A metal filing cabinet is a common office furniture item used to securely store important documents and records. While very secure, sometimes the lock on a metal filing cabinet can become stuck or you may lose the key. Unlocking a jammed filing cabinet lock or getting into a locked cabinet without a key is possible with some clever tricks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to unlock a metal filing cabinet so you can access the contents inside.

Gather Necessary Tools to Unlock a Metal Filing Cabinet

Before getting started, you will need to gather a few tools to unlock a stuck or locked metal filing cabinet:

• Lock picking set – This contains thin pieces of metal that can manipulate the locking mechanism inside a filing cabinet. A basic set works, nothing fancy needed.
• Flashlight – Illuminating the lock will help see the mechanics inside. A slim flashlight can fit in the keyhole.
• Screwdriver – A flathead screwdriver can help pry open the lock or cabinet itself if needed.
• Hammer – Useful for tapping or prying the lock if it is really stuck.
• Lubricant – A lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder can help loosen a rusted or stuck lock.
• Vinegar – The acetic acid in vinegar can help dissolve rust if the lock is corroded.
• Sandpaper – Helpful for rubbing away rust or sticky residue from the lock area.
• Tweezers – Allows you to grip small lock parts and mechanisms.
• Scrap metal – Can be bent into makeshift lock pick tools if needed.

Gathering this assortment of tools will provide various options to address any filing cabinet locking issue. Always start with the least destructive methods first before moving to more forceful techniques.

Try Opening an Unlocked Metal Filing Cabinet

Before doing anything else, simply try opening the filing cabinet, even if you don’t have the key. You never know – the cabinet may not have even been locked in the first place! Cabinet drawers often close and latch without locking.

Gently pull each drawer to see if it slides open. Pull firmly but not so hard as to break the sliding mechanisms. Try sliding the drawers from side to side as well.

If you have multiple cabinet drawers, make sure to check each one. People typically only lock certain sensitive drawers.

Use Lock Picking Tools to Open a Metal Filing Cabinet

If the cabinet is indeed locked, your next step is to use lock picking tools. The basic pin and tumbler lock design on most filing cabinets can be picked with the right skill and tools.

Follow these steps to pick open a filing cabinet lock:

1. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the lock. Apply gentle, constant pressure with the wrench to apply tension to the lock cylinder.
2. Take the pick and insert it into the top of the lock, feeling for the pins. Apply upward pressure on each pin individually until it “sets” by aligning with the shear line.
3. Repeat this process for each pin stack. Apply increasing pressure with the tension wrench as you set pins.
4. Once all pins are aligned at the shear line, the lock cylinder will turn and unlock. Apply more torque and turn the wrench to open.

It takes practice to successfully pick locks. Having patience, proper tools, and detailed knowledge of lock mechanics helps greatly. With regular practice, you can become adept at quickly picking open filing cabinet locks.

Try Bumping the Lock on a Metal Filing Cabinet

Lock bumping is another trick to open a locked filing cabinet without damaging it. This technique uses “bump keys”, which are keys cut to the lowest depth. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the bump key into the filing cabinet lock, but do not turn it.
2. Tap the bottom of the key vigorously with a hammer. The kinetic energy “bumps” the key pins momentarily to the shear line.
3. Turn the bump key immediately and the lock cylinder will rotate, unlocking the cabinet!
4. Repeat bumping if needed until the lock opens.

The tapping creates a vibration that aligns the pins, allowing the key to turn the cylinder. Bumping takes practice but allows entry without lock picking skills.

Try Jiggling the Lock on a Metal Filing Cabinet

You can also attempt to open a stubborn filing cabinet lock by jiggling the key or mechanism. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the key and turn it slightly to put pressure on the locking mechanism.
2. Jiggle the key up and down rapidly while applying torque.
3. Repeat this vigorously for up to a minute to vibrate the internal components.
4. Suddenly turn the key firmly to see if the lock opens while aligned.

The jiggling combined with pressure can cause the pins to misalign and allow the lock to turn. This works best on worn, loosely-fitting locks.

Lubricate a Sticky Lock on a Metal Filing Cabinet

Sometimes filing cabinet locks become stuck because they are full of dirt or rust. A sticky lock cylinder will refuse to turn even with the proper key.

Lubricating the lock can help loosen it up:

• First try blasting WD-40 or similar lightweight lubricant directly into the keyhole and cylinder. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Work the key in and out repeatedly to distribute the lubricant.
• For really stuck locks, use a graphite powder lubricant. The graphite will not gum up over time.
• Spray vinegar into the lock and let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush with the lubricant. This dissolves rust.
• Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub around the lock to clean it.

With enough lubricant and working of the cylinder, even badly rusted locks will start to loosen up.

Pick the Lock on a Metal Filing Cabinet With Scrap Metal

If you do not have actual lock picking tools, you can improvise basic picks from scrap pieces of metal:

• Use a thin, strong metal piece about 1 inch long to create a tension wrench.
• Bend a paper clip straight, then create a small hook on the end to pick the pins.
• A flathead screwdriver tip can be filed down to fit in the lock.
• Use tweezers or pliers to grip and turn the cylinder once picked.
• Bend a small allen wrench to angle up into the lock.

