Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
- Electric drill with 1/8-inch bit
- Small flashlight
- Ice pick
-
Step 1
Measure and mark a spot on the top of the file cabinet that is 2 inches from the front edge where the lock face is. This mark should also be in line with the lock cylinder. This mark is going to be the spot where you drill a hole down into the file cabinet so that you can locate the lock plunger bolt.
-
Step 2
Put a 1/8 inch drill bit on the drill and drill a hole through the top of the file cabinet on the marked location.
-
Step 3
Use the small flashlight and peer through the hole, looking for the plunger bolt of the lock mechanism. If you locate it, great. If not, don't worry. You can still proceed to the next step.
-
Step 4
Insert the ice pick into the hole and angle it to move it towards the area where you located the plunger bolt. If you did not see it, simply move the end of the pick around until you feel it, you will be very close because of the way in which you measured out the location for the hole you drilled.
-
Step 5
Use the ice pick to depress the bolt and pop open the lock. Open the drawer and you can remove the lock assembly to replace or repair it.
