Unlock a metal cabinet easily with these step-by-step instructions. A locked metal cabinet preventing access to important contents can be frustrating. Whether it’s an old filing cabinet inherited from a previous homeowner or a lockbox that’s slipped your mind, this guide will help you regain entry without damage. Follow our expert advice below to pick, unlatch, or break into your locked metal cabinet.

Gather Your Tools

Before attempting to unlock the metal cabinet, assemble tools that may help bypass the lock. Useful items include:

• Lock picking set – Contains thin pieces of metal that can manipulate the cabinet’s lock tumblers. A basic set with tension wrenches and standard picks can tackle pin and wafer locks.
• Screwdrivers – Sturdy, flat-head screwdrivers can help pry off lock cylinders or handle mechanisms.
• Hammer and punch – A hammer and steel punch can knock locking pins up into the cabinet to disengage the lock.
• Drill – High-powered drill with assorted bits helps drill out the cabinet’s lock mechanism.
• WD-40 lubricant – This penetrating oil can help loosen a stiff, stuck locking mechanism.
• Flashlight – Illuminates the cabinet’s inner mechanisms while picking or drilling the lock.
• Gloves – Protect hands from sharp metal edges when forcefully opening the cabinet.

Assess the Lock Type

Before taking any action, inspect the metal cabinet’s lock type:

• Padlock – Typically opens with a key or combination dial. Can remove the entire lock.
• Cylinder lock – Keyhole bored into the cabinet’s front. May pick or drill this core out.
• Magnetic lock – Electromagnet keeps the cabinet shut until power is removed.
• Sliding latch – Button or switch releases a sliding latch to open the door.

Identifying the lock style will determine the best unlocking method.

Try Non-Destructive Methods First

Attempt cabinet entry using techniques that won’t damage the unit. More aggressive measures that can mar or break the cabinet should only be used as a last resort. Begin with these gentler unlocking methods:

Use the Correct Key

• Locate the proper key that originally came with the metal cabinet. Sometimes prior owners lose or misplace keys.
• If the key isn’t available, take the lock cylinder to a locksmith and have a duplicate key made.

Enter a Known Combination

• If equipped with a combination dial, try birthdays, anniversaries or other memorable number sequences.
• Sometimes combinations are written inside cabinet components or the manufacturer’s manual.

Pick the Lock

• Use a lock picking set to align the pins and unlock basic cylinder locks. Watch tutorials to learn proper picking techniques.
• Specialized tools like automatic pick guns can quickly open wafer tumbler locks.
• Single-pin picking manipulates one pin at a time. Rake picking rapidly rakes all the pins upward.

Release Latching Mechanisms

• Check for a sliding latch, usually unlocked by a button or switch mechanism.
• On magnetic cabinets, disconnect power to release the electromagnetic lock.
• Remove any external padlocks by unlocking the combination or cutting the shackle.

Employ More Forceful Techniques

If gentler methods don’t work, use more assertive measures to force open the stubborn metal cabinet:

Aggressively Pick or Scrub the Lock

• Scrubbing inserts the pick and aggressively jiggles the tumblers into alignment.
• Uses greater tension on the torque wrench while quickly scrubbing the pick back and forth.
• Works well on old, worn locks where pins are loose.

Drill Out the Lock Cylinder

• Center punch helps mark the drill location accurately on the cylinder.
• Use a small drill bit to penetrate the cylinder and then larger bits to destroy the inner mechanisms.
• Cylinder should unscrew and detach completely after drilling.

Remove the Lock Entirely

• Use a hammer and punch to knock the cylinder’s pin upward into the cabinet.
• Tap punch around all sides to disengage the locking pins.
• May totally destroy the cylinder but allows access without other damage.

Pry Open the Door

• Wedge a sturdy screwdriver behind the latch area and pry outward.
• Tap on the screwdriver handle with a hammer to amplify force.
• Adding extra shims helps spread the gap for easier prying access.

