How to get into a file cabinet without a key

Filing cabinets often use simple locks, so it’s possible to open them with a small, thin metal instrument such as the scraper on a nail clipper.

Filing-cabinet locking mechanisms function by using a metal bar that goes all the way through the cabinet and keeps any of the drawers from opening. Some cabinets have a hole underneath the bottom drawer. If the cabinet owner gets help lifting it, he can push a finger through this hole and raise the rod up in order to release the drawers, allowing the user to open them. Another approach is to force the lock. It is possible to do this with a hammer and a screw driver or with an electric drill. By placing the screwdriver’s head in the lock mechanism and hitting it with the hammer, the lock often pops out and allows the owner to open the drawer. This sometimes takes a few strikes to actually work. Drilling a hole through the lock often has the same result. However, these methods do ruin the lock. Another option is to take the straight scraping tool in a nail clipper and force it into the lock. By jiggling it around, sometimes it becomes possible to turn the lock like a key.

Removing a file cabinet lock without a key is not impossible, but it might be tricky. Using our tools in the right way can help us do it on the very first try, but, if we fail to do so, it may take many trials. In order to do it carefully, it takes a lot of steps and patience. Let us go through all of them.

Steps To Take Out A File Cabinet Lock Without A Key:

Quick Navigation

• Steps To Take Out A File Cabinet Lock Without A Key
• Removing A File Cabinet Lock Core
• How Do I Replace a Lost File Cabinet Without a Key?
• Final Talk

If we are aware of how to remove a file cabinet without a key, it will be quite easy for us in case we forget our keys somewhere. Just the right way and we’ll be successful in our very first trial.

Nail clipper with a curved filer/ A paperclip

A set of gloves

Time: 20-25 minutes

Step 1: Using A Nail Clipper File

Put The File In The Right Position

Before beginning with the steps, we need to make sure to put on our gloves.

1. Take the file out of your nail-clipper.
2. Turn it clockwise
3. Tighten the grip of the nail clipper
4. Put the file inside your lock
5. Exert the right amount of pressure, for easy opening.

Insert The Nail Clipper File in The Bottom Of The Keyhole

When the nail clipper is correctly inside the lock, the curved top of the nail clipper should be put inside the bottom of our keyhole.

1. Push it to the deepest end of the lock
2. Then, make sure that the pins inside are felt through the file

By Turning It Counter-clockwise Or Clockwise

Now, we need to check out in which direction will file cabinet would unlock.

1. Turn your file counter-clockwise or clockwise
2. It is easily turn-able if the direction you chose is correct.
3. Handle this situation just like you open locks.

Release The Locking Mechanism By Moving The File Up And Down

1. Start moving the pins of the lock.
2. Do it 3-5 times.
3. Exert more pressure.
4. If the file moves easily, the pins are being moved correctly
5. Put the pins in the right place. It may require multiple trials and efforts, but the right combination will immediately open the lock.

Spin The File In The Right Direction To Unlock The Keyhole

Now, the right combination of twisting and bending will immediately open the lock. Move your wrist in the right direction. A clicking sound indicates that our mission is successful.

Remove The File And Open The Cabinet

After you hear a clicking sound, we need to carefully remove the file. We can now open the cabinet.

Step 2: Using A Paper Clip

Using a paper clip to open a file cabinet is not an easy method, but if done carefully, can be successful on the first try. We need to follow some steps in order to do so:

Straighten the paper clip- Straighten out the paper clip leaving one of its ends bent. The best part will be used to open the lock. If it becomes hard to straighten it, we can also make use of a pair of pliers to do so.

Insert the paper clip into the lock- The curved end of the paper clip should be put inside the lock. Use it as if you’re using a key to unlock the lock. The paper clip should be held vertically for it to get inside the lock. The paper clip will start pushing the pins of the lock after that.

Turn the paper clip- First, turn the paper clip in the left direction. If the paper clip can be turned easily, it means the left is the correct direction to keep turning it  If not, the right is the correct direction to turn it.We need to keep in mind that some cabinets require turning the key in the clockwise direction, whereas some require the key to be turned in a counter-clockwise direction. Vertical keyholes in locked positions, require the key to be turned counter-clockwise, in order to position the hole in a horizontal position.

Pull the handle- After hearing a clicking sound, open your file cabinet as it is an indication of unlocking. Carefully remove the clip, as it may damage the lock.To lock the cabinet again, you will be needing a key, as it remains unlocked until locked back again.

Step 3: The Two-Handed Method

For removing a file cabinet lock using this method, we will require two things- a straightened paper clip bent from one side and a bobby pin (which is bent into an L-shape).

• We need to insert both the bobby pin and the paper clip into the keyhole and feel the pins.
• Once the pins are felt, move the paper clip, keeping the bobby pin still
• Tension must be created using the bobby pin while putting pressure on the pins using the paper clip simultaneously.
• When the correct tension and pressure are applied, the file cabinet will automatically open.

Removing A File Cabinet Lock Core:

To remove a file cabinet lock core without a key, we can make use of three different methods:

• Removing it with a nail clipper file – For this method, we’ll need a pair of gloves and a nail filer. Then we need to follow the steps mentioned above in detail and unlock our file cabinet.
• Removing it with the help of a paper clip- To remove it with the help of a paper clip we’ll need a straightened paper clip with one of it’s ends bent. Then we need to follow the detailed processes given above.
• Removing it using a Two-handed method- To remove it using a two-handed method, we will need two items- a bobby pin and a paper clip. Then we need to follow the detailed processes given above.

How Do I Replace a Lost File Cabinet Without a Key?

We will need specific items to replace a lost file cabinet without a key. The items will be easily available so that would not be a problem.

• Firstly, we need to keep track of the serial number, brand name, model number, and other important information about the file cabinet.
• If you cannot find any of these, then you will need to go to the shop where you purchased it and ask the shopkeeper for the details.
• Note down all the information on a notepad to avoid losing information.
• Then we will need to find a trustworthy locksmith, whom we can give all the details so that he hand make a new replacement key.

Note any other points needed. Try opening the lock with the replacement key, and if it opens, use that as the key to open your lock. You can also ask the locksmith to prepare an extra key, in case you lose the original one.

Final Talk

Losing keys can be dreadful if you have some important items inside. But knowing methods that can help you avoid such situations can be a lifesaver. File cabinets usually have important information regarding our jobs and banks. Their keys should be handled consciously and kept in a safe place.

How do you break a lock on a cabinet without a key?