Craftsman top cabinet stuck closed.... advice needed

[tjpavlov]

I own a 40 inch Craftsman Edge-series top and bottom cabinet. This is one of the Waterloo cabinets and is probably ten years old. The top cabinet is currently jammed shut. This is most likely my fault.

When you close the top lid and turn the lock, it also locks the drawers. I use that top compartment sort of as my junk drawer and like to keep it closed because things get dusty in my garage. I probably have too much stuff in that top compartment.

Unlocking the top cabinet takes about a quarter turn on the barrel lock. I can get it about halfway there, but no further. I do have a few drawers that weren't pushed in far enough when it was closed, so I can still access them. I've taken out a couple of drawers and tried to slide up the locking bars in the back of the cabinet while turning the lock but that hasn't helped.

I've also tried clearing the front of the top cabinet. Even when it is locked, there is about an 1/8 inch gap. So I've take a metal ruler and tried pushing anything in the top cabinet back away from the front lid locking mechanism.

I've run out of ideas on how to get this thing open. Does anyone have any tips for me?

 

[RTM]

Tip it back or the side, to try to clear the lock cam swing?

 

[seber]

RTM nailed it. Probably something jamming the lever.

 

[mrvm]

Tip it back or the side, to try to clear the lock cam swing?

Agreed! Shake the box with some vengeance like when you lose a quarter in the vending machine

 

[2oolhound]

I've taken the hinge pin out of many tool boxes. A pin punch to get it started and visegrips to pull with once you get a bit of the pin sticking out. Use lots of lube.

 

[619DioFan]

Agreed! Shake the box with some vengeance like when you lose a quarter in the vending machine

If you do this make sure to have a camera filming so when the stack tips forward and smashes you flat we can see the viral video.

 

[rk_tek]

If you can get a ruler into the gap, then you may be also able to reach the catch on the lock. Give it a few whacks while turning the key. You might need 3 hands for this. I had a small screwdriver drop in the slot the locking bar slides through and it jammed up the whole box. I try to keep small stuff away from the catch and locking bar now.

 

[JradM]

You could potentially cut the latch if you can slide a small blade in there, between the lid and box. Then just replace that piece of the lock assembly (or more likely just make a replacement quickly). That would save the tumbler. If not, maybe just drill it out and get a new one - probably pretty cheap.

 

[Speed-Racer]

If shaking does not work, be safe and careful not to tip it. Maybe a long thin kitchen spatula or puddy knife can move things around a bit.

It is surprising fast to drill the lock with a cobalt bit.

 

[Tools4Me]

I'm just spitballing ideas, but what about shooting compressed air into the lock and/or through the lid seam around the latch area? You might be able to blow whatever is in the way out of the way. Maybe shoot some graphite powder into the lock afterwards, so the mechanism works as smoothly and easily as possible. Every little bit might help when things don't want to turn.

Also, instead of tipping the tool chest (which could be dangerous), you could possibly start it rolling it to the left and then stop it quickly to try and shift the stuff a bit side to side. If that doesn't work, try it going the other direction. Good luck.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Use lots of lube.

good advice for life actually

 

[Walkers]

Sorry, it is junk, there is no getting into them. Just ship it to me and I will make sure there are no hazardous chemicals in there before it gets scrapped. Weigh it first, I don’t want you to think I am cheating you on the scrap value.