Picking a lock - metal drawer

[964haus]

Hi all,
Back in the summer I bought a pretty cool metal card file cabinet off Craigslist. No key, but does have a lock. The drawers all seemed to open fine, and I put it in the corner of my garage waiting for the winter projects to commence...

Tonight I was kicking around the garage and went to open a drawer, but now they're locked. I figured in the last move, I did something to lock it. Unfortunately I don't have a key.

What are my options? The way I see it I could drill out the lock, but before I do, any other DIY options to pick the lock?

Thanks all,
Matthew

 

[The Cobbler]

is there a number on the lock? like 3 digits?
that is code that locksmith can cut a key to, if it has not previously been re keyed .

 

[Bigbandguy]

Slight tension on the lock with a flat piece of spring steel, then "rake" the pins with another piece. That kind of lock is only to keep honest people out. Once you have the plug turned, take the lock off and have someone make you a key.

How to video here:

 

[bullnerd]

Pretty easy to pick if the Cobblers option doesn't work. But you do need two tools that are at least close to being the correct tools.

I drilled one on a Kennedy once. I think it was brass? I forget, but i know it drilled and popped out pretty easily.

McMaster has the replacement setup.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Desk locks are ridiculously easy to pick. Get a cheap pick set on amazon and watch the lockpicking lawyer on YouTube to learn. Here is a lockpicking lawyer video.

If you want to get slick try to impression a key to fit the lock. I impressioned my first key last summer and it was pretty easy. I used a candle to smoke the key so the marks show up better, a vice grip to bind the key in the lock to make the marks, and a small diameter machinist file to file the key. Only took about 20 minutes to make a key that works. Here is a video on impressioning locks.

 

[Innovate1]

even easier is to make a key if the cylinder can be removed. Then just file each position until the pin is even with the top of the cylinder but I doubt this one comes apart. I have hand filed a key for a desk lock but was able to take it apart rather than impression method.

Most locks like this can be raked very easily. Just takes a few tries.

For a blank you could try a key cutting place and just not have them cut it. It used to be easy at hardware stores before many of them went to key cutting machines. But without a key to match the form it is harder. Pick the lock, take it out of the cabinet and take it to a place to get a blank or a locksmith to make a key. Different places have different views on if the general public should have things like picks and locksmith tools and the laws vary from state to state but you can rake a lock with a bent paperclip and a small screwdriver. Not the optimal tools but for desk locks it usually works ok.

 

[pmiranda]

I bought a cheap lock pick set off amazon last year to open my wife’s old cedar chest. Then we realized we just had to push in the lock like a button. It never was locked!

 

[Super Mech]

I keep a lock pick set at the shop. I have it for years and have had various degrees of success with it. It’s worked well on most low security locks I’ve tried it on.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Like others have said they are easy to pick. I have a key that opens just about any lock of that kind. Grab a few keys and try them on the lock. Ask some friends if they have a key stash. Load it up a haul it to the local lock smith. Should cost about the same as a new lock.

 

[f121]

Great time to learn to pick locks! There's loads of training videos and picks are super cheap.

Normally office furniture locks are about the easiest thing around to pick. I used to pick them with a pair of scissors and a paper clip.

 

[fourbyford]

I've picked tool box locks with 2 paper clips... easy peasy. As others have mentioned, watch a couple of vids and go for it!
...D

 

[wssix99]

I'd drill the lock out. (Lot's of Youtube videos on this.)

Then you can figure out the manufacturer of the file cabinet and then get a new lock(with keys) from a used office furniture store, or get a new one online, or remove it entirely.

 

[964haus]

Thanks all - awesome suggestions!!
I'm going to start by trying to pick it, and if not, out comes the drill....

Will report back,
M.

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

I've picked tool box locks with 2 paper clips... easy peasy

This...

Takes longer to type this out then to actually pick it.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Thanks all - awesome suggestions!!
I'm going to start by trying to pick it, and if not, out comes the drill....

Will report back,
M.

I bet you will have that lock picked in under 5 minutes. After you pick locks a couple times and get the feel for the light tension needed on the tension bar I bet you will be able to pick it in 20 seconds.

 

[964haus]

Must be the Canadian paperclips that just wouldn't work. After a few failed attempts at picking the lock I noticed a series of numbers on the lock - quick google search and I had a replacement key ordered...

Best $12 I ever spent.

M.

 

[ford2019]

Wow, that's incredible

 

[Hammer1963]

Just grind it off and replace it.

 

[83VillageRepair]

Easykey.com $6.95 for most office furniture. They have only failed me once.

 

[ratdoggy]

Just grind it off and replace it.

I've done that.

 

[Lassen Forge]

You could get my former employees to do it - they seemed to have no problem breaking into my file cabinets and desk when I was on vacation...

Seriously. Get a very small flat screwdriver, a straightened out paper clip (or one you've put a "hump" on the end, put slight presure on it and start raking the pins until it opens.

Then remove the lock, take it to a locksmith, and have a replacement key made.

 

[metaleltr]

Check the numbers. There is a good chance it is a common key bitting. For example CH 751 comes. up so often that we could all benefit from keeping that key around just in case.

 

[Paycheck]

Watch The Lock Picking Lawyer’s YouTube channel.

 

[kbs2244]

The first thing I did to my locking card cabinet was take out all the drawers and remove the locking linkage.

 

[gearhead1]

I bought one of those kits like Shadowdog500 posted. Taught myself how to do it, and that’s what I’d do. I’ve had a couple locks over the years I couldn’t pick, but I’ve been able to get most of them. The clear lock that came with the pick set was key to understanding how they work. That clear lock, the tools, and the time was all I needed to figure it out.

 

[nadogail]

Locks keep honest people honest; they don't keep determined crooks out.

 

[Walkers]

Well, since he ordered the key a couple years ago he shouldn’t need to pick the lock any more.