Unlocking An Excel Lower box

[ChevyEFI]

Well, after turning the key so drawers could open,
I foolishly set the keys in the top drawer. And closed it.

This is a new-to-me box. Probably originally sold in Ohio. I don't recall whether it's a re-labeled version of a different brand (that might lead me to more search results.) But I'd like to get it open.

I haven't looked at it much. Is it possible the keys can fall out of the top drawer and reach the bottom and fall out? I ask because it's not loaded up; I can pull the upper box and flip the lower around as needed.

Or, if I need to try and use a steel bar, is there a way to reach the back and get the top drawer to open?

After I get this done, I'll need to work on detents. Or at least angling the top box not to slide open at will.

 

[jakemac]

I'm not sure how those boxes lock, but you could try turning it upside down and hope that gravity moves the locking bar. If so, you could then pull the drawer open and roll it back over (with the drawer open) to fish out the keys.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Thanks. I will try that.

I'm wondering if I can get a slim magnet through the gap above the drawer and get a key close enough to the front to yank it out. The two keys are just attached with a light duty split ring.

 

[Richard Cranium]

if there is a number on the front of your lock, you could go to a real locksmith and he can cut you a key by code, Last one I had cut was 8 dollars, a whole lot cheaper then scratch or damaging your box. Good luck

 

[dogdad]

How about calling the manufacturer....they might have some good insight .

 

[zkling]

I'd try fishing the keys out since you know where they are.
Or you could try picking it with a basic tension wrench and rake picking method, which can be difficult with double sided keys.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Thanks for all responses.

This worked out well. I had exactly one drawer I had not secured fully into the detents before locking. This drawer, second from the bottom, was able to be removed from its 4 tracks and from the box.

That let me reach the back of the box, where the moving slotted steel channel sits. Each drawer has a bracket riveted to the back, a bolt laterally through the bracket, and a floating trapezium locking each drawer to the channel.

So basically, I could reach into a slot, push the trapezium up with a finger, and the drawers came unlocked. Well, I removed 3 and the upper few were simple to unlock then.

Interestingly enough, the bottom box keys are laser cut. In other words, worm-grooved on both flat faces.

Now to move stuff into the box and get better organized!

 

[stevec5]

Note to self...... Keep keys in pocket


Glad you were able to deal with it relatively easy.