/4 inch.
  • Continue drilling at a slow speed until you feel the drill bit catch the latch bar, which will pop open the lock.

image

Do all filing cabinets have the same key?

First, most locks used on desks and file cabinets use a standard "factory" lock provided by the furniture manufacturer. In many cases, the manufacturer provides only a small number of different key combinations. Some manufacturers provide as few as twenty different keys.

Can you replace a filing cabinet key?

It doesn't matter if you have a lateral or vertical file cabinet, replacing a lost file cabinet key isn't difficult. You will often just need the right help from the cabinet manufacturer, but this can take time. You may be waiting for weeks to receive a new key and that may be too long.

How do you pick a file cabinet lock with a paperclip?

2:193:42Pick a lock with a paper clip. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your spoon and then you can start filling on the tumblers. And just pushing it down putting aMoreTake your spoon and then you can start filling on the tumblers. And just pushing it down putting a little tension on the tension wrench. And then start playing with those tumblers. That goes BAM.

How do you remove a locked file cabinet without a key?

Do you want to learn how to remove a file cabinet lock without a key? By using a nail clipper file, you can open a file cabinet lock by inserting it into the keyhole and jiggling the file up and down until you push down all the pins and turn the lock into the unlocked position.

How do you unlock a cabinet lock without the key?

0:252:11How To Unlock Cabinet Lock Without Key??? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere is a bunch of pins. You have to just click all pin one by one. And simultaneously you have toMoreThere is a bunch of pins. You have to just click all pin one by one. And simultaneously you have to twist this knob to anti-clockwise then you can see that easily you can unlock this.

How do you pop a filing cabinet lock?

One popular method is drilling the lock, which releases it from the filing cabinet and lets you open the drawers. You'll need a flathead screwdriver and a drill, of course, with some machine oil and a steel drill bit that fits the longest part of the keyhole entry point.

How do u pick a lock with a bobby pin?

Make a slight bend at the tip of the straight end. Now, take a second bobby pin and bend the closed end to one side so it forms a 90-degree angle. You'll use this bobby pin as a lever. Insert the bent end of the lever into the lock, and turn the lever to one side to apply tension.

How do you open a locked door with a screwdriver?

To loid the lock with a screwdriver, push the tip of your screwdriver between the door and the doorknob until you feel the spring latch. Continue pushing to retract the bolt until the door pushes open.

Can you get keys made for filing cabinets?

A trained file cabinet locksmith can create a working key by hand. We can also provide various file cabinet locks and desk locks that may be missing or broken. Sometimes these locks have not been used in a long time, do not operate correctly, or are just missing altogether. Not to worry!

Can a locksmith make a key without the original?

Head to a locksmith You can replace your lost car key at a locksmith, even if you don't have the original key. Going straight to a locksmith may be more cost-effective than going to your car dealer, but you'll need some information to make the process easier.

What kind of locks are on filing cabinets?

File cabinet locks can be mechanical or electronic and consist of pad locks, tubular cylinder locks, or cam style versions. Depending on the filing cabinet, lock bars as well as sliding teeth or keypad locks can also be selected. Regardless of the type used, some are available in either keyed or keyless configurations.

How do I remove a lock from a filing cabinet?

0:091:11How to Remove & Install File Cabinet, Desk or Cubicle Lock CoresYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to take your normal key and turn your old lock court to the unlocked positionMoreFirst you will need to take your normal key and turn your old lock court to the unlocked position although there are a select few locks that must be in the locked position to remove.

How to replace a lost key in a file cabinet?

After you have obtained the necessary information, look for a locksmith that can create a replacement key for file cabinet.

What do you need to know to create a new key for a file cabinet?

Before a locksmith can create a new lost file cabinet key for you, you need to provide the locksmith with the information of the file cabinet such as its serial number, model number, brand name, and the style of the cabinet. It is helpful if you still have the manual of the file cabinet since all of the information you need is written there.

How to find the manual on a file cabinet?

You can check the manual included in the file cabinet or you can find it by checking the file cabinet itself. You can also go to the store where you purchased the file cabinet and ask about the information.

Can a locksmith replace a file cabinet key?

Instead of making a drastic decision that could damage your file cabinet, professional locksmiths can provide you with a replacement filing cabinet key. It would cost you less than buying a new file cabinet. Just provide them with the necessary information they need.

