Don’t worry if you’ve misplaced the office filing cabinet key. You can use a nail file or a paperclip to get inside. Your filing cabinet’s lock is simple to pick if you put some thought into it and have some patience.
What You Need
You must first gather the required tools if you want to pick a file cabinet lock. It is simple to locate in your workplace.
There are two types of tips on nail clipper files: flat and curved. You must have a nail clipper file with a curved tip ready for this tutorial because flat-tipped ones won’t work to open a file cabinet. Make sure the nail clipper’s file is also small enough to fit inside the keyhole.
You can use a paperclip to open a filing cabinet lock if a nail clipper file is not available. FCYou also have to make a tension wrench. The paper clips must be large and made of metal. Aside from paper clips, you can also use a sturdy bobby pin as a pick tool.
How to Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock
Method 1: Picking the Lock With Paperclips
Step 1
Leave one of the paperclip’s ends bent while straightening the other. The bent end of the paper clip will be used to pry open the filing cabinet lock. If you’d like, you can bend the paperclip with the aid of a pair of pliers.
Step 2
Place the paperclip’s curved end inside the keyhole. In a sense, your key is the paperclip. Press the curved end of the paperclip into the slot while holding it vertically in the middle between your index finger and thumb. Check to see that you are holding the paperclip properly. The paperclip will not go into the keyhole if it is held horizontally. The paperclip acts as a lever, pressing the lock’s pins downward as you do this.
Step 3
To find the proper unlock position, rotate the clip from left to right. Before you unlock the filing cabinet because every filing cabinet is different, you must determine which way to turn your tool. To accomplish this, move your paperclip to the left side and then try the right side. When you move the paperclip, you should easily feel the right side. You’ve discovered the ideal unlocking position when the paperclip can be turned to the side with ease. The key to some cabinets must be turned counterclockwise, while others can be opened by turning the key clockwise.
Step 4
To unlock the filing cabinet, turn your paperclip in the proper direction. Depending on your particular cabinet, turn the keyhole into the unlocked position to unlock it. Turn your paperclip in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to accomplish this. Once you move the keyhole to the correct position, remove your paperclip from the lock. In the locked position, for instance, some keyholes are vertical. To open these cabinets, rotate the paperclip counterclockwise until the keyhole is horizontal.
Step 5
To open your filing cabinet, pull on the handle. The cabinet is unlocked once the keyhole has been positioned correctly. To gain access to the inside, simply slide open the cabinet by pulling on the handle. Unless you use a key or other tool to position the keyhole correctly, the cabinet is left unlocked.
Method2: Using a Nail Clipper File
Step 1
As a lock pick, use a nail clipper file with a curved tip. Find a pair of nail clippers with a small nail filing tool and use that to use the filing tool. In most cases, the top of the file on these tools has a curved tip. Slide the file out of the base of the nail clippers when you’re ready to pick the lock. Hold the file where it intersects the clippers after straightening it out.
Both clockwise and counterclockwise motions are possible with the nail file.
Step 2
The bottom of the keyhole should receive the filing tool. Hold the tool up to the bottom of the keyhole so the curved tip faces downward, and push the tool into the keyhole as far as it can go. Most of the file should fit inside and the tool should fit easily inside the hole.
The nail file’s slightly curved tip makes it easy to get inside the filing cabinet lock.
Step 3
Find out which way to unlock the file by rotating it back and forth. Move the file clockwise and then counter-clockwise so you can find the correct way to unlock the cabinet. The nail file slides that way easily once you’ve discovered the ideal position. The filing tool will feel like it slides into place.
A little testing might be necessary for this. You can master it with some practice.
You can turn the nail file in filing cabinets by turning it clockwise just like a key.
Step 4
To unlock the locking mechanism, gently move the nail file up and down. The keyhole accommodates the nail file almost perfectly. You can easily unlock the filing cabinet with a little pressure. Repeat this three to five times with the filing tool. By doing this, you can easily open the cabinet by moving the lock pins.
The majority of household locks have five pins, which your key easily moves when you insert it into the lock. To open the cabinet, you must move these pins.
Step 5
To unlock the keyhole, move the nail file in the right direction. After you jiggle around the file to move the pins, gently spin your wrist in the direction you determined earlier. With this motion, the locking mechanism moves into the “unlocked” position.
The locking mechanism may sound like it is collapsing as you do this.
Step 6
Open the cabinet and take your nail file out of it. After you move the keyhole into the unlocked position, take the nail file out of the lock. Inside the clippers, you can fold the file back up. The cabinet will then simply open by pulling on the handle or door.
The nail file should be moved in the opposite direction to lock the filing cabinet.
How Will I Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock Using a Paper Clip?
- Two paper clips must be ready; one will serve as a tension wrench and the other as a pick tool.
- After making your picking tools, set the tension wrench in the lower part of the keyway with the pick tool in the upper part.
- Align the pins using the pick tool and turn the tension wrench like a key once the pins are in the unlock position.