The key is shaping scrap metal to apply torque and lift the pins just like commercial tools. While difficult, it can be done with common items.

Bypass the Lock on a Metal Filing Cabinet

If you cannot pick or unlock the filing cabinet, another option is bypassing the lock completely to access the drawer contents. This will permanently damage the lock but may be necessary if you cannot get it open.

There are a few ways to bypass the lock:

• Drill out the lock – Use a drill with a small metal drill bit to destroy the lock cylinder. Drill into the center of the keyhole to destroy the pins and mechanism so the lock spins freely.
• Snap the lock shackle – Use heavy bolt cutters or a hammer and screwdriver to cut the lock shackle off of a padlocked filing cabinet. This destroys the lock but removes the padlock.
• Remove cabinet hinges – The hinge pins can be knocked out with a hammer and screwdriver allowing the cabinet door to come right off, just like a door hinge.
• Pry open drawer – Use a screwdriver and hammer to bend open the drawer near the lock until the locking latch pops free.

Bypassing an intact filing cabinet lock requires destruction and damage. Only do this when necessary and use safety precautions during the process.

Prevent a Metal Filing Cabinet Lock From Jamming

To avoid needing to unlock a stuck filing cabinet in the future, follow these tips:

• Lubricate the lock cylinder periodically with dry graphite powder or lubricant spray.
• Ensure the cabinet is not exposing the lock to excessive water, dust, or paint which can gum it up.
• Tap the key gently while turning to dislodge any stuck pins before they jam. Listen for the soft “click” of each pin.
• Consider replacing basic key locks with combination or electronic locks which are less prone to jamming.
• Keep spare keys stored securely in multiple locations so they are always accessible if needed.
• Install high-quality locks that resist rust, wear, and contamination.

With preventative care and maintenance, filing cabinet locks can operate smoothly for years without jamming. But if they do get stuck, use these unlocking techniques to get your cabinet open again!

Filing Cabinet Lock Types

There are several different types of lock mechanisms used on metal filing cabinets. Knowing the type of lock installed will help choose the best unlocking method. Here are the most common metal filing cabinet lock types:

Standard Key Locks

The simplest and most common lock type is the basic pin and tumbler cylinder that uses a traditional flat key. These key locks have internal mechanisms consisting of key pins and driver pins that must align at the shear line by raising the pins to certain heights to allow the cylinder plug to rotate and unlock.

Standard key locks can easily become jammed by dirt, rust, or damage. But their simple design also makes them easy to pick, bump, and unlock without the key.

Warded Lever Locks

Older antique filing cabinets often have simple warded lever locks. These consist of a notched “key” that raises internal levers and slides a bolt lock aside to open the cabinet.

Warded locks have minimal security and can be easily opened with any similar shaped key object that aligns with the notches. No actual lock picking is required.

Combination Locks

Combination locks provide keyless convenience and are less susceptible to jamming issues. The 3 digit rotating dials must be lined up to the proper unlocking sequence to release the latch mechanism.

While more tamper-resistant than keyed locks, combination locks can still be decoded and opened without the combination through various manipulation techniques.

Digital / Electronic Locks

For maximum security and convenience, some modern filing cabinets utilize electronic digital locks. These use keypads, fingerprint scanners, RFID cards, or Bluetooth mobile phones to unlock.

Digital locks cannot be physically picked or bumped. However, their electronic nature is vulnerable to hacking, exploited flaws, battery failure, and electrical issues.

Cam / Dial Locks

Some small portable filing cabinets have simple cam locks, which are opened by rotating a small dial to vertical with an internal cam.

Cam and dial locks can be decoded through sequential trying of the dial codes, similar to opening a combination bike lock. No other bypass methods will work.

Understanding the type of lock installed will inform the best method to unlock it if keys are misplaced. Older mechanical locks are most vulnerable to physical manipulation or picking to open without a key.

Non-Destructive Ways to Unlock a Metal Filing Cabinet

Unlocking a metal filing cabinet without permanently damaging it requires more finessed techniques. Forcing the cabinet open will break the lock or cabinet body itself. Here are the best non-destructive unlocking methods:

Pick the Lock

As outlined earlier, lock picking manipulates the pins inside a standard metal cabinet lock to unlock it without the original key. While requiring practice, it allows repeatable non-destructive access as long as the lock itself remains undamaged.

Impression the Lock

Some advanced methods like impressioning can create a working key from scratch to open a lock. Impressioning uses blank key stock pressed into the lock with force to imprint the code cuts. This molded blank is then filed down and cut into a working key.

Bump the Lock

Bumping uses a specially cut bump key that aligns with the lowest pin cuts. Striking the key transmits kinetic energy to separates the pins briefly allowing the lock to turn. Repeated bumps eventually open the lock undamaged.

Try Codes on Combination Locks

Combination cabinet locks have a sequential code that can be decoded through simple trial and error iteration. Safes often have codes that correlate to significant dates for example. Trying all possible combinations will unlock it without damage.