What to do if you lost your file cabinet keys?

There is no need to get mad. There are many ways you can use to open a locked file cabinet. You can use a paper clip or wire to enter the cabinet. With a little bit of creativity and patience, you can easily figure out your locked file cabinet.

How to open a file cabinet door?

After the locks are positioned correctly. Pull the handle of your file cabinet to open the door. Simply slide open the cabinet by pulling the door and get access through it.

How to lock a paper clip?

Turn the paper clip in left and right, in both directions. While turning, you will easily feel where the perfect locking position is. You should figure out, in which direction to move the tool before you open the cabinet.

How to unlock a cabinet?

Some of the cabinets are unlocked by rotating the paper clockwise. But some get unlocked when you turn the clip counterclockwise.

How to straighten a paper clip?

Straighten the paper clip by completely giving it a straight wire-like shape. But, leave its one end bent. You will have to use the bent end of the paper clip to pick up the lock. If you are facing difficulty bending the paper clip. You can use pliers to bend it.

How to open a file cabinet manually?from homesecuritystore.com

Poking and tilting the cabinet. This measure uses a bar to open the cabinet system manually. To do this, you have to ask help from another person to rotate the front surface in the upward direction. You will also need to make a hole with the metal bar and shift the hole’s specific end to release the file cabinet.

How to unlock a filing cabinet with a nail clipper?from officesolutionpro.com

Once the keyhole is in a horizontal position, you should be able to gently remove the nail file and slide open the drawer. Using a nail clipper file is one of the most simplest ways to unlock a filing cabinet.

How to put pressure on a bobby pin?from officesolutionpro.com

You insert the bobby pin into the lock, then insert the paper clip at the top of the lock to try and feel the pins that are there. Wiggle the paper clip around while keeping the bobby pin inside of the lock. You have to create tension with the bobby pin and put pressure on the pins with the paper clip at the same time.

How to use a torque wrench on a cabinet?from hunker.com

Place one end of the torque wrench into the lock, and apply pressure with your thumb. One end of the "Z" should be in the lock (it doesn't have to go in far), with the straight segment parallel to the face of the cabinet. The other end of the "Z" is where you can press with your thumb. Apply pressure gently so you don't bend your torque wrench.

How to get a curved file into a keyhole?from officesolutionpro.com

Once you get a file with a curved tip, insert it into the keyhole and make sure the tip of the point is facing down. Try to get the file as far into the keyhole as possible. You’ll notice that when you’re done, most of the file will be inside of the keyhole.

How to unlock a cabinet with a knife?from homesecuritystore.com

Aim it towards the lock and insert. It will easily unlock the cabinet by gradually shifting it either on clockwise or anti-clockwise directions. Ask from the Manufacturer.

How to get a file to unlocked?from officesolutionpro.com

Move the file in the right direction (usually clockwise) until it gets into the unlocked position. At this point, you may even hear a slight clicking sound. Once again, you’ll move the key until the keyhole is in a horizontal position (vertical position for those keyholes that require a counter-clockwise motion to unlock).

What to do if you can't find your combination key?

If you can't find the combination key, you might have to reach out to the producer for a reset. Else, you can break the lock or consult a locksmith.

How to use a paper clip for a keyhole?

A paper clip tip is small enough to fit the keyhole. Put the clip’s curved end into the keyspace. The aim is to make the clip act as an opener. Utilize your thumb and index finger to grip the hook while you insert.

How Do You Open A Safe Without The Code?

Using a 3 drawer file cabinet with a safe mostly comes with code. This feature is also typical with a safe cabinet laboratory data cabinet. There are times you can forget the cipher or the settings. Either way, you must find an alternative method to open it.

How Do You Unlock A Safety Box?

There are several easy ways to open a safety box. The suitable method depends on the type of lock you want to unhitch. Highlighted below are feasible options you can use;

What is the site of a keyhole?

The site of the keyhole is vital to the unlocking process. For instance, some guard space maintains a vertical orientation when locked. You have to shift the lock in the reverse direction in this scenario. Move it till the lock's opening area is horizontal.

How to know if a clip is unlocked?