How to Drill a Lock on a File Cabinet
Getting into a locked filing cabinet without a key can be challenging. But when you need to get inside, you want to exhaust all possibilities. Drilling the lock is a common technique that releases it from the filing cabinet and enables you to access the drawers. Of course, you’ll also need a drill, some machine oil, and a steel drill bit that fits the longest part of the keyhole entry point. You’ll also need a flathead screwdriver. As you try to drill the lock open, proceed with caution.
The Drilling Process
Apply a small amount of machine oil to the drill bit before you start. This lessens any resulting friction as you drill into the lock. Use steady and firm pressure while starting your drill at a medium speed. Keep going until the drill penetrates the lock mechanism, then switch your drill to reverse mode and carefully pull and the bit out of the lock.
After removing the drill, place your flathead screwdriver in the lock mechanism’s slot. Turn the screwdriver clockwise. Your second drilling attempt will trip the lock’s release lever if your first attempt was successful. If not, you will have to re-drill using a larger-sized bit. Drill bits inside the lock should not be broken, so take care. After you’ve completed the second round of drilling, try the screwdriver once more. Repeated the process as needed until the release lever can be tripped.
How to Open a File Cabinet With a Broken Lock
Even more annoying is trying to open a file cabinet with a broken lock. The possibility exists, though. Fortunately, the same procedure for drilling open a lock works on both functional and broken file cabinet locks.
Depending on the model of filing cabinet you have, you might have additional choices. Verify the right side for a vertical latch. If one is available, you might be able to open the cabinet by using it. You’ll require a sturdy object, perhaps a thin, tapered piece of metal. On the right side of the second drawer, place your shim. The vertical bar should be there for you to lift. Work the release with your thumb while jiggling the shim inserted into the right side of the drawer while holding the handle with one hand.
How to Open a Locked File Cabinet With a Paperclip
You might be able to unlock a filing cabinet lock with a paperclip if you don’t have a drill or a shim. Before you begin, straighten out one end of the paperclip while letting the other remain bent. Place the paperclip vertically so that the curved end is pressed against the inside of the lock and slide the paperclip’s curved tip into the lock’s keyhole.
After you’ve inserted the paperclip, lowly move it left to right: Proceed gingerly until you can detect how to push the pins down to spring the lock. Once the lock rotates to the side, you’ve successfully unlocked the filing cabinet. When finished, carefully remove the paperclip.
Opening the Lock With Bump Keys
You’re in luck if you pre-purchased bump keys. Bump keys let you unlock a locked filing cabinet if you’re missing the key. It’s frequently simpler than attempting to drill the lock or trying to pick it with a paper clip. Most hardware stores sell bump keys. They’re a cheap investment that can help you avoid a lot of hassles and wasted time.
Bump keys are fashioned in shapes that fit (or closely fit) most file cabinet locks. Choose the lock on your filing cabinet’s key that looks the most similar. To successfully unlock the lock, slide the key into the lock and then tilt and bump it. Your best bet is to call a locksmith if this approach doesn’t work and you are out of options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from the Nail Clipper File, What Are the Other Items That I Can Use to Unlock a File Cabinet Lock?
You can use other things to get past a cabinet lock. To open a filing cabinet, you can also use bobby pins, paper clips, a knife, and a screwdriver. However, you can also buy a lockpicking set if you don’t have the time to make your own pick tools. It includes picking tools for beginners, so it is easier to use.
Is Picking Using a File of the Nail Clipper Works for All Kinds of Filing Cabinet Locks?
No, there are push-in locks for filing cabinets. A file or nail clipper would not fit into these kinds of locks because they are smaller. For these locks, it is advised to use thinner picks, like paper clips and bobby pins. You can use a lockpicking set for cabinet locks that are more difficult.
Can I Have a Replacement Key for My File Cabinet Lock?
You are welcome to request a replacement key for your filing cabinet. Look for a reputable locksmith who can assist you. Bring your broken key to him so he can check the codes if necessary. Even if it is lost, a reputable locksmith can still give you a replacement key.
Can I Pick a Magnetic Cabinet Lock?
Magnetic lock cabinets are simple to operate but have intricate locking mechanisms. Sadly, this type of lock typically does not respond to picking. If you need to unlock it without a key, it’s best to get in touch with a pro right away. To get a new key, you can also get in touch with the manufacturer.
Will Pick My Cabinet Lock Damage It?
Unfortunately, yes. Picking your cabinet lock may cause scratches. In addition, if you forcefully and carelessly align the pins, it could be harmed. If you damage your cabinet lock, you must purchase a new one to keep your important documents secure.
Conclusion
Did you find our guide on picking filing cabinet locks to be helpful? To contact a professional or inform your boss that you misplaced the file cabinet key, you don’t need to spend any money. You can unlock a locked filing cabinet by using the above instructions. If you thoroughly understood the guides above, you can learn additional opening and closing techniques, including how to unlock a file cabinet without a key, how to open a file cabinet, and how to lock a file cabinet without a lock.
