HF 26" tool box

[ARFLY]

I just bought another HF 26" tool box. Put the wheels on while it was in the back of my truck. Unboxed it and got it out if my truck. Everything looks good except everything but the bottom drawer is locked. I assume the keys are locked in the top drawer as they are usually tied in there. Of course none of the other keys I have work. Is there any way to get it unlocked and opened?

 

[Rabid Badger]

These might do the trick:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3Pcs-Full-Kit-Tubular-Accessories-Locksmith-Lock-Pick-Tools-Equipment-Durable/293362583778

 

[ARFLY]

Thanks, but if there's not an easy way to do it I will take it back.

 

[Mr_B]

Can you not remove lower drawer then see if can push the lock latch bar up by hand so other drawers could be opened .

 

[ARFLY]

I hadn't thought of that. I will try it. Won't the top drawer still be locked?

 

[71goldss]

Not sure on the HF box, but some boxes can be turned upside down and the lock bar will drop, unlocking the drawers. Just a suggestion.

 

[ARFLY]

Lock bars won't move.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

I don't know these boxes... are you sure there isn't a drawer release on the handle?

But if it's truly locked, that seems odd.. I would call up harbor freight and ask them what to do. They ought to be able to send you a new set of keys. There's usually a number printed on the lock face that tells them what key it uses.

Otherwise take it back to the store, maybe first call them as I'm sure they've seen this before and have an answer.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

The 7 pin tubular lock is really easy to pick. I bought a floor display of the 26 inch box from HF a couple of years ago. The bottom drawers were locked on that as well. Took me about 10 minutes to pick. The video below from YouTube gives a good overview of the process. Hope that helps.

 

[Mr_B]

Lock bars won't move.

Can you not release the lock bar/drawer latch on the next drawer up and remove that drawer and repeat until at top drawer .
Review the latch on the removed lower drawer to see if this an option ...

 

[ARFLY]

I talked to the store. They are going to exchange it, but they only have the floor model. They will knock some money off of that.

 

[Mr_B]

A lot of the floor models get totally beat up, you need review that option well .

 

[1982fxr]

I don't know these boxes... are you sure there isn't a drawer release on the handle?

But if it's truly locked, that seems odd.. I would call up harbor freight and ask them what to do. They ought to be able to send you a new set of keys. There's usually a number printed on the lock face that tells them what key it uses.

Otherwise take it back to the store, maybe first call them as I'm sure they've seen this before and have an answer.

Hf will not issue replacement keys that way. They will sell a new lock set with a random code, they won't match it . Ask me how I know.

 

[gmt]

Hey ARFLY,
FYI, my local HF sold me one of their 26" floor models for $170 and insider club membership.
Mine had one bolt missing from the castors, but otherwise OK. The manager said he was clearing out some floor models to make room for some ICON boxes. Good luck.

 

[ARFLY]

Hey ARFLY,
FYI, my local HF sold me one of their 26" floor models for $170 and insider club membership.
Mine had one bolt missing from the castors, but otherwise OK. The manager said he was clearing out some floor models to make room for some ICON boxes. Good luck.

That's what they are doing here.

 

[Professional Tool User]

As others have already mentioned, try removing the other drawers. That way you can get access to the lock bar inside and try prying.

 

[ARFLY]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I got it switched out. I think the floor model I got is in better shape than the one in the box I picked up yesterday. My son pointed out a big dent in the original one I hadn't noticed. I got the floor model for $190. I got $54 back and a box that opens. I'm happy.