How To Replace A Lost File Cabinet Key?

File cabinets are small storage cabinets, where you store your important documents.  Have you ever thought what if the key is lost and you need your documents from the cabinet? I know you must have thought about it. Note down the serial number of the cabinet, brand name, style, and model number. Once you have these details, go to a locksmith to get a replacement key for your favorite file cabinet.

How To Replace A Lost Key? Or How to Replace a Filing Cabinet Lock

We hustle as the day starts.But what if you have an important meeting and you need to collect all your documents from your cabinet and you come to know that your cabinet key is missing!

Below we have discussed some steps which can help you to replace a filing cabinet lock:

Step1- try to turn the cabinet upside down, because most of the cabinets are gravity-based so when they are flipped upside down there are chances that the lock may open.

Step 2- you can drill the lock straight into the hole where the key is inserted. Try to be patient and not damage the body of the cabinet

Step 3- In many cabinets, there is a C-shaped clip at the back of the lock. Grab that clip with the help of pliers and try to remove it. Once you successfully remove that clip you will be able to slide open your cabinet

Step 4- since you have opened the cabinet now, you follow the steps to replace the lock. Make sure that the lock is in the unlock position. Remove the old lock. Insert the key in the new lock and insert the same in the cabinet drawer or door. Ensure that the key is inserted properly and is upright.

Step 5- Now, hold the C-clip flush against the inside wall of the cabinet. Using the two prongs insert the same clip into the pre-drilled holes on the lock body which will secure the lock in its place.

Step 6- Ensure that the lock bolt is intact and is inserted properly before closing the cabinet check the lock with the help of the key.

After performing these steps you would successfully be able to replace the lock.

How Do You Remove A Lock From A File Cabinet Without A Key?

There are many ways from which you can remove a lock from a file cabinet without a key. In your surroundings, you have various tools which can help you to unlock the cabinet.

Tools such as a paperclip, screwdriver, nail filer, hammer, thin metal wire, hair clip, etc. can be taken into consideration.

Nail filers are another very suitable piece of equipment to pick up the filing cabinet.

What you need is the rounded part of the nail filer, which you will insert in the keyhole. Try to move it up and down or left and right till you get all the pins on one side.

rotate the filer clockwise or anti-clockwise and try to fit on the filer. As soon as you listen to the clicking sound, this will state that the lock has been unlocked. Now, you can access your documents and stuff.

Hair clips and metal wire are the cheapest tools to pick a file cabinet. Thieves are fond of using this as a key to open doors and closets.

How Do You Pick A File Cabinet Lock With A Paperclip?

Paperclips are the most common and easiest ways to pick a file cabinet lock.

Metal paper clips are termed best to use while unlocking a cabinet. Below is the detailed process of unlocking the cabinet through a paperclip.

Step 1: Deform the paperclip and make it into a straight metal needle. You need to keep one end of the paper clip bend because that part is going to be used while picking.

Step 2: You can use a pair of pliers to help you bend the paperclip. But, often, it is achievable through hands.

Step 3: Next you need to do is insert the bent part of the clip into the keyhole. The pin should be held in a vertical direction between the index finger and thumb. The position of the pin is the main task in this process. If you hold the pin horizontally or in the wrong way you wouldn’t be able to fit the pin in the keyhole.

Step 4: Each cabinet is different so is the lock. For this, you need to make sure in which direction the pin has to be rotated. Some cabinets have an anticlockwise key lock while others have clockwise key locks. As you insert the pin in the keyhole try to figure out the direction you must rotate the pin.

Try to rotate on the left side or the right side. You will feel the correct side once you rotate the clip. After some trial and error, you will find the correct unlocking position. Here the paperclip will get moved to a side which means you accomplished the task.

Step 5: As soon as you hear the clicking sound from the lock, rotate the pin clockwise or counter-clockwise depending upon the model of the cabinet. Unlock the cabinet and remove the pin.

Step 6: Slide open the cabinet and enjoy access to your essentials. Remember to keep the cabinet open till you get your spare keys.

By following these easy steps one by one you can unlock the filing cabinet by yourself.  Beginners will find it difficult to get all the pins on one side at the start.

But as you will try it harder you will be able to unlock the cabinet. Since locksmiths have expertise in this area, it hardly takes thirty minutes to pick a file case.

How Will A Locksmith Help You With File Cabinet Key Replacement?

Locksmiths act as gods when we have no other option to unlock the cabinets. They can help you by making a duplicate key to the filing cabinet then.

Another thing they do is pick the lock and remove it so that you can get your essentials.

They make a duplicate key since it does not disrupt the cabinet in any way and also gives you a key for future use. Usually, locksmiths do ask the customer before taking any action.

Various companies provide services to customers 24 hours a day. Where you can contact them whenever or wherever you need them. Although, there are many cases where the company shows their charges at a low price on the web.

But, after rendering the service they demand extra fees. Remember, to check before you take any service from any company.

Local locksmiths are trustworthy and effective, they will hardly disappoint you. They will charge the actual price of their service.

How Much Does It Cost To Get It Replaced?

The cost of unlocking the cabinet differs from brand to brand. If the cabinets have a password lock or fingerprint sensor you need to pay high charges that are around $300-$1000. 

The reason behind this is it will need more than normal efforts to unlock the cabinet.

But if you have a normal filing cabinet having a key-locking system, then you need to spend some dollars. For instance, if you emergency calls the locksmith or he needs to travel a distance then you need to pay him an extra fee.

If you are requesting him to come on weekends or holidays then also you might need to pay some extra charges.

The point is you are paying for his skills and expertise and also the equipment which is being used in the process.

It takes half an hour for a locksmith to pick a lock or make a duplicate key. This usually can cost you up to $40-$100 if you go by yourself to them.

FAQs

Final Talk

Losing keys is an accident that gives everyone a mini heart attack. But if there is a problem, there is a solution too. We discussed several ways that can help you from losing your essentials. If your keys easily get displaced you should get a key cabinet for your office.

Don’t you think it would be better if we prevent these situations? Yes, right? So you can jot down some of these points which will help you prevent these situations

•   Keep a duplicate key in a safe place, so that it is easy to find;
•   Do not use a hammer or a heavy tool to break the filing cabinet.  It can harm the essentials and also will make it difficult for the locksmith to open it. Do not panic if you are not able to find the keys. Sit down with a relaxing mind, think of a solution, and follow up action;
•   Keep lock removal with you so that in case of an emergency you don’t need to wait for a locksmith.

You should try to open your file cabinets when you have some free time. It is interesting and will also help you in the future, in case you lose your keys. After replacing make sure you get a good magnetic lock for your file cabinets.