How to Unlock a File Cabinet Without a Key
You diligently locked your office filing cabinet to protect it's contents and then promptly misplaced the key. You are probably desperate to get into your important files. There is no need to panic. Your filing cabinet lock provides little real security. In fact, the lock can be opened with nothing more than two paper clips. You can get the job done even faster with a lock pick kit. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Locked filing cabinet
- Two paper clips or lock pick kit
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Instructions
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Unfold two paper clips, creating a hook at the end of each one. You will use the hook end to slide the pins into the unlocked position inside the lock.
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Insert the end of the paperclip into the lock at the very top of the lock. Wafer locks, those used for filing cabinets are usually made up of four pins. Your goal is to apply enough pressure on each of the pins to move them out of way.
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Apply pressure to the top pin, located at the very top of the lock. Press on the pin with the end of the paperclip until you feel the pin move out of the way and lock in place.
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Move down to the next pin. Apply similar sideways pressure inside the lock, one notch down from the first pin. You may need to apply considerable force. Move the pin out of the way.
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Repeat the process with the remaining two pins.
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Slide the first paper clip into the top portion of the lock. Insert the second paper clip at the bottom of the lock. Move both pins together to turn the lock. The filing cabinet should now open easily.
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Tips & Warnings
If you find that you are dealing with a wafer lock that is double sided, meaning that two pins have to be moved at the same time, pick up a lock pick kit. A lock pick kit contains a ball pick. Insert the ball pick into the lock and move it around until both pins click into place.
References
- Photo Credit red office #3 image by Val Thoermer from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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My office moved today and a locked file cabinet that did not have a key showed up at my cube. It was clearly labeled mine, so there was no way it was misplaced. Nobody had keys to ANY file cabinet from the old office. So, the Operations Mngr had a key made with the serial number on the lock. It did not work. As we looked for an auto lock mechanism at the bottom of the this 3-drawer contraption, something shifted as we tilted it at a 45 degree angle on its side. Not finding a latch or level to unlock underneath or behind, we placed it back to its upright position. Lo and behold... the drawers were unlocked. After a high-five, we continued to unpack.
