How to Open A Locked File Cabinet

People often place their private documents in the file cabinet when they are at home or office. While, some people may meet that they can not pick up their file for work as the file cabinet is locked or the key is lost. So, if you are eager to get the files quickly, you have to know how to open the locked file cabinet. 

 

Most file cabinet locks have one keyed cylinder that controls a lock assembly. When the lock is opened, the corresponding lock assembly opens all other drawers. File cabinets where only drawers with locks can be locked, work by a cam or latch on the back of the cylinder that rotates into a locked or unlocked position depending on how the keyway is manipulated.

 

Picking, bypassing, and other keyway manipulation tactics are possible only if the file cabinet lock is working properly. If the lock is not working with the authorized key, then you will likely need to open the cabinet by drilling the lock. Consult a locksmith before performing any kind of destructive entry yourself.

 

How to Open A Locked File Cabinet at Home or Office

The File Cabinet Lock Is Broken

A file cabinet lock will often break in one of two ways. The first is the lock cylinder will not work with the proper key. The second is a problem with the greater lock assembly. In either case, you might be able to temporarily get your broken file cabinet lock into a temporary working position. Solutions for a broken lock include using lubrication in the keyway, lifting and moving the drawer to alleviate weight issues. Make sure you are turning your key properly as you try these methods.

 

If there is no way to coax the broken file cabinet lock into opening one last time, it will need to be drilled open. Drilling a lock will not only open a lock without a key, but it will also open most broken locks. Be careful if you are drilling the lock yourself, as you could harm the file cabinet or yourself. Drilling a lock is best left to a professional locksmith, but the process can be done by an individual who has experience with power tools.

 

To drill a lock open, you will need a power drill and several bits, progressing in width. The final drill bit’s width should be roughly the size of the lock core. With all the internals ground out, you should be able to reach through the lock housing (with a tool) and exploit the lock assembly so the cabinet will open. If the lock cylinder has become detached from the lock assembly, manipulation will be more difficult. If you have any questions, consult a locksmith.

 

The File Cabinet Keys is Lost

When the lock is in working order, and you simply do not have keys to the file cabinet, it is much easier to safely open. Several bypass methods may work on your file cabinet lock, such as an actuator bypass where you insert a small thin piece of metal into the lock. Lift the pins, push the tool through to the back of the lock. While pushing in, push down and depress the actuator that controls the latch.

 

You may also be able to insert a small metal tool into the keyway, and jiggle it up and down while applying turning pressure. This simple process will even open most Hon file cabinet locks without a key. This is a process similar to bumping a lock but made easier because cabinet locks often use wafers instead of pin tumblers.

 

Other keyway manipulation methods are best left to a professional locksmith. You can look into how to pick locks, but it is going to save you from unnecessary frustration and losing valuable time to simply call a locksmith. In cases where you have simply broken your key, there is even a chance that a locksmith can copy the broken key and avoid changing the lock altogether.

 

So, people can follow the guidance and try to figure out the problem of file cabinet with right lock picking tools,it is easy for you to get the files from the cabinet later.