You will know when the clip already unlocks the file document cabinet. Pulling it will help you to confirm if it is unlocked. Ensure that you don't force it! The cabinet will slide open with ease if it is unbarred. The key will remain open until you reverse the steps above to lock it.

How to move a lock clip?

Remember that the aim is to make the clip act as an opener. Once you can push down the lock's pin, move the clip from right to left. The movement should orient the guarding mechanism into an opening position.

How to use a torque wrench on a cabinet?

Place one end of the torque wrench into the lock, and apply pressure with your thumb. One end of the "Z" should be in the lock (it doesn't have to go in far), with the straight segment parallel to the face of the cabinet. The other end of the "Z" is where you can press with your thumb. Apply pressure gently so you don't bend your torque wrench.

How to make tumblers fit in lock?

Take a second piece of wire and bend it so that it has a small upward point on one end. This wire will be used to push the tumblers up, so it should be small enough to fit all the way into the lock.

Can you lose a key in a filing cabinet?

Losing a key is always frustrating–especially when you can't open a file cabinet that holds important financial information such as tax paperwork, audits, etc. Fortunately, filing cabinet locks are typically low quality and can be bypassed with some simple tools and a finesse.

How to open a file cabinet manually?

Poking and tilting the cabinet. This measure uses a bar to open the cabinet system manually. To do this, you have to ask help from another person to rotate the front surface in the upward direction. You will also need to make a hole with the metal bar and shift the hole’s specific end to release the file cabinet.

What is important to consider before unlocking a file cabinet?

Before stepping towards the unlocking process, it is important to consider the advantage and disadvantages to decide whether such suits your situation. Typically, there are several factors you have to consider in choosing the technique to unlock your file cabinet, such as the lock type, the raw material of the file cabinet, among others. ...

How long does it take to unlock a file cabinet?

However, most of those methods can break your file cabinet, but with little patience plus creativeness, you can surely unlock it within a couple of minutes.

How to unlock a cabinet with a knife?

Aim it towards the lock and insert. It will easily unlock the cabinet by gradually shifting it either on clockwise or anti-clockwise directions. Ask from the Manufacturer.

Can you unlock a file cabinet without damage?

If you want to unlock the file cabinet without a single damage, it is better to hire a professional locksmith. Locksmith owns special tools to open the cabinet without causing single damage to its surface. However, a service fee will be charged in return for his service.

Can you unlock a locked file cabinet?

There are times that we forget where we put the keys. Finding them can be very frustrating. So, learning how to unlock a locked file cabinet is necessary. It is also essential to remain patient and select the most suitable method to open the file cabinet without causing permanent damages. Remember that a file cabinet is an amazing home security product that can keep your important documents safe and secure. Here’s how to learn more about Cabinet Latches.

How to pick a lock for a file cabinet?

How to pick a file cabinet lock? To pick a file cabinet lock, straighten out a paperclip and leave one of the ends curved. Hold the paperclip vertically and insert the curved end into the keyhole, which will push down on the pins inside. You can do the same with a nail clipper file. The truth is, learning how to pick a file cabinet lock is ...

What does it mean to open a file cabinet?

Getting a file cabinet open means starting with the right tools, but fortunately, when we say “tools” we mean one of two things – a paper clip or a nail clipper file! If you’re at the office, finding a paper clip should be no problem whatsoever, and a lot of people have a set of nail clippers in their purse or pocket.

How to get a curved file into a keyhole?

Once you get a file with a curved tip, insert it into the keyhole and make sure the tip of the point is facing down. Try to get the file as far into the keyhole as possible. You’ll notice that when you’re done, most of the file will be inside of the keyhole.

How to get a file to unlocked?

Move the file in the right direction (usually clockwise) until it gets into the unlocked position. At this point, you may even hear a slight clicking sound. Once again, you’ll move the key until the keyhole is in a horizontal position (vertical position for those keyholes that require a counter-clockwise motion to unlock).

How to unlock a paper clip?

To find the unlock position, you have to move the paper clip to the right and left until you feel a “smooth” action without any catching. Do this gently so nothing breaks, and once the paper clip turns to the right or left without catching on anything, you’ve found the unlock position.

How many pins do you need to move a cabinet drawer?

At this point, go ahead and move the file up and down. Most locks will have five pins, and you’ll need to move the file up and down until all five pins are moved correctly. If you can move the file up and down effortlessly, it means you’ve been able to move the pins and, therefore, unlock the cabinet drawer.

