How to Open a Metal Filing Cabinet Without a Key

Opening a locked metal filing cabinet without the key can seem daunting. But with the right tools and techniques, you can gain access to the contents inside even if you’ve lost or misplaced the keys. This guide will walk you through several methods to open a metal filing cabinet without a key, from picking the lock to drilling out the lock mechanism entirely. Follow these steps to get into your locked filing cabinet quickly and efficiently.

Gather the Proper Tools to Open the Filing Cabinet

Before attempting to open a locked metal filing cabinet, assemble the proper tools. Having the right equipment makes accessing the contents inside much simpler. Here are the most common items you’ll need:

Lock Picks

A set of lock picks allows you to manually manipulate the lock pins and unlock the filing cabinet doors. Standard hook and rake lock picks are ideal for most standard cabinet locks. Ensure you obtain quality lock picks designed for pin tumbler locks.

Tension Wrench

A tension wrench is a vital component for lock picking. It applies pressure to the lock cylinder, allowing you to move the pins with the pick. A standard tension wrench with a twisted end works for most filing cabinet locks.

Hammer

A hammer helps provide brute striking force to break certain lock components when necessary. A standard household claw hammer or small sledgehammer is perfect.

Screwdriver

Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers allow you to remove lock cylinders and door handles if needed. A typical multi-head screwdriver set covers most scenarios.

Drill

A power drill with various drill bits gives you the ability to drill out filing cabinet locks and handles. A cordless drill provides the best flexibility.

WD-40 Lubricant

WD-40 lubricates the lock components making picking easier. It also helps prevent corrosion after drilling out a lock cylinder. Keep a can handy.

Eye Protection

Wear safety glasses when drilling or hammering to prevent metal fragments from damaging your eyes.

With this starter toolkit of items, you have the essentials to open most standard locked metal filing cabinets without the key. Now let’s explore the step-by-step methods to gain entry.

Attempt to Pick the Filing Cabinet Lock

Lock picking should generally be your first method attempted to open a locked filing cabinet without a key. It leaves the lock fully intact and does not damage the cabinet doors if done properly. Follow these steps to pick a standard pinned tumbler cabinet lock:

Step 1 – Insert the Tension Wrench

Insert the narrow end of the tension wrench into the bottom of the lock’s keyhole and apply slight pressure in the direction you would turn the key to unlock the cabinet. This pressure keeps the lock cylinder bound while picking.

Step 2 – Insert the Pick

Insert your lock pick fully into the top of the lock’s keyhole above the tension wrench. Focus on feeling for the lock pins. Apply medium upward pressure.

Step 3 – Locate the Binding Pin

While maintaining torque on your tension wrench, slowly pull the pick out until you feel it stick on a pin. This first binding pin will give the most resistance.

Step 4 – Set the Binding Pin

Use the pick to apply more upwards force on the binding pin until you feel it set. It may click slightly. This unbinds that pin.

Step 5 – Repeat for Remaining Pins

Repeat steps 3-4, locating and setting each binding pin until they are all aligned at the shear line. If done successfully, the lock cylinder will turn freely, unlocking it.

With practice and patience, lock picking provides reliable access to locked filing cabinets without any damage. But not all cabinet locks can be picked. Now let’s look at some other non-destructive methods.

Try to Shim the Filing Cabinet Lock

If lock picking fails or is not an option, you can attempt to shim the filing cabinet lock. This involves inserting a thin tool into the lock in order to manipulate it open. Here are the steps to shim a typical filing cabinet lock:

Step 1 – Obtain a Shim Tool

Find a thin, rigid piece of metal to use as your shim. Gift cards, putty knives, small rulers, and coffee stir sticks can work. You want something approximately 0.5-1mm thick.

Step 2 – Insert the Shim Into the Lock

Carefully insert the shim into the bottom of the keyhole and slide it fully upwards towards the locking mechanism.

Step 3 – Angle the Shim Slightly

Angle the shim slightly and move it around gently. Attempt to catch the edge of a lock pin or spring.

Step 4 – Apply Pressure to the Shim

Once caught, apply firm pressure to the shim in the direction that unlocks the cabinet. This can press apart the pins and allow the lock cylinder to turn.

Step 5 – Attempt to Turn the Lock

Keep pressure on the shim with one hand while attempting to turn the lock with your other hand. The shim may disengage pins allowing the cylinder to rotate freely.

Shimming can be hit or miss depending on the lock design. When successful, it leaves the lock intact for future key use. Now let’s look at some destructive methods to open a filing cabinet as a last resort.

Drill Out the Filing Cabinet Lock

If you’ve lost the key and non-destructive methods don’t work, drilling out the filing cabinet lock cylinder is an option. This obviously damages the lock mechanism, meaning it will need to be replaced. But it does guarantee access inside the cabinet. Here is how to drill out a filing cabinet lock:

Step 1 – Examine the Lock and Select a Drill Bit

Look at the size of your filing cabinet keyhole and lock cylinder. Choose a drill bit slightly larger to drill out the cylinder cleanly. Typically 3/16” or 1/4″ work best.

