how to unlock a vidmar (LIsta) cabinet?

[Black Frog]

We got a locked vidmar at auction, no keys unfortunately. Doesn't appear there's much inside, but what's the best way to open it with no key? I see holes near the back on the underside, is there a way to access the latch from that? Or am I stuck with trying to drill out the lock?

 

[pcmeiners]

Unless you you have unusually large holes in the back.....
Aside from having the correct master key, drill the lockout and rotate the shaft. New lock from Ebay or Vidmar roughly $25.00

 

[steaks&anvils]

is there a lock code number on the front of the lock?

try this website, they do not specifically list vidmar, but it does not hurt to ask them:

EasyKeys.com - File Cabinet Keys, File Cabinet Locks, Desk Keys & Locks, Cubicle Keys & Locks, Key Blanks, Padlocks, and more!

EasyKeys.com, founded in 2002, provides a hassle-free process for ordering replacement keys and lock cores with fast & free shipping options.

www.easykeys.com

 

[Viper98912]

I hope you're not trying to break into one of the shop guy's tool boxes at your job...

So I'll go with the "drill it out", slow and noisy, advice....

 

[Black Frog]

Well if it would help I could always drill a hole in the top/rear of the cabinet if that would get me somewhere....

 

[Shiftless]

There is a super locksmith here on GJ

jeffmoss26

 

[Black Frog]

Now that I took pictures, it isn't a Vidmar, it is a Lista.
There are two holes near the rear of the cabinet on the underside (second pic).

 

[rjn2649]

Watch a couple utube vids on lock pickin...
Once it's unlocked it's easier to remove the lock and replace.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Now that I took pictures, it isn't a Vidmar, it is a Lista.
There are two holes near the rear of the cabinet on the underside (second pic).

Again, if there is a key code on the lock, you might be able to order a key. $8.87 plus shipping. Seems like a better choice than drilling and cutting and then needing to maybe get a new lock?

lista page:

Keys and Locks for Lista tool boxes and cabinets - EasyKeys.com

Keys and Locks for Lista tool boxes and cabinets

www.easykeys.com

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here's an older discussion that may help: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/big-lista-warning-dont-get-locked-out.408398/

 

[Black Frog]

I do not see a key code visible. There may be one on the housing once it is removed... but that doesn't help me now ;-)

 

[Black Frog]

StuartinMN, thanks for the thread link. I wonder if that may be why this one seems locked. I just assumed it was locked with no keys!

 

[Iron Beaver]

Usually those sorts of things are wafer locks that are really easy to rake. For more information, look up the Lock Picking Lawyer on Youtube.

Or drill it out and buy a new lock.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I had an unlocked one that I did not have the key for. I tried and tried to replace it with a core that I did have keys for. I'm sure I was doing it wrong but I couldn't get that sucker out. In the end I screwed a slide hammer into the keyhole and it came right out! there is just two little ears holding it in. No damage to the cabinet at all. good luck!

 

[jrmyga23]

I use a piece of thin sheet metal like this and slide in between drawers then rake the back towards the center.

 

[mikegt4]

I posted on the linked thread about opening Lista type cabinets and a couple other threads on the same subject. I had to open several every month at work but I have been retired for 10 years so I have forgotten details.

Most cabinets have a lock bar vertically up the back of the cabinet, either in the center or at the corner. If you look through the small gap at the top of a drawer and shine a strong light through the same gap you can see the lockbar. Most lockbars flip to one side, some raise to release. I kept a piece of 1/8" x 1/2" or 3/4" flat strip handy to slide through the gap and flip the lock bar. Depending on the design a locked cabinet (as with a key) may not allow the lockbar to move. Our cabinets were never key locked, they usually jambed the lockbar when they slammed the drawers shut.

 

[Black Frog]

You guys were correct! It was not locked, the rear latch mechanism was engaged.
A simple "jimmy" flat bar worked great, opened right up. THANK YOU!

 

[Mick56]

Any goodies inside?

 

[Black Frog]

not really, couple old files, scissors, box of nitrile gloves, and some old glue.... But the cabinet is nice.

 

[Richard Cranium]

But you didn't tell us what you paid at the auction for it.

 

[Mallen]

I don't know about listas but vidmars have key codes on the locks. We had tons of them where I used to work. I believe they were also better picks than those cheap toolbox locks too. That was one of their selling points.

I suggest doing what I did with an old truck I bought. I lost the door key and never had the ignition key. To change the cylinders putt requires the lock. So I bought a set of lock picks. After about 15 minutes of practice I can now open a Briggs and Stratton style wafer tumbler lock on about 15 seconds. Remember, this is garage journal. Here it's always better to learn a new skill and buy a specialized tool rather than pay someone.