How to Get a Key for an Old Metal Cabinet

Try to Find the Original Key

Before attempting to force or replace the lock, take some time to thoroughly search for the original key. Check the usual spots keys get lost – junk drawers, key racks, and so on. Also look through the belonging of anyone else who may have had access to the cabinet. If it was used for storing important documents, the key may have been placed in a secure location like a safe deposit box. Don’t give up too quickly – taking the time to hunt down the original key can save you a lot of work.

Pick the Lock

If you can’t find the key, your next option is to pick the lock. This takes some skill and the right tools. You’ll need:

• A tension wrench – This is inserted into the bottom of the lock hole and twisted to apply tension to the plug and pins inside.
• Lock picks – These are used to push up the pins inside the lock to the proper heights so they align correctly and allow the lock to open.

Watch tutorial videos to learn proper picking techniques. Go slowly, apply light tension, and listen/feel for the pins setting. With practice, you can successfully pick and open most simple cabinet locks this way.

Use Locksmith Tools

There are specialized tools locksmiths use that can also open locked cabinets without damaging them. Useful options include:

• Snap gun – Inserted into the lock hole, it uses vibration and tension to bounce the pins into alignment.
• Tubular lock pick – Designed for tubular style locks often found on file cabinets. Uses a specialized pick to set the disk pins.
• Ultra-thin picks – For wafer tumbler cabinet locks, these picks can reach the tiny wafers.
• Lock pullers – Attaches to the lock’s cylinder and pulls it outward, separating it from the body.

While snap guns and lock pullers require some force, using proper tools is better than brute prying that might break the cabinet.

Drill Out the Lock

If non-destructive methods don’t work, you may need to drill out the cabinet’s lock completely. This requires:

• A drill
• Drill bits (start small, increase size as needed)
• Eye protection
• A vacuum (for metal shavings)

Take your time drilling carefully straight into the lock’s cylinder, making the hole larger until the lock plug falls out. Remove any remaining pieces of the lock mechanism still inside. You’ll now have a functional cabinet, just no way to lock it anymore. But you can install a new lock if needed.

Hire a Locksmith

For professional, guaranteed results, hire an experienced locksmith. They have all the best tools and expertise to quickly get your cabinet open without any damage. Key benefits of locksmiths include:

• No risk of drilling mistakes or lock damage
• Available for emergency/after-hours unlocking
• Can provide replacement lock and new keys
• May be cheaper than buying tools yourself

Finding a qualified locksmith is worth it for valuable cabinets or sensitive contents. They can typically open it on-site so nothing has to be disassembled or transported.

Replace the Lock

If the cabinet itself still works fine but the lock is just stuck or lost beyond repair, replacing the lock completely is an option. This involves:

• Removing the old damaged lock
• Filling in or cleaning up the leftover hole
• Installing a new matching lock in the same spot
• Getting replacement keys made

Just make sure you choose a good quality replacement lock so the same problem doesn’t happen again. Watch tutorial videos to learn how cabinet locks are properly installed and removed.

Make a Key Copy

If you still have an existing working key for the cabinet, the easiest solution can be to make one or more copies. Take the key to a professional locksmith or hardware store and they can replicate it for you very quickly and cheaply. Store the spare keys in separate secure locations so you always have back-ups handy if needed again.

Find the Lock Code

Some metal cabinets use combination locks instead of keys. If you don’t know the code, there are a few ways to potentially figure it out:

• Try birthdays, anniversaries, or other memorable numbers
• Carefully listen as you turn the dial to identify click points
• Use a stethoscope to hear the clicks more closely
• Try a professional combination recovery service

With some effort, you may be able to crack the combination without resorting to destructive measures.

FAQ About Getting Keys for Old Metal Cabinets

How can I find out what key I need for my old cabinet lock?

Take the lock to a locksmith and they can identify the key type from the lock specifications. Have them make you a new key that will work.

I lost my file cabinet keys, what should I do?

Try picking the lock first using lockpicking tools. If that doesn’t work, call a locksmith – they can make file cabinet keys quickly by code if needed.

What tools can open an old locked cabinet non-destructively?

Snap guns, lock picking kits, ultra-thin picks, and tension wrenches allow skilled users to open cabinet locks without damage. A pro locksmith will have the full set of tools.

Can I change the lock on my metal cabinet myself?

Yes, with some DIY skills you can remove cabinet locks and install new ones. Watch tutorials to learn proper techniques. Using matching locks keeps the original look.

What if I lost the key and picking the lock didn’t work?

As a last resort, use a drill to carefully bore out the cylinder of the stuck lock so it can be removed and replaced if needed. Call a locksmith to avoid risks of drilling mistakes.

Conclusion

Losing the key for an old metal cabinet can be inconvenient, but with some clever DIY techniques or professional locksmith services, you can gain entry without destroying the cabinet itself. Always search thoroughly for original keys, and attempt safe methods like picking or decoding before drilling. With some effort and patience, you can overcome the hassle of a locked cabinet and restore access when needed.