How to Break into a Locked Metal Filing Cabinet

Breaking into a locked metal filing cabinet can be tempting, but it’s important to carefully consider the legal and ethical implications before proceeding. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to break into a locked metal filing cabinet, including an overview of the challenges, required tools, and step-by-step instructions.

Overview of Challenges

Metal filing cabinets are designed to be sturdy and secure, so breaking into one can be quite difficult without the proper tools and techniques. Here are some of the main challenges you’ll likely encounter:

• Thick metal construction – Most filing cabinets are made of thick sheet metal that resists drilling, cutting, and prying attempts.
• Locks – Filing cabinets are equipped with high-security key locks or combination locks that are tricky to pick or crack.
• Limited access – The narrow drawer opening and enclosed design make it hard to manipulate tools to breach the locks.
• Alarms – Some filing cabinets have integrated alarms that will sound if the cabinet is tampered with.
• Structural reinforcements – Extra metal plating and bolt reinforcements around the locking points help prevent forced entry.

Overcoming these challenges requires having the right tools, proper techniques, patience, and persistence. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the filing cabinet to identify vulnerabilities before attempting to break in.

Necessary Tools

Depending on the specifics of the filing cabinet, you may need some or all of the following tools:

• Flashlight – To visually inspect locking points and interior mechanisms.
• Screwdrivers – Different sizes to remove drawer slides and access internal components.
• Hammer and punches – To punch out the locking cylinder if accessible.
• Drill – Preferably a hammer drill with carbide drill bits to bore holes into the metal casing.
• File cabinet key – Lifted from office or cloned to attempt to open it.
• Lock picks – Specialized picks can help manipulate wafer locks and pins.
• Crowbar – For prying open the drawer if you can disengage the locks.
• Bolt cutters – If there are external cabinet bolts securing the drawers.
• Dremel or angle grinder – To cut through metal if other entry methods fail.

Having these tools on hand will provide multiple options for gaining entry by force.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With the proper tools gathered, here are the detailed steps to follow:

Examine the Filing Cabinet

• First, thoroughly examine the filing cabinet to understand how it is constructed and identify any vulnerabilities.
• Look for the brand name and model number, then research specifications online if possible.
• Inspect the drawer locking points and mechanisms closely using a flashlight.
• Check if any external cabinet bolts or plates can be removed to access the interior.
• See if you can gently slide the drawers open even slightly when locked.

Attempt Non-Destructive Entry

• First try entering any factory default combinations or having the cabinet keys duplicated.
• Try picking the lock open carefully using lock picking tools. Manipulate the pins and rotate the core gently with tension.
• Insert a thin metal shim into the drawer side to try releasing the locking mechanism or popping the lock open.
• Locate any access points where you may be able to disengage the locking slides or cylinders.

Breach the Locking Points

If non-destructive methods fail, you’ll need to start drilling or prying:

• Target the locks – Use carbide drill bits and a hammer drill to bore out the lock cylinders.
• Drill the drawer sides – Make a hole on each side to allow inserting a crowbar to pry open.
• Remove drawers – Take out removable drawer slides then access the cabinet interior.
• Bend metal on seam – Use a pry bar or jimmy tool to bend the thin metal on the side drawers seam to pop open.
• Cut through metal – Use a Dremel or angle grinder to cut through a drawer side if other methods don’t work.

Bypass the Locking Mechanism

If you can access the interior:

• Remove any interior metal plates blocking drawers.
• Cut through any crossing metal rods or sliding bolts.
• Release the drawer locking brackets, slides, or arms.
• Cut around the lock cylinder and punch it out to bypass it.

Check for False Walls or Bottoms

• Once inside the cabinet, check for any false walls or bottom panels hiding a second locked compartment.
• Look for screws, seams, or inconsistencies that may indicate a false panel.
• Drill through suspected false panels or pry them loose to check for items hidden behind them.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Having trouble drilling? Use a center punch to start pilot holes. Apply cutting fluid and use fresh drill bits.
• Can’t slide a shim in? Try super-gluing a pen cap or cut straw to the end and insert to depress locking latches.
• Drilling not working? A carbide grit hole saw may chew through tough metal better.
• Lock not budging? Spray penetrating oil into the cylinder and let it sit before trying to pick or drill again.
• Metal not bending? A portable butane torch can help heat and soften the metal for prying.
• Drawer stuck after breaching? Tap with a mallet around the sides to loosen from the bent metal casing.

Legal Considerations

While this guide provides the technical details on how to break into a filing cabinet, there are legal risks to attempting unauthorized and forced entry. It is crucial to think through the necessity and weigh the potential consequences. Proceed thoughtfully and cautiously if choosing to attempt to breach a locked filing cabinet without the owner’s permission.

Conclusion

Breaking into a locked metal filing cabinet presents a difficult challenge, but can potentially be accomplished with determination, the proper tools, and techniques. The layered physical security measures will require persistance and time to defeat. While it is technically possible to force your way in, doing so without approval comes with legal hazards. Use good judgment to evaluate whether the contents are worth the risks of breaking and entering before taking action. With preparation and care in executing the steps outlined here, you may be able to pick, drill, pry or cut your way through most filing cabinet locks and barriers. But sometimes, the best solution is to obtain legitimate access through approved means, leaving the cabinet intact.