Bypass the Locking Mechanism

Sometimes you can disengage the lock itself while leaving it intact by removing cabinet hinge pins, unscrewing the lock, or disassembling the locking rod linkage components.

Bypassing the lock this way gains access to contents while allowing non-destructive reassembly later.

Duplicate or File Down a Key

If you have a working key that is worn or damaged, it can be duplicated at a hardware store or filed/cut to the proper shape as a last resort. Filing a key blank to match a broken key or making an imprint in clay to duplicate can work.

These methods all require some skill and patience. With practice, various non-destructive tricks can open old metal filing cabinets without harming them or breaking the lock.

Destructive Ways to Force Open a Metal Filing Cabinet

More aggressive methods that damage the filing cabinet can quickly bypass a troublesome locking mechanism. Use these destructive methods only as a last resort:

Drill Out the Lock

A drill with a small metal bit can destroy most standard key and combination locks. Drilling into the shear line hole destroys the locking pins and allows the cylinder to turn freely. This completely ruins the lock but provides fast access.

Hammer the Lock

Repeated hammer strikes with a heavy tool directly on the lock cylinder and mechanism can destroy its functionality and break it open. This crude method can dent or bend the cabinet body itself however.

Cut Off Padlocks

Padlocked filing cabinets can simply have their padlock shackles cut through with bolt cutters or hacksawed off. This naturally destroys the padlock itself, but the cabinet remains unharmed.

Pry Open the Drawer

Forceful prying with a crowbar or screwdriver can pop open the drawer itself enough to break the locking mechanism and latch. However, this will bend or damage the drawer slide rails and body.

Remove Cabinet Door

Filing cabinets are also accessed by separating the cabinet door from the main body which exposes the contents. This requires drilling out the body rivets or hinge pins.

While destructive, these methods provide quick access if the filing cabinet contents are urgently needed. Try other routes first before damaging the cabinet and lock.

How to Prevent a Metal Filing Cabinet From Locking You Out

Getting locked out of a filing cabinet is frustrating. Follow these tips to avoid needing to unlock one:

• Always keep a spare key stored securely, and give a trusted colleague a duplicate key in case yours is misplaced.
• Install higher quality locks that resist jamming and physical attacks.
• Consider a digital keypad or RFID lock that won’t jam and allows programmable access.
• Ensure cabinet drawers close fully by fixing sticky glides. Partial closure can engage the lock.
• Periodically lubricate key cylinder locks with dry graphite powder or similar.
• Avoid exposing your filing cabinets to moisture or contaminants that can gum up locks.
• Replace basic locks every few years with fresh ones to maintain smooth function.
• Choose filing cabinets with locking drawers over an external cabinet lock for each drawer. Losing one key won’t lock out all drawers.

Proper preventative care and access planning for filing cabinet locks avoids problems getting back in. But if you do get locked out inadvertently, use the unlocking tricks outlined to regain access!

FAQs About Unlocking Metal Filing Cabinets

Unlocking a stuck metal filing cabinet without a key can be tricky. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Does WD-40 help open a stuck filing cabinet?

Yes, WD-40 can help loosen up a stiff lock cylinder. Spray it directly into the keyhole and turn the key repeatedly. The lubricant works into the mechanism to help free a mildly stuck lock. Be sure to follow up with a dry lubricant like graphite powder so it doesn’t gum up.

Can you pick a filing cabinet lock with a paperclip?

In some cases, yes. An unfolded paperclip can mimic a lock pick for basic cabinet locks. Bend the end into a shallow hook to lift the pins while apply torque with a flathead screwdriver to the lock cylinder. It takes skill but allows a low-cost pick set.

How do you open a 3-digit combination lock without the code?

Decode a combination lock through sequential guessing of possible codes. Try common codes first – 245, 333, 911, etc. Then iterate number by number doing full rotations between tries to reset it completely. Caution: some combination locks have anti-tamper mechanisms if the wrong combo is entered multiple times.

Can AAA unlock a filing cabinet?

No, AAA cannot dispatch to unlock a filing cabinet specifically. However, they can assist with locked vehicles which may then provide access to keys for the cabinet. Some executive membership plans have office services that can send a general contractor for services like cabinet unlocking.

How can you tell what type of filing cabinet lock you have?

Inspect the keyhole closely with a flashlight. A standard pin tumbler key lock will have a rectangular slot. Tubular locks found in desks have a round hole. Warded locks use old skeleton key shapes with notches. Combination locks have 3 dials. If needed, remove drawer fronts to view the locking bars and mechanisms.

Being locked out of a filing cabinet is frustrating, but using the right unlocking techniques tailored to the cabinet lock type can get them open again quickly. Always take care to not damage the cabinet where possible.

Conclusion

Unlocking a metal filing cabinet without the proper key or combination requires skill, finesse, and the right tools. Always first try the non-destructive methods like picking, bumping, lubricating, or decoding before turning to more forceful and damaging techniques. Cabinet locks are beatable through patience and practice.

Implementing proactive measures like adding higher quality locks, storing spare keys properly, and maintaining the lock mechanisms through lubrication and cleaning will prevent most filing cabinet lockouts entirely. But if you do find yourself locked out, use this guide to get