Call a Locksmith

• As a last option, call a professional locksmith to safely pick or drill your cabinet lock.
• They have specialized tools and expertise to open stubborn locks without harming the cabinet.
• While costly, it ensures entry without personal liability or injury.

Unlock Specific Cabinet Styles

Use these specialized steps to unlock common metal cabinet types:

File Cabinet

• Use an automatic pick gun to quickly rake the wafer tumblers.
• Drill the lock above the keyhole if picking isn’t successful.
• Remove sliding lock bars inside the drawers that prevent them from opening.

Tool Chest

• Tap the punch around the rim of the cylinder to disengage the locking lug.
• Drill a hole above the cylinder and use a hooked piece of wire to pull up the sliding latch.
• Remove any interior or side-mounted lock bars that prevent drawer access.

Gun Safe

• Manipulate the keypad by trying birthdays, anniversaries or other codes.
• Use a borescope camera to view the wheel pack and decode the combination.
• Drill or cut through the plurality lock area, avoiding thicker hardplate.
• Call a locksmith to manipulate or drill this high-security safe open.

Data Cabinet

• Try combinations on electronic locks like anniversary or birthday dates.
• Disconnect power to release electromagnetic locks on server cabinets.
• Use picks or automatic pick tools specially made for wafer tumbler cam locks.

Lateral File

• Rake pick vertical locking bars inside cabinet sides that prevent drawer opening.
• Remove bolts, covers, and lock cylinders from drawer fronts to bypass locks.
• Bend drawers upward to pop out of the roller carriage for access behind.

Prevent Re-Locking the Cabinet

Once unlocked, take steps to keep the cabinet from immediately re-locking:

• Remove any lock cylinders or mechanisms that could re-engage.
• Disable or disconnect electronic lock controls.
• Secure open any sliding latches or locking bars.
• Keep cabinet doors wedged open until repairs can be made.
• Consider replacing cheap, damaged locks with higher-quality units.

Strive to only unlock the cabinet’s access points rather than destructively force the entire unit open. With patience and the proper tools, gaining entry is possible without prying doors totally off the cabinet body.

Call Professional Help If Needed

Don’t risk damaging the cabinet or personal injury if unfamiliar with proper unlocking techniques. Professionals can skillfully pick or drill open difficult, high-security locks:

• Locksmith – Local locksmiths have the experience to non-destructively pick most cabinet locks. They can also make duplicate keys if needed.
• Safe technician – Safes require specialized skill to manipulate combination locks without damage. Safe techs can safely open them with minimal risk.
• Handyman – Proficient with tools, they can remove lock cylinders or drill out damaged locking mechanisms.

Hiring a trained pro may be the smartest route for delicate or confusing lock situations. For maximum success unlocking a metal cabinet, always first try non-invasive techniques before turning to forceful measures. With preparation and care, gaining entry while avoiding harm is certainly achievable.

How to Pick a Lock on a Metal Cabinet

Learn how to pick basic pin and wafer locks commonly found on many metal cabinets. Lock picking should only be done by the cabinet’s owner or with explicit permission. When performed properly, picking can unlock a metal cabinet without causing any damage.

Pick Cylinder Pin Tumbler Locks

Standard key locks contain a row of stacked pins that must be raised to specific heights. Picking manipulates these pins inside the lock cylinder:

• Insert pick at the bottom of the lock and use light pressure.
• Apply tension with the torque wrench to bind the pins.
• Push up on each pin, setting them to the shear line.
• When all pins are aligned, the cylinder will turn and unlock.
• May require raking the pick rapidly over all pins before fine tuning.

Pick Wafer Tumbler Cam Locks

Wafer locks have a flat semi-circular key that rotates the cam:

• Insert the pick and apply moderate torque in the direction of unlocking.
• Scrub the pick quickly in and out to bump the wafers into place.
• Let the pick rest briefly when resistance decreases indicating wafer alignment.
• Turn torque wrench to rotate the cam and unlock the cabinet.

