Many filing cabinets use simple wafer locks though, which can often be picked by using a paperclip or even rocking a different key up and down while attempting to turn it. Paperclips may be used to open a locked file cabinet. The different methods of gaining access to a locked file cabinet each present benefits in certain situations.  Another method of gaining access to a locked file cabinet is drilling out the lock. The lock cylinder will need to be replaced afterwards, but you will typically avoid damaging the cabinet itself. You should typically begin the procedure with a drill bit that is slightly wider than the keyhole and attempt to drill through the pins. If you succeed, it will be possible to open the lock with a screwdriver. How to remove and install the lock core from your Steelcase, Haworth, Herman Miller, Knoll, Kimball Office, HON, Timberline, Global, Teknion, Wesko file. Remove your nail file and open the cabinet. After you move the keyhole into the unlocked position, take the nail file out of the lock. You can fold the file back inside of the clippers.  Once you’ve got the paperclip inside, try rotating it left and right to feel which side the lock needs to turn. When the paperclip turns easily to one side, you'll know this is the right direction. After you’ve turned the keyhole to the unlocked position, remove the paperclip and slide open your cabinet drawer. For more tips, including how to pick your filing cabinet lock with a nail clipper file, read on! Did this summary help you?. You will need to remove your existing lock, and compare the dimensions listed on the above reference page. Let us answer it! Pull on the handle to open your filing cabinet. Clear All. Many dexign, remove file cabinet lock cylinder design opt to throw away a cabinet because of a spoiled or vandalized lockbut what they may not realize is that it is much cheaper to buy and replace the file cabinet locks rather than buy cylindee new cabinet. If the cabinet does not have locking rods internally then we can suggestion the external locking bar: Please review Abus, and Major brands shown on this page.

Written by Doityourself Staff. What You'll Need. Bolt cutters. How to Make Underbed Built Cabinets. Repairing a Broken Filing Cabinet Lock. How to Secure a Filing Cabinet to a Wall. Hello I am trying to replace the lock on my filing cabinet. I took it to Read More. Desk made with cabinets and a door. Thinking of making our own desk out of a door placed on two file cabinets. Remove built in bread box cabinet? There was another post answering this question for a cabinet that is in the Dead Bolt catches strike plate.

I have a dead bolt on my front door and when locking it the bolt catches th Removing under cabinet lighting. Hello DIY'ers, I just moved into a house that has under cabinet task light I recently bought a thumb turn for my bathroom door. It appears to be ma Removing Remove File Cabinet Lock Cylinder Data lock without calling a locksmith. So we have this door that won't open. Even the previous owners didn't have Popular Articles.

Do this carefully and make sure that the chisel is sharp to avoid causing damage to the whole cabinet. Removal of this cylinder interrupts the locking system and thus automatically opens the cabinet. There is a relatively small sized clip on the lock, called a C-clip, which connects the lock to the walls of the cabinet.

Using pliers, pull the C-clip off. This way, you will be able to pull the lock out of its notch. Before inserting the cabinet lock into the notch, ensure that the key is inside the lock and that the lock is not open. For the file cabinet lock to work efficiently, you must make sure that the lock is aligned well with the locking system on the cabinet wall.

Turn the key in its lock and test if the replacement process was successful. If the lock fits and locks with ease, then the cabinet is good to go. It is always wise to gauge and see if you are capable of carrying out the task without any injuries and without destroying the whole file cabinet, leading to a greater cost of replacing the file cabinet itself.

If you feel that you cannot change the cabinet lock on your own, get assistance from a professional. The tools you use in this job can cause injuries if not used carefully and with skill, especially any cutting tools like the chisel. Goggles and hand gloves are essential during any kind of carpentry. As long as you will be exposed to wood splinters, it is advisable to put on protective wear to prevent harming yourself.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. All information is provided "AS IS. All rights reserved. You may freely link to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. View our Privacy Policy here. Toggle navigation subscribe. How to Replace File Cabinet Locks. Written by Piyush Jain. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Hannah Madans. What You'll Need. New file cabinet lock. Repairing a Sliding Glass Door Lock.

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