What to do if the first technique doesn't work?

If the first technique doesn’t work, you can go to Plan B , which is using the file part of a metal nail clipper. You likely already know that learning how to pick a file cabinet lock is much easier when you have some type of metal, pointed object, and the fingernail file on a set of nail clippers is perfect for this purpose.

What instrument do you use to open a filing cabinet?

Filing cabinets often use simple locks, so it’s possible to open them with a small, thin metal instrument such as the scraper on a nail clipper.

How to force a lock?

It is possible to do this with a hammer and a screw driver or with an electric drill. By placing the screwdriver’s head in the lock mechanism and hitting it with the hammer, the lock often pops out and allows the owner to open the drawer. This sometimes takes a few strikes to actually work.

Can you drill a hole through a lock?

Drilling a hole through the lock often has the same result. However, these methods do ruin the lock. Another option is to take the straight scraping tool in a nail clipper and force it into the lock. By jiggling it around, sometimes it becomes possible to turn the lock like a key. ADVERTISEMENT.

What to do when your key doesn't work?

When initial steps don’t work out or when the key replacement cannot be fetched from the manufacturer, it would be best to connect with a skilled locksmith who can easily produce a new key for your use .

Can you break a file cabinet?

Never be tempted to break or cause any other damage to the file cabinet yourself. If you do that, you will void your cabinet warranty and it will become impossible for you to fix that damage. You won’t be able to get a replaced new cabinet and would ultimately have to shell out extra money to get a new one. It is best to call us, Keychain Locksmith so that we can get into your file cabinet without any damage to it.

Can a locksmith pick a key?

When initial steps don’t work out or when the key replacement cannot be fetched from the manufacturer, it would be best to connect with a skilled locksmith who can easily produce a new key for your use. They understand the locking mechanism and thus are easily able to pick the lock so that you can get into the file cabinet without wasting any time.

image

1.Videos of How Do You Open a Lost Filing Cabinet Key

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+open+a+lost+filing+cabinet+key&qpvt=how+do+you+open+a+lost+filing+cabinet+key&FORM=VDRE

28 hours ago Web · File Cabinet Information. Before a locksmith can create a new lost file cabinet key for you, you need to provide the locksmith with the information of the file …

2.How to Replace a Lost File Cabinet Key | File Cabinet Key …

Url:https://www.theprolock.com/blog/how-to-replace-a-lost-file-cabinet-key

16 hours ago Web · Found this locked file cabinet in my basement, I don't know where the key is hiding or what maybe in the drawers. Given that I plan to use it for tool storag...

3.How to Replace a Lost File Cabinet Key – The Easiest …

Url:https://revolar.com/replace-a-lost-file-cabinet-key/

13 hours ago Web · Mostly, in companies, there are spare keys stored as a backup in case the original key is lost. Ask for it to unlock the file cabinet without a hurdle easily. So, if you …

4.Lost Key, How to Get Into a Locked File Cabinet, How to …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd8Bd7XlB44

18 hours ago Web · It is possible to do this with a hammer and a screw driver or with an electric drill. By placing the screwdriver’s head in the lock mechanism and hitting it with the …

5.4 Ways To Open Your Safe File Cabinet Without a Key

Url:https://armadillosafes.com/blogs/news/4-ways-opening-safe-file-cabinet

22 hours ago

6.How to Unlock a File Cabinet When the Key Is Lost | Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13403964/how-to-unlock-a-file-cabinet-when-the-key-is-lost

7 hours ago

7.How To Unlock A Locked File Cabinet | Home Security Store

Url:https://homesecuritystore.com/how-to-unlock-a-locked-file-cabinet

26 hours ago

8.How to Pick a File Cabinet Lock Without a Key

Url:https://officesolutionpro.com/how-to-pick-file-cabinet-lock/

27 hours ago

9.How Do You Open a Locked File Cabinet Without a Key?

Url:https://www.reference.com/world-view/open-locked-file-cabinet-key-b634fc9a6b5f4041

3 hours ago

10.How to Replace a Lost File Cabinet Key - KeyChain …

Url:https://www.keychainlocksmith.com/post/how-to-replace-a-lost-file-cabinet-key

21 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9