Where to Pick on a Metal Cabinet

Target these common lock locations when picking a metal cabinet:

• File cabinet – Cylinder lock or cam lock on the drawer.
• Lateral file – Wafer cam locks on the drawer fronts or side bars.
• Lockbox – Cylinder on the lid or face of a small box.
• Tool chest – Cylinder or cam lock on the main lid or drawers.
• Gun safe – Manipulate the combination dial on a gun safe door.
• Server rack – Cam lock on the door of a data cabinet.

Helpful Lock Picking Tips

Follow these tips when attempting to pick open a metal cabinet:

• Go slow and gentle – Heavy force can jam the lock.
• Use proper pick types – Short hook, half diamond or snake rakes often work well.
• Adjust torque – Steady light tension lets the pins move.
• Use quality tools – Cheap picks can break or bend when used.
• Follow laws – Never pick locks you don’t own or have permission for.
• Check for other locks – Opening the main cabinet may not release contents.
• Hire a locksmith – Let professionals with proper tools handle high-security locks.

With specialized picks, practice and patience, many standard cabinet locks can successfully be manipulated open without any damage.

How to Drill a Lock on a Metal Cabinet

Drilling carefully through the lock cylinder is an effective method to bypass a stubborn or jammed cabinet lock. This technique destroys the lock but provides access when other non-destructive methods have failed. Follow these steps to properly drill open a metal cabinet:

Prepare Your Work Area

• Clear a workspace large enough for the cabinet and allow full access to the lock.
• Have a solid backing like a bench or table to brace the cabinet while drilling.
• Protect surfaces from metal shavings with a drop cloth or tarp.

Select the Proper Drill Bit Type

• Use a center or punch bit to make a starter divot on the cylinder.
• Start small with a 3/32″ or 1/8″ bit to penetrate the cylinder face.
• Step up gradually to larger bits that match the cylinder’s inner diameter.
• Finished size about 5/16″ for most cabinet cylinder locks.

Carefully Drill Out the Cylinder

• Clamp the cabinet securely before drilling to prevent movement.
• Drill slowly through the cylinder’s Bible, shear line and back.
• Insert the bit fully into the cylinder and drill straight through.
• Remove shreds of metal frequently as you drill deeper.

Extract and Discard the Cylinder

• Spray penetrating oil around the cylinder rim to help loosen.
• Lightly tap a flathead screwdriver at side of cylinder to pop free.
• Pliers can help twist and pull the cylinder completely out.
• Retaining clip at cylinder’s rear may need pried off with a small screwdriver.

Open the Damaged Cabinet

• Drilling destroys the lock but allows the cabinet to freely open.
• Clean all metal debris out of the cabinet before use.
• Install a new lock cylinder to properly secure the cabinet again.
• Consider getting professional help for difficult lock types like safes.

With care and the proper drill bits, opening a metal cabinet by drilling out its lock cylinder is a destructive yet effective method when less forceful techniques have failed. Always drill carefully and use eye protection.

How to Break Into a Metal Cabinet

As a last resort when locked out and requiring immediate access, forceful measures may be needed to break into a metal cabinet. While destructive, direct prying can bypass the cabinet’s locking points and mechanisms. Use appropriate tools, precautions and protection when attempting to break open a metal cabinet:

Hammer and Punch

• Position punch directly on keyhole or metal surrounding cylinder.
• Firmly hammer punch to drive it into the hole and distort the lock enough to release its hold.
• Strike evenly around cylinder rim to dislodge without bending the frame.

Screwdrivers and Pry Bars

• Wedge rigid, sturdy screwdriver into crack at corner of door.
• Use hammer taps on the screwdriver handle to gradually widen a gap.
• Insert additional shims or pry bars to spread the cabinet framing joints.

Sledgehammer

• Deliver forceful sledgehammer strikes near locking points.
• Repeated blows can crack welds, pop rivets or split seams to allow access.
• Minimize aesthetic damage by striking only functional lock areas.

