Opening a Locked File Cabinet Without the Key
Imagine arriving at the office on Monday morning, coffee in hand, ready to start the workday. You sit down at your desk, open up your locked file cabinet to access an important document, and realize you've forgotten your key at home. Uh oh. Now what?
Locked file cabinets are ubiquitous in offices, providing secure storage for confidential files and documents. But occasionally, you may find yourself locked out if you've misplaced your key. Before resorting to calling a locksmith or breaking in, there are several clever techniques you can try to open a locked file cabinet without a key.
Assess the Lock
The first step is to examine the lock on your filing cabinet. Look closely to determine what type it is - a basic keyhole, combination dial, or high-security digital lock. Inspecting the lock will help you understand what kind of picking tools and skills are needed to open it.
Identify the Lock Type
Keyhole cabinet locks are the most common. If you see a small horizontal slot, then you likely have a pin and tumbler lock. These work by aligning a series of pins inside allowing the cylinder to turn. Combination locks require dialing in the right sequence of numbers. Finally, digital or electronic locks open when the correct code is entered.
Check if it's Actually Locked
Before picking the lock, first confirm that the cabinet is properly locked. Give the handle a gentle pull to see if it simply wasn't closed all the way. Also try entering a couple of random combinations or pressing buttons if it's a digital lock. You may get lucky and unlock it by chance.
Determine the Lock's Security
Assess the quality of the lock. Inexpensive locks are easier to pick than high-security ones. Look for rating marks, like symbols or text indicating it's a grade 1, 2 or 3 lock. Higher grades have more pins and anti-picking features. Understanding the lock's grade will set expectations for difficulty.
Non-Destructive Entry Methods
When possible, open a locked file cabinet without causing damage. Here are clever, non-destructive picking techniques to try first:
Pick the Lock with Tools
Lock picking uses special tools to mimic the key and align the pins inside. Common picks include a tension wrench, rake pick, hook pick, and half diamond. Insert picks into the keyhole and manipulate them to turn the core. It takes practice but can unlock many filing cabinets.
Shim the Lock
Shimming inserts a thin tool between the lock and frame to force it open. Use a credit card, small knife, or DIY shim. Slide it above the bolt while turning the handle. The shim moves the bolt, unlocking the cabinet without damage.
Bump the Lock
Bumping uses a special key called a bump key. It has uniform cuts so pins are pushed up with one tap. Insert the key partially, hit it to bump pins, then turn to unlock. Bump keys are highly effective on basic pin tumbler cabinet locks.
Impression the Lock
Impressioning creates a working key from a blank by decoding the lock. Insert a blank key and jiggle gently. Check for indentations, file down the corresponding grooves, and repeat. After several passes, the coded key will open the lock.
Bypass the Cam Lock
Cam locks have a rotating plug that acts as the bolt. Insert a sturdy tool like a flathead screwdriver into the cam hole. Rotate clockwise 90 degrees to move the bolt and release the drawer latch. This bypass trick is non-damaging.
Destructive Entry Methods
If gentler methods don't work, you may need to use destructive techniques. These force the cabinet open, damaging the lock in the process:
Drill into the Lock
Drilling bores holes through the front of the lock, destroying its internal components. Use a drill with carbide or diamond drill bits. Drill slowly at first, then rapidly to break the cylinder. Be cautious not to overdrill.
Pry Open the Drawer
Prying applies force to physically separate the drawer from the cabinet frame. Use a pry bar or crow bar for leverage. Insert the bar's curved end to pop open the drawer. Protect the surrounding area to minimize cabinet damage.
Remove the Lock
Removing the lock itself bypasses it completely. Unscrew the mounting plate or cylinder face with a screwdriver. Take care not to lose any small parts or hardware. You'll need to install a new lock after.
Cut Through the Cabinet
As a last resort, cut an access hole directly through the drawer or side of the cabinet. Use a hacksaw, jigsaw, or angle grinder to cut a hole big enough to reach in. Patch the hole after. Only use this method if absolutely needed.
Alternative Solutions
If you can't get the filing cabinet open, consider these options before causing serious damage:
Call a Locksmith
A professional locksmith can pick or extract the lock without harming the cabinet. Their experience makes entry quick and minimizes costs from replacing locks or making repairs.
Get a Replacement Key
Order a replacement key from the cabinet manufacturer. Provide the model, lock type, and key code from the original. New keys can unlock the cabinet non-destructively.
Reset the Combination
If you have the serial number, call the manufacturer to reset the combination. Then follow their instructions to set a new combination and access the locked contents.
Rather than picking the cabinet lock, remove the drawer entirely and open it separately. Use a hammer or pry bar to detach sliding rails. Then access the back of the drawer to unlock contents.
When faced with a locked file cabinet sans key, don't panic. Assess the situation first before attempting to force your way in. Trying a few clever picking techniques can often gain entry without causing any permanent damage. But if all else fails, calling a locksmith or seeking professional assistance may be your best recourse.