Step 2 – Lubricate the Lock Cylinder

Spray lubricant such as WD-40 into the lock cylinder. This helps the drill bit cut through the mechanism smoothly.

Step 3 – Drill Through the Center of the Lock Cylinder

Place the drill bit precisely in the center of the lock cylinder keyhole. Drilling off-center can damage the cabinet door. Apply firm pressure drilling straightly into the lock cylinder.

Step 4 – Drill All the Way Through the Cylinder

Keep the drill steady as you bore through the entire cylinder. Apply minimal side pressure. Let the bit cut its way cleanly through.

Step 5 – Remove the Lock Cylinder

Once the cylinder is drilled free, insert a flathead screwdriver into the cylinder and pry it out. Remove any remaining cylinder fragments still in the door.

With the cylinder gone, the cabinet doors will swing freely open, granting full access inside. The lock itself will need replacing. But you can now access the contents immediately.

Additional Tips for Opening a Locked Filing Cabinet

Here are some other helpful pointers when trying to open a filing cabinet without a key:

• Try the keys for other filing cabinets or locks in the building. A common key is sometimes used.
• Shake, bang, or strike the cabinet firmly before attempting to pick or shim it. This can loosen stuck pins.
• Try turning the locking latch hard with pliers or locking vice grips to break it. Some cheaper cabinets have low-grade latches.
• Peel up the cabinet hinges using a putty knife or screwdriver to remove the doors entirely if needed.
• Call a professional locksmith if you are uncomfortable attempting these methods yourself. They have specialized tools for perfect access.
• As a last resort, break into the cabinet using brute prying force and replace the entire unit. Damage the cabinet only if absolutely essential.
• Ensure you are the legal owner of the filing cabinet before attempting any forced entry methods.

With persistence and the proper techniques, you can ultimately access your contents inside a locked metal filing cabinet without having the key. Just take care not to damage belongings inside when drilling or prying the unit open forcefully. Safely storing a spare key for the cabinet can prevent this hassle!

Frequently Asked Questions About Opening Filing Cabinets Without Keys

Opening a locked filing cabinet without a key often raises many questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers:

How do I pick a filing cabinet lock?

Use a tension wrench and pick to manually manipulate the pins inside a standard pin tumbler filing cabinet lock. Apply tension with the wrench and locate and lift binding pins with the pick in sequence to unlock it.

What tools do locksmiths use to open filing cabinets?

Locksmiths typically use professional-grade lock pick sets and shims designed for security filing cabinets. They also have key extraction tools that can pull broken key fragments from the lock.

What can I use if I don’t have lock picks?

You can attempt to shim or force the filing cabinet open using makeshift tools like gift cards, putty knives, tweezers, paperclips, or thin scissor blades if no picks are available. Screwdrivers can also remove lock cylinders.

I lost my filing cabinet key, what can I do?

If you no longer have the key, try picking, shimming or drilling out the lock as detailed in this guide. You can also call a locksmith to obtain a replacement key by decoding your lock’s keyway.

How do I stop someone else from breaking into my filing cabinet?

Use high-security filing cabinets with drill-resistant plating and anti-pick features. Install cabinet locks that require number codes or keycards which cannot be easily picked. Secure your keys safely.

What’s the easiest way to open a locked filing cabinet?

Using a quality lock pick set is generally the quickest and cleanest method for gaining entry to a locked standard filing cabinet without damaging it, if you have some experience lock picking.

Can I get replacement keys for my filing cabinet?

Yes, a locksmith can make replacement keys for most filing cabinet locks by decoding your cabinet’s specific keyway and cutting a new working key. Bring evidence you own the cabinet.

Why won’t my filing cabinet key turn in the lock?

If a working key won’t turn, the lock may be jammed with debris, rust or damage. Try lubricating the keyhole and turning the key firmly. If still stuck, the cylinder may need replacing.

Accessing the contents of a locked metal filing cabinet without a key is possible with determination. Hopefully these tips aid you in getting into your cabinet securely when needed. Always take care not to damage belongings inside the cabinet when forcing it open. And be certain you own the legal rights to the cabinet itself first before attempting entry.

Conclusion

Losing the keys to a metal filing cabinet can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you urgently need access to important documents or valuables stored inside. But with the proper tools and techniques, you can successfully unlock most standard filing cabinets without causing any permanent damage. Lock picking should be your first method attempted since it is clean and effective when done properly. Shimming, drilling, and prying are last resort options since they damage the cabinet to gain entry. With the steps provided in this guide, you now have the knowledge to get back into your locked filing cabinet without the key and retrieve your critical contents securely. Just take care and work cautiously when attempting any forced entry. And be sure to make spare copies of your filing cabinet keys in case you ever misplace the originals again!