Cutting Tools

• Angle grinder can slice off locking hasps or hinges.
• Bolt cutters snip padlock shackles or cut through slide latches.
• Oxyacetylene torch cuts steel but risks fire damage.

Hydraulic Spreaders

• Position spreader inside cabinet near locking points.
• Pump handle gradually forces cabinets panels apart at the seams.
• Allows entry with less exterior damage than hammer strikes.

Security and Safety Tips

When forcefully breaking into a metal cabinet:

• Wear eye, hand and body protection – gloves, goggles, sturdy boots.
• Control sparks and spreading fire risk.
• Ensure cabinet is unloaded and contains no hazardous items.
• Avoid injury from hidden sharp edges and pinching.
• Hire a professional if unsure how to safely gain entry.

While an extreme measure, knowing how to break into a metal cabinet can provide access in an emergency lock out situation. Exercise great care and control when attempting any forced entry methods.

Unlocking Damaged or Rusted Metal Cabinets

Corrosion and damage complicate unlocking efforts but with persistence, even degraded metal cabinets can be opened:

Pick Off Rusted Locks

• Soak rusted lock cylinders in penetrating lubricant to loosen seized parts.
• Use an automatic pick tool that works quickly with minimal finesse.
• Rotate pick firmly and constantly change angles to bind pins.
• Pick locks apart piecemeal starting with any non-rusted components.

Drill Carefully Through Rust

• Center punch helps steady the bit in the desired spot.
• Use a small starting bit and work up gradually to larger diameters.
• Reduce drill speed and use lubricant to keep friction and heat lower.
• Frequently remove rust shavings clogging the flutes.

Force Open Damaged Doors

• Spread seams using shims and screwdrivers. Rapped with a hammer if needed.
• Rotate 90 degrees and pull firmly when spreading to prevent metal pinching.
• Cut hinge pins/rivets or handle bolts to remove the door if frame is too damaged to spread.

Replace Destroyed Locks

• Install new lock cylinder that matches the original’s specifications.
• Match mounting holes and cut cylinder to the proper length if needed.
• Improve cabinet security by installing higher quality cylinder or cam locks.

With added patience and care, rusted and damaged metal cabinets can successfully be unlocked or forced open using conventional techniques adapted for the situation.

Unlocking Electronic Locks on Metal Cabinets

Many modern metal cabinets use electronic locks for improved security. While presenting an added challenge, these keypad or biometric locks can still be bypassed.

Attempt Known Combos

• Try birthdays, anniversaries or other memorable number sequences.
• Check paperwork or manuals for factory default passcodes.
• Hack the keypad by watching pressed keys or fingerprint smudges.

Access Control Panel Wiring

• Remove cover panel to expose wires leading to the lock.
• Locate and disconnect the trigger wires for the locking solenoid.
• Touch wire ends together intermittently to cycle the lock open.

Drill Through Electronic Locks

• Determine the thinnest section of a keypad or thumbturn lock.
• Use a center punch and small drill bits to penetrate internal parts.
• Drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging cabinet exterior.

Disable Power Supply

• Unplug or shut off power to electronically controlled locks.
• Prevent relocking by interrupting the power supply.
• Beware of batteries inside locks used as a backup source.

Call a Professional

• Contact the manufacturer for unlock codes on proprietary cabinets.
• Safes and data centers often require professional manipulation.

By understanding electronic lock functions, even complex keypad and biometric locks can succumb to forced or manipulative entry methods. Proceed carefully to avoid permanent damage that necessitates full lock replacement.

Securing and Repairing Damaged Metal Cabinets

Once unlocked, take steps to secure your metal cabinet and fix any damage:

Clear Debris and Test Drawers

• Remove all lock parts, shavings and debris from cabinet interior.
• Test sliding drawers and shelves for smooth operation after forced entry.

Replace Destroyed Locks

• Install new lock cylinders, latch assembly or electronic keypad.
• Improve security